Search - Little Charlie & The Nightcats :: Big Break

Little Charlie Breaks Out

stan25 | Riverton Wyoming | 07/11/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have found that this album has all of the styles of blues that a true blues lover could ever get. From the opening drum riff on "The Big Break" to the closing note on the song "Me and Miss Ann," the boys give it their all. I especially dig the rhythm of "Kansas City Woman". The superb lead guitar work in this song would make Eric Clapton sit up and take notice. I definitely recommend this album to all blues fans."

Little Charlie & The Nightcats Makes The Blues Fun

Tim Holek | 03/11/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"LITTLE CHARLIE & THE NIGHTCATS

The Big Break

Alligator ALCD 4776



The blues, like all musical genres, has many styles. Although they tend to lean toward a West Coast sound, on "The Big Break" Little Charlie & The Nightcats provides an education in most blues techniques. You'll hear everything from a straight forward shuffle "Dump That Chump" to rockabilly "Hurry Up And Wait" to swing "Jump Start". Rick Estrin's nimble as a cat vocals and classic harp, combined with Charlie Baty's fat-toned guitar, have been the core of the band's bouncy sound since they formed in Sacramento, California over 30 years ago. This CD features the memorable rhythm section of Jay Peterson (bass) and Dobie Strange (drums), who only appeared on the band's first few albums.



This is one of those rare discs where each tune is snappy. All 12 tracks (seven were written by Estrin) come with enough grease to lubricate a rusty hinge. The influence of Charlie Christian comes out during Baty's guitar solo on the title track. Suave Little Charlie doesn't need several minutes to captivate his listeners. On "I Beg Your Pardon", he allures while exercising a 90 second guitar solo. With an underlining message to be careful when living the blues life, "Don't Do It" is one of the funniest tunes ever. At the same time, it is one the best rockin' boogies of the twentieth Century. The song features the brilliant Jim Pugh, who busts loose on piano. How can you resist breaking into a hearty belly laugh upon hearing lyrics such as ("if a rabbit won't eat it / you don't need it")? Pugh's high class piano returns on "Some Nerve" where Baty adds edgy guitar. With a harp that crackles like a 45 RPM Chess Record, "Lottery" is old time Chicago blues. "Side Stuff" should have been a hit when this album was released in 1989. In fact, given FM airplay, it could be a hit now.



Witty lyrics are made funnier with Estrin's comic styled vocals, which are expressive and loaded with emotion. He knows how to use his voice as a musical instrument. Forget about long, boring guitar solos and lyrics that tell tales of woe, Little Charlie & The Nightcats has the innate ability to make the blues fun. Humor may be a well-known characteristic of the band, but their superior musicianship is of the highest standard and quality.



--- Tim Holek



"

Blues with a Funny twist

Wendy L. Schreiber | Carson City, NV | 09/29/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This album is very very fun. It's jump blues because it makes you want to jump out of your chair and dance til you faint from exhaustion, but it also has entertaining lyrics that make you laugh yourself silly. One of my favorite songs on this is "Dump that Chump" because it's darn funny "Dump that Chump and come on home with me...." "Me and Miss Anne" is a generic blues song -- but sweet. Other songs, like the title song remain amusing and bluesy in a way that only Rick Estrin can do it -- somewhere between Snake Oil Salesman trying to get himself some and amazing blues artist that he is. Between his work on the harp and Little Charlie wailing on the guitar, this album rocks from start to finish."