With all the Stevie Ray and Hendrix clones running about these days, it is nice every now and then to hear a really good electric blues CD. Such is the case of "One Night Stand", the latest release from the Amityville, NY based band Joe Vicino and the Smokedaddys. Vicino, who has fronted the band since its inception in 1997, is an excellent guitarist and passionate singer, capably backed by the talented Smokedaddys, Pete Kiernan on bass, Tony Campo on keyboards, and Chris Anstiss on drums. Frankly, Joe Vicino reminds me a lot of what is right about this genre of music, as he and his band approach this CD, recorded live at The Yankee Peddler in Merrick, NY, straight on. As Vicino states in the liner notes, "there are no punches or fixes" in this set, but it is a completely honest representation of their work. Joe thanks wife, boys, and family in the liner notes and the CD is dedicated to the memory of his Father. This is genuine music played with honesty and integrity by a very real person, and apparently a pretty good guy to boot. The material is all well chosen covers, which may cause some critics to declare it less than groundbreaking. However, the final measure of a recording is found in its ability to entertain, and this is a most entertaining work, indeed. As mentioned before, this is predominantly an electric blues recording, primarily Texas style, but with some Chicago and blues/rock as well. Vicino is a bit of a blend of Freddie King and Otis Rush, which is a pretty good formula for an excellent electric blues guitarist. Highlights on the set include a very emotionally charged slow blues offering "It's My Own Fault", the opening medley "Hideaway/Waling By Myself", a moving rendition of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out", and a hot cover of Robin Trower's "Too Rolling Stoned". This is a very fine recording, and one that fans of electric blues music are going to want to own. The CD is available from the good folks at www.cdbaby.com. Also, be sure to visit Joe and the guys at their official web site at www.smokedaddys.com ..

I've listened to a lot of Blues bands on CD-Baby..And Joe Vicino & the Smokedaddys are a HOT BLUES BAND. Excellent Musicians,Tite bass lines,Dynamic drum work,good key bored,very exspresive Guitar playing.. And the soulful voice of Joe Vicino..I give this CD a 4-1/2 Stars,out of 5..(One night stand) is a great CD to any Blues collection...I hope thay tour!!! I would like to see them LIVE in Las Vegas.NV...Buy this CD you'll love it.....

One Night Stand-Joe Vicino and the Smokedaddys Hippotone Records 2002 The Smokedaddys are warhorses prancing across LI’s blues scene. They snort fire, pound it down hard and go full bore across the landscape. Talent and chops abound in a group of guys who’ve been there, done that and know how to play it their way. They generate blues the old fashioned way, through driving guitar, impassioned vocals, gut rumbling bass, boogieing keys and iron rhythm. Joe drags the emotion from every note he sings and his axework goes from searing and scorching to searching and seeking. He switches gears from introspective to shout from the rooftop in split seconds. The self written material is world class from “We Once Knew” to “It’s My Own Fault.” Covers of Elmore James’ “It Hurts Me Too” is done with an intensity that would make the old man smile and Robin Trower’s “Too Rolling Stoned” shimmers with psychedelic blues licks and wicked rhythm. Through it all, Pete K’s bass is a pillar around which Chris Anstiss’ drumming is the concrete. Tony Campo is as much a soloist as a supporting actor and he can make his ivories wail like they were still connected to a bull elephant. Recorded live at The Yankee Peddler, the boys show what LI blues is all about through untold hundreds of one night stands, without a doubt.