Search - Red Peters, Big Boy Bloater :: Deacon Moves in

Real R&B, played like it used to be played.

04/02/2001

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is special for two reasons. One the music is excellently played. The musicians play with a true feel of vintage 50's R&B. Something alot of bands strive for, but don't quite manage. The second is that this recording is a rare one off. Big Boy Bloater and Miss Red Peters head two of the premier R&B bands playing today. Their bands are all good friends, having played on the same stages around the World. The idea arose when Red and her band, The Solid Senders, were about to tour Europe. At the last minute the regular guitar player dropped out, Big Boy Bloater stepped in to save the day and joined the band as guitarist for the tour. On the tour Red and Bloater duetted, doing a cover of the Little Esther number, 'The Deacon Moves In'. It went down so well that it was decided to record it. A band was put together, made up from members of their own bands and the recording took place over two days in a small recording studio. The band reads like a who's who of the best R&B players in the rocking scene. Truly some of todays finest jump blues musicians. On the record we are treated to covers of Little Esther's 'The Deacon Moves In', and 'Turn The Lamps Down Low', both sounding as good as the originals. The rest of the numbers are written by Big Boy Bloater and Paul Culshaw from the Solid Senders. 'I Ain't Coming Back' is a gem. Heavy riffing from the horn section, Ike Turner style guitar solo from Bloater and the rhythm section of 'Bomber' Wade on drums and Cletus McPhee really moves along beautifully. 'The Giggler' is a medium paced instrumental which has an excellent jiving feel. There's some mean baritone sax solos from the great Al Bland, of Solid Senders fame, with Lil' Lisa Jane riffing on tenor behind. You've got to hear this number to listen to the mad, demented laughter produced by Solid Sender trumpeter, Paul Culshaw. It gives the song it's title, but to make a laugh like that the man must be warped. This is a great recording by two of the finest R&B bands getting together for a real one off treat. You just know these guys live the life and R&B is their food and drink. An excellent and rare recording that everyone who loves this music should have. Fantastic."