The stylish retro sensibilities of Little Charlie & the Nightcats set the band apart from the rest of the contemporary blues scene. This Sacramento sensation, one of the most entertaining live acts in modern blues, fus... more »es the jazzy swing of jump blues with the hard-driving propulsion of the classic Chicago sound. It's a volatile mixture held together only by the powerful personalities, and even more potent playing, of harpist-singer Rick Estrin and guitarist Charlie Baty. The dynamic duo struts its stuff on That's Big, as Baty's fluid guitar excursions power a wide-ranging selection of original songs by Estrin, all reinforced with strong harmonica work by the singer. There's less of the band's trademark humor this time, as it seems more interested in hot licks than easy laughs. The instrumentals "Bayview Jump" and "Bluto's Back," the latter with guest guitarist Rusty Zinn providing extra firepower, showcase Baty's fretboard fluency to full effect. Estrin handles everything from the slow-moving, sax-reinforced "I'll Bet I Never Cross Your Mind" to the jaunty swing of "Money Must Think I'm Dead #2" with customary ease. The Nightcats' new rhythm section copes well with the demands of bouncing between times and styles. Drummer Joey Ventittelli is flexible but forceful, whichever direction the music moves, and he even contributes an original song, the album opener, "Real Love." Bassist Frankie Randall is featured in a duet with Ezrin on the standard "Steady Rollin' Man," but his acoustic walking bass lines on the hard-swinging "Bayview Jump" may be his best moments. A cameo appearance by James Harman on the title tune, a blues appreciation of full-figured females, rounds out the album. --Michael Point« less
The stylish retro sensibilities of Little Charlie & the Nightcats set the band apart from the rest of the contemporary blues scene. This Sacramento sensation, one of the most entertaining live acts in modern blues, fuses the jazzy swing of jump blues with the hard-driving propulsion of the classic Chicago sound. It's a volatile mixture held together only by the powerful personalities, and even more potent playing, of harpist-singer Rick Estrin and guitarist Charlie Baty. The dynamic duo struts its stuff on That's Big, as Baty's fluid guitar excursions power a wide-ranging selection of original songs by Estrin, all reinforced with strong harmonica work by the singer. There's less of the band's trademark humor this time, as it seems more interested in hot licks than easy laughs. The instrumentals "Bayview Jump" and "Bluto's Back," the latter with guest guitarist Rusty Zinn providing extra firepower, showcase Baty's fretboard fluency to full effect. Estrin handles everything from the slow-moving, sax-reinforced "I'll Bet I Never Cross Your Mind" to the jaunty swing of "Money Must Think I'm Dead #2" with customary ease. The Nightcats' new rhythm section copes well with the demands of bouncing between times and styles. Drummer Joey Ventittelli is flexible but forceful, whichever direction the music moves, and he even contributes an original song, the album opener, "Real Love." Bassist Frankie Randall is featured in a duet with Ezrin on the standard "Steady Rollin' Man," but his acoustic walking bass lines on the hard-swinging "Bayview Jump" may be his best moments. A cameo appearance by James Harman on the title tune, a blues appreciation of full-figured females, rounds out the album. --Michael Point
deepbluereview | SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA USA | 03/30/2002
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Little Charlie and the Nightcats continue to showcase their brand of California Jump blues with their new release "That's Big". The Nightcats style has always involved a unique combination of swing, jazz, R&B and Chicago blues all combined with often comical real life lyrics. On "Desperate Man" for example, vocalist/harpist Rick Estrin laments over being in love with a woman he just can't stand. While the title track "That's Big" places the big woman, as the object of his desire. There are a couple of guest appearances on the CD that are noteworthy. Rusty Zinn plays guitar on the instrumental "Bluto's Back" and guitar and vocals on the slow paced R&B number, "It Better Get Better". While Icepick James Harman joins the fun singing backup vocals on "That's Big". This disc has it all, guitars, harp, organ, sax, piano and plenty of wit and fun. Another winner for Chalie Baty and Rick Estrin."
Swinging guitar & big-toned harp
Bergman Jonas | Sweden | 03/27/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Little Charlie Baty and Rick Estrin have returned with a new backing band and a swinging set of (mostly) originals!
It has been quite sometime since the last CD (Shadow of the blues) but the wait has been worth it. What sets this disc apart from earlier releases is the big "real" sound, a wonderful production. Rick's harmonica has never been heard as full and dynamic as here and his Chromatic workouts are simply awesome!
There is very little to critisize here - strong material and playing, top-notch production and guest star Rusty Zinn. The styles of the songs range from swing to gutsy Chicago. A horn section fills out some of the songs but it is in the quartet-mode most of them are heard. Rich Estrin is definitely one of the greatest now living harp players around and on this CD he smokes! Charlie is scary as hell and the backup is tight. So, for some real West coast party music - open up the volume on the stereo and let the Nightcats to their job."
That's big
F. M. Henry | Portland, Or | 12/27/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you've never had the joy of seeing little charlie and the nightcats live this cd should drive out im the world looking for them. They are as cool and slick as the clothes they wear on stage. Fast or slow, gritty or groovy, low down or looking for love, Rick Estrin's witty lyrics and seamless delivery bring forth their love of a gene in it's many forms...Little Charlie can get more notes than any two so called rock guitar gods out of the same set of frets and six strings. Chicago jump blues at it's best with some west coast swing thrown in for spice...They just improve with age...Now get out there kids and enjoy some blues"
GREAT
NES | York, PA United States | 05/03/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great Little Charlie & the Nightcats. Every song is good"
West Coast Jump Blues at its best!
NES | 09/26/2002
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are a blues fan and have yet to experience the West Coast Blues scene or Little Charlie and the Nightcats in particular, BUY this CD! 'Little' Charlie and Rusty Zinn offer up some smokin' solos on "Bluto's Back" that boggle the mind. Once you hear this offering, you'll be back to the store buying all the rest. Great party music! Also recommend Rod Piazza, Rusty Zinn, Kid Ramos."