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Read CD Reviews Rockit 88 Band - Too Much Fun - 2003 - 7 Arts Entertainment - 7ARTS-1002 | Rockit 88 Band - Too Much Fun - 2003 - 7 Arts Entertainment - 7ARTS-1002 |
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| Written by John Taylor | |
 There aren¹t many musicians around
with resumes as impressive as Bill King¹s. The Rockit 88 Band is just one of this Toronto-based musician¹s current pursuits, representing a "dream team" of sorts as it¹s a stripped-down rhythm section from one of his larger aggregations. King takes care of keys and vocals, supported by guitarist extraordinaire Neil Chapman, bassist Artie Roth, with Kevin McKenzie on drums. The play list is strictly standard blues covers; in lesser hands that would probably spell boredom, but these gentlemen give 'em a fierce rock kick that never ventures into the excess and indulgence one almost expects from most bluz-rockers. In short, it's music with both energy to spare and some serious musical thought behind it. The success of the project has much to do with the prominence of King's piano it's not a typical approach to the material and it casts these sturdy chestnuts, songs like Key To The Highway and Rock Me Baby, Dust My Broom and Drifting Blues, in an entirely new light. It's not retro, nor is it about nostalgia; rather, consider this a re-appreciation of timeless works in an innovative yet respectful manner. Not too surprising for a veteran sideman (he¹s acted as musical director for both Janis Joplin and Ronnie Hawkins and has backed artists as diverse as Linda Ronstadt and the Pointer Sisters), King sounds like someone who's come to singing relatively late in life. He¹s quite good better than expected, really but simply doesn't sound as comfortable carrying all the vocals as someone who¹s always been front and centre. Not for the purists, perhaps, but this is a fine recording ideally suited to those who¹ve heard it all and are seeking a fresh take that doesn't diminish the essential dignity of timeless material. Recommended! Copyright 2003. Review by John Taylor. |
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