Album Notes

Most of The Sky Blues' career has been supported by rowdy bar crowds. After multitudinous requests for a recording of their classic cover renditions as well as originals, we finally have here a self recorded, direct-off-the-stage capture of a typical high energy, raw, intense, emotionally charged, get-yer-ya-yas-out, Sky Blues rock 'n' blues show. For old and new fans alike, enjoy it....while you can.

THE SKY BLUES (Early BIRD MANCINI) have released to critical acclaim their second compact disc, "THE SKY BLUES of Boston LIVE" on Second Story Records. Their debut CD, "Pie in the Sky" helped bring them to the forefront of the regional blues scene, and also facilitated their invitation to perform at the 1997 North by Northeast Music Festival and Conference in Toronto. The Sky Blues have made numerous appearances on TV and radio, and have continuously performed live shows in Boston and throughout greater New England. Also, the band was chosen as a national semi-finalist in Musician Magazine's 1996 Best Unsigned Band Contest.

THE SKY BLUES is the culmination of years of collaborative professional musicianship and songwriting by Ruby and Bill Mason (AKA Ruby Bird and Billy Carl Mancini). Their extensive touring career in the Northeast has included opening engagements for nationally acclaimed artists such as David Crosby of Crosby, Stills and Nash, The Gregg Allman Band, Beatlemania, The Pousette-Dart Band, Jonathan Edwards, James Montgomery, and The Mighty Sam McClain.

THE SKY BLUES perform their own original blend of rhythm, blues, and rock, as well as plenty of classic and crowd pleasing blues and blues/rock covers. First rate vocals--often with three part harmonies--are featured with Bill on guitars and Ruby on harmonica and keyboards, with backup support from an excellent rhythm section, bassist John Bridge and drummer Philip Harris. They have been seen and heard in New England's best clubs including The Rynborn, Harper's Ferry, House of Blues, Hard Rock Café, The Yard Rock, and on countless college and university campuses. They have played on the Bestcruise and the Bluescruise in Boston Harbor. Their songs have been featured on major radio stations WBOS, WBCN, WFNX, WAAF, WXRV, WGIR and college radio stations throughout New England. Their versions of several classics have been featured on WZLX. Live radio performances include WERS, WBRS, WJUL, WMFO, and WKNH. Television appearances include WABU Channel 68's "ECU with Gail Harris", Continental Cable's "R&R TV" and "The Exploding Envelope", Cambridge Cable's "2000+", WCCA's "Naturally Wired", and Boston Cablevision's "Party in the Park" summer concert series.

Prolific songwriters, THE SKY BLUES received a nomination by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) for the Boston Music Awards. Their song "I Wanna Be Ready" was recently featured on Mona Lisa Records "Blues Deluxe" CD Compilation, and their song "You Know Me Too Well" was included on Empire Records International (ERI) CD "Remnants of a Higher Culture" featuring talent chosen from all over the country. In addition, Billboard Magazine honored their song "Homesick" with an Honorable Mention in their Third Annual Song Contest.