Every time I've heard a recording of Rod Piazza and his Mighty Flyers, I've been a little disappointed. But on second listen, they always seem better. I'm now listening to the new Tone-Cool release, Here and Now, for the third time and I'm really diggin' it. I figure my problem is I've seen this great band live, and as any great Blues fan knows, great Blues artists are best live. And as I finish my third listen, I'm hearing more and more I like. You will too.
Little Walter be smilin' down. And Otis Span too!
Brought Together By The Blues, that's why we're all here, and the first cut swings easy. Rod Piazza's harmonica is tuned into a great fat raw sound, not raspy raw. The band really is a double threat. Along with Rod's harp, his wife Honey Piazza's piano playing is exquisite. With the heart of the great Blues-piano masters, she kicks off First Love with some groovy boogie-woogie-age. She owns this cut. Somebody's Fool is their love lesson. Rick "L.A. Holmstrom guitar solo sounds the most heartbroken. Honey is relentless. Pain relief is on it's way with Love Doctor. That's if swing's your thing. It's a lazy groove but the vocals get a little too lazy here.Vocals don't get much better on Goodbye My Lover. The doo-wop groove is happening and so is the harp solo. This band has never needed the killer vocalist. They let their instruments sing for them. Spit Shine features more of the rhythm section of Bill Stuve on acoustic bass, Steve Mugalian on drums and guitarist Holstrom. Every Shut Eye Ain't Sleep gets the swing back, but not quite the voice. But after I hear that harp, all's well. The next cut is why I came to the circus. Great instrumentals. Great musicianship. Great dynamics. They get a little out in left field, hence the title Strat-O-Spheric. Everyone gets their licks in on this one and you can hear them stretch. Listen to this great band breathe.
Don't Make Your Daddy Dizzy gets to rockin'. This cut's got to be a crowd pleaser at a live show. Play the Blues Rod! I Do Believe is the Blues and nothin' but.. Little Walter be smilin' down. And Otis Span too! This first couple of the Blues are for real. Greasy Foot takes us home with what this band does best. Swinging West Coast-meet-Chicago Blues.
Thinka-bat-it.....dude!
Rod Piazza and his band tour the country constantly. Do yourself a big Blues favor and go see these great players. Look for them at a festival or club near you soon.
