Customer Reviews

There Goes the Neighborhood

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4 star:		(1)
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Roomful's "There Goes The Neighborhood" takes the boys from Providence in a whole new direction. If you're expecting the same sound as "Dance All Night" and "Under One Roof", you might be a bit disappointed as I was originally. After listening to Mac Odom's soulful stylings a second time, I was hooked. Seemlessly switching from songs as diverse as Doyle Bramhall and Duke Ellington, Mac just might be the best of all of the Roomful frontmen. With a voice that sounds like the second coming of Percy Mayfield, the boys open with Mac's own "Backseat Blues". Followed up with the title cut and Chris Vachon's "Just Like Dynamite". After hearing Percy Mayfield's "Lost Mind", I'm sure he's looking down and smiling. Don't forget, the band lost almost half of it's ranks at Christmas, but the additions have proven to be more than worthy. John Wolf and Kevin May keep the horn section as strong as ever, Marty Ballou brings a strong bass in and why oh why Albert Weisman and his B-3 haven't been with the band before is beyond me. If evolution is the survival of the fittest then Roomful has evolved (again) into the strength of the nation's R&B bands.

"Roomful is" at it again, finally! Their long time motto is "Aim the Beat at Their Feet." This is a band that blends traditional "Big band jazz" with the Blues. The band has changed (evolved) direction with this new release featuring the Blues more than the big band sound. Chris Vachon's smokin' guitar, Mac Odom's soulful voice and holy moley, a "Horn section to die for." When do you get to hear a "trombone or a bari sax" take the lead. Only when Roomful lets it loose. They are the best kept secret in the business, 28 years in the business. It is a crime that they aren't on Letterman or Leno to showcase the Power that a band like this offers. They can come to my "Neighborhood" any time. Don't plan to sit when this CD starts! Their earlier albums are superb: Live at Lupo's will knock you out!

I have long been a fan of Roomful of Blues and have some of their other cds. I will admit that when Sugar Ray left , I did not think I would still like them with a new singer. Was I wrong! I like them even better now. The main reason I like it so much is the amazing voice of Mac Odom. Where has he been hiding I want to know! I predict he will be a big name some day. He wrote Back Street Blues and it is a good tune. I like every song on the cd. I bought it and have listened to it so many times I'll probably wear it out. The band is great too of course. Tight horn section, good guitar....and that VOICE.He has such a vocal range--fromm deep and smooth and sexy to high notes. Makes for one rockin' cd and I love the slow tunes too. But you cannot listen to this cd and not feel like dancing!I recently saw the band in concert and they played a lot of these new songs. Catch them Live if you can. And buy this cd!!!

If these guys swing into your town, grab your girl and take her out dancing and make some big points. You will become a follower in their music. They do it right!!!!!