ROOMFUL OF BLUES

HOOK, LINE & SINKER

2011-01-25

Most bands that have been together for almost 44 years begin to rest on their laurels and loose the creativity that once made them great. It is just the opposite for New England's Roomful Of Blues as this new CD is like opening a swinging party where veteran member and guitarist Chris Vachon lays down some stinging guitar rifts and their horn section led by saxophonist Rich Latalle has never been hotter. The other difference is once again the band has a new lead vocalist Phil Pemberton who's vocals at first listened reminded me of what Etta James would sound like if she came back as a man. It will also be easy to make comparisons to Big Joe Turner the boss man of the blues. His fun and energetic and multi octave vocal ranges suit the swinging styles of this veteran outfit perfect. The 12 tracks on this disc could have been swinging blues hits of the 1950's but still sound fresh in 2011 and this CD caught me Hook, Line and Sinker from it's opening note and still had me on the line at the end. Reviewed By: Gregg Saur

Quick Links:

• Roomful of Blues Homepage
• All Music Guide