Customer Reviews

Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings

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4 star:		(1)
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Keep on keepin'on. This CD is the real deal from start to finish.They are even better in person. I last saw them live in 97'at a gig for the local Blues Society of San Luis Obispo,Ca.They blew the roof clean off that night.The original...I mean the original Joliet Jake Blues aka.T-Bird Huck(Creeping under my Skin) was doing the vocals and guitar work that night.That would have been a great CD, as this one is. I only hope thier next release is very soon.

For years the R&B Kings have been produced & assisted on recordings by tenor sax/vocalist/songwriter Gene "Daddy G" Barge. He is one of the all-time greats, (the famed "Daddy G" was referred to on/wrote the music for/ and soloed on US Bond's "Quarter to Three", was mentioned on Steely Dan's "My Old School", and was the sax man on 100s of other great R&B tunes). Gene is now playing & singing on all of the band's live dates. You've got to hear them!

Finally, another great CD from the biggest sounding band in Chicago. Terry Ogolini and Don Tenuto are a big sound by themselves but add the smooth sax of Daddy Gene Barge and they will blow your hair back. Deep resonant vocals from Ernie Peniston, searing rips from lead guitarist Dave Mick, and the drums of Willie Hayes and bass line from Bob Halaj all make for a tight clean Chicago sound. If you think these guys sound good here you should hear them live. These boys take the blues seriously.

If you're looking for a hard hitting, horn driven Chicago blues style, look no further! These guys have been playing together for over twenty years (formerly known as the Mellow Fellows), and are some of the tightest and most talented fellows I've heard in a while! Don Tenuto and Terry Ogolini make up the horns of this crew, backed by Dave Mick and Bob Halaj on guitar and bass, held together by drummer Willie Hayes (one of the Mellow Fellows) on several of the cuts. Big Ernie Pettison is the group's new singer, and his larger than life voice fits quite comfortably with the big horn sounds. Guests on this disc include producer Gene "Daddy G" Barge, who also wrote five of the eleven cuts, giving his great voice and sax skills, Wayne Stewart on drums, Michael Logan, Sidney James Wingfield and Matt Rose trading off on keys throughout. Some of my favorite cuts include "Creepin' Under My Skin," "Love is a Five Letter Word," `Things That Make Me Mad," and the instrumental "Wallflower Boogie."

This CD is a collection of "fun blues," which will have you bopping around the house. Love it.

Where has this band been all my life? I think the city of Chicago is very selfish. It's been hiding secrets such as the Chicago R&B Kings to itself. Come'on now. It's time to share'em with the rest of the country. PS - Any other recordings? If so, somebody please sell'em to me!