The Quakes OWDY FELLOWS. Sorry, this issue took us longer than expected, but look, it was worth the wait. More than forty pages of rock’n’roll, psychobilly, hillbilly, honky tonk, rockabilly and blues (and more...). First we’ve talked with Paul Roman, singer and guitar player for The Quakes. This interview was scheduled for a stick to your guns previousH issue and had to be delayed. On December 2nd, The uakesQ issued their newest output so we thought it was the right time for the interview. Earlier this year I discovered a very talented by fred Turgis singer and songwriter on a compilation album : Marcel Riesco founder of Truly Lover Trio. Once

I heard the full album I knew I wanted him for Jumpin’. So here’s the interview with this young he Quakes are one of the first (if not and gifted guy. Cari Lee recently proved she was at ease with both hillbilly and rhythm’n’blues. the first) american psychobilly band. Like their compatriot the Stray Cats She tells us everything about this two kinds of music and her bands The Contenders and The Tthey crossed the sea to find fame in Saddle-Ites. Peter Sandmark aka Slim Sandy played many styles with many bands. The release of Europe where by the time the psychobilly scene was growing bigger and bigger. Roy his solo album “This Is Slim Sandy” gave us the occasion to make him talk about Ray Condo, The williams and nervous record quickly signed Crazy Rhythm Daddies and how to play drums, guitar and harmonica in the same time. What them and released their first album, which soon became a raw psychobilly classic. their would be Jumpin’ from 6 to 6 without a touch of wild rockabilly? Read the interview Rip Carson second record “voice of america” was more gave to Long Tall Dave and learn more about this bigger than life personnality. Last but not least, neo-rockabilly, and stands for me as their best. They then find a big audience in Japan Johnny Dilks. This real honky tonk man answered our questions about his youth and his forth- with sold out shows and albums like quiff coming album soon to be released. And if you don’t know what to buy for Christmas, read our rock and new generation where they mixed the usual rockabilly and psychobilly stuff to reviews, it’ll help you to choose the right record for the right person. Billy Idol and Adam & the ants influences. By Mery Christmas the time you’ll read those lines their newest release “psyops” will be out and available on Fred «Virgil» Turgis their website www.thequakes.com

How did you become interested in music ? Jumpin’ from 6 to 6 is A big «thank you» to Dave Stuckey ! Contact I was always interested in music as a kid. Editor : Fred «Virgil» Turgis And a big howdy to Fred Hamet for Don’t hesitate to send us some mail When I was 9 or 10 I started buying re- Collaborator : David «Always late» Phisel hosting me on his website and his new [email protected] cords.I was a big fan of The Beatles- The Layout : Fred Turgis for Shooting Star born son Mathieu. or by snail mail at Rolling Stones- The Kinks- Monkees. I had Design. Fred Turgis - 15 bis rue des Teinturiers older brothers and sisters who left those re- About the pictures 14000 Caen - France cords behind when they moved out. A million Thanks to Well, I must admit I borrowed some and of course you can write a message Rebecca Caraveo for taking time to read pics here and there on the web. Anyway on the forum and correct our English. all pictures are © their authors. If you’re http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/ Thanks to the owner of the rights of one of these jumpinfrom6to6/ Marcel Riesco, Paul Roman, Cari Lee, pictures and you have a problem with it we’d be more than happy to hear from Rip Carson, Johnny Dilks, Mel, Lil’ Bit, contact me. you. an interview with Paul Roman Roy Kay In what kind of musical background did that there was this big scene over there, we Even if each album has its own sound, the you grow ? Well the sad reality wanted to be a part of it. We had sent a cou- change between the first one and Voice of My parents always had music on in the ple of demo tapes to Nervous and Roy said America was radical. How do you explain house. My dad was from Poland and he is...if I COULD have we were too slow, so naturally we thought this evolution? liked polka music and my mom would the secret to success is just play fast so that’s Well first and foremost we didn’t have Dave listen to big band stuff. My oldest sounded like Brian what we did.We knew that the Stray cats had Hoy anymore, he was killed in an auto acci- brother had a band and I used to watch them sold all their stuff and moved to London so dent in Buffalo. Any time you get a new guy practice in the garage. Setzer, I probably we were kinda going the same thing. I was in the band, the sound is going to change. 20 Rob was 18 and Dave was 16. We also could play our instruments a lot When did you start playing guitar ? would have. better at that point. After that first record When I was 15 or 16, Dave “the ace” Hoy How was the American scene at that time ? there was no place else to go- I mean..what got an acoustic guitar for Christmas and we When you start playing with the Quakes, Ha ha there was no scene at all, people lau- would we do ? Try to make a faster record ? went out in the garage to jam. I was play- were you aware of the European psychobilly ghed at us ! That’s another reason we wan- We did the monster- graveyard- thing and ing drums on garbage pails because I used scene ? ted to move to London. I could see that- that was no where and to have a snare drum and cymbal when I Well... yes and no- I went to London to try I didn’t want to be one of “those” bands. was 12 but I sold it cause I never played to start a band in the summer of 1985 and Your first album was a graphic reference to I think the stuff on Voice Of America is it.Anyway, we switched instruments and at that time I had heard some psychobilly the first Stray cats album. Why ? more of what we sounded like BEFORE we found that Dave was a better drummer and and I hated it- to me it Because we did what they did by coming to did the first record. I was a better guitar player- that’s how the sounded like punk rockers trying to cash in London and getting a record deal. I thought whole band thing started. on the rockabilly scene- I didn’t understand it was a good Idea- I had seen pictures of the You started to be quite known in Japan, it. I was a real ROCKABILLY GUY :-) Bluecats album that references the Gene even had a deal with a major. Did they try Did someone influence you to choose that Then in 1986 I went to London again to try Vincent album and some Polecats pictures to change your sound ? instrument ? to start a band and I was staying right down that were like the Beatles album cover stan- No they didn’t ! In fact they didn’t care YES! Absolutely- It was Brian Setzer- When the street from the Klubfoot- but I wasn’t ding over the railing. It was a cool idea and about the music at all... For them it was I saw the Stray Cats on MTV I knew what I gonna go there...My friend had just bought it worked for us. about the packaging ! We argued with them want to do! I had the snare drum like I said the first Guana Batz album and I remem- for months about what the cd booklet was and that went no where and then I bought ber I liked the song “Down on the line” but Didn’t that deserve you, due to the fact of going to look like.They wanted to use all a keyboard because I was into New wave I didn’t like the rest of it- I didn’t get it. I stupid people who classified you as Stray this cliché’ stuff like switchblades and dice bands like the B-52’s and Devo etc. but I was hanging out at all the rockin clubs in cats followers ? etc. etc. They also wanted us on the cover lost interest in that to -but when I saw the London listening to Curtis Gordon etc. Well the sad reality is...if I COULD have with our instruments- we were very against Stray Cats it was like I found my thing. When I went back home- sounded like Brian Setzer ,I probably would this. We were trying to cross over into a new I put the Quakes together but we were try- have. We had no choice in the fact that we audience and we didn’t want any obvious I assume you play bass too… ing to be a modern band like the Stray cats- had our own sound-it was that way because references on the cover. The rockabilly/ Yes- I bought an upright bass when I was 17 Rockats-Polecats etc.The things that lead us we sucked ha ha. psycho crowd already knew who we were cause we couldn’t find anyone to play it so to psychobilly were 1) we couldn’t play our so it was pointless to put all that stuff on I think its funny that people said we look nes see psychobilly as something silly and I decided to get one and learn how to play instruments like the bands we wanted to be Did you have reaction from the Stray Cats the cover for them. That record was only GAY on the cover because we are wearing stupid. We were trying to break that stereo then I could teach someone. I play bass on like (frustration) and 2)no one was paying about this homage ? meant for Japan- then Nervous licensed leather pants and make -up :-) You know type. Its not a cartoon-its great MUSIC and the last cd (last of the human beings). any attention to us around town(more frus- Yes- they saw it when they came over for it but I knew our fans would not like it- to us, we thought all those cds covers with it doesn’t have to be about graveyards and tration) So I started writing these songs like the BLAST OFF tour in 1990 and I got to some did- When we put out the Nervous silly cartoons were very stupid- We always stupid shit. In your bio, you’re talking about the Quiffs. “You’re Dead” and others because I was pis- go to two shows and meet them backstage. one we did the cover ourselves and we are wanted to be taken serious- I believe that Were you in other bands before ? sed off at everything-we changed our look Slim Jim says he still has it on the wall at still getting crap from people who don’t psychobilly is a valid style of music. Too Continue on page 33 Yes but they were all with Dave and me- also at that time. After that the hardcore his house! understand what we were..or ARE about. many people who write for rock magazi- there was The Runaway Boys-The Teenage kids would all come to see us and we started Rebels- Rockin Wildkats getting more gigs. Hardcore music was real During the first “split” of the Quakes you popular in Buffalo at that time so we tried played with Demented Are Go. How did it Discography Vinyl Frontier (Lp) VFL 008 American Rockabilly Quiff Rock Nervous records (Lp)Nerd 048 What was the style of the Quiffs,? Was it a to incorporate some of those ideas into our happen ? Long Players Tombstone records (Cd) TOMB-CD 2038 (Cd)NERCD048 pre-Quakes kind of band? stuff. “Psychobilly Jekyll & Mr Hyde” is an I was in London working on a solo al- The Quakes Songs;1000 kats, *Devil can have my We played obscure rockabilly and mod- example of the slow part- fast part thing bum (never happened) and I was living in Nervous recordsn(Lp)Nerd037-(Cd)Nerc037 Last of the human beings soul,*Bounce right back Orrexx records (Cd) REXX001 *-Paul Roman solo ern covers and originals- it was kinda pre from the Hardcore scene-a perfect example a squat. I saw Ant Thomas in the laundry Voice of America Crazy Love Records- (Vinyl)CLLP64152 Nervous records (Lp)Nerd 058-(Cd) Quakes again with Dave Hoy playing bass would be “institutionalized” by Suicidal Ten- mat by my house-it turns out that he lived Videos Nercd058 Compilation albums and Chris Van Cleve on drums- dencies which was a big song at that time. I in the same neighborhood. He said that Live in the UK Live in Tokyo The Quakes appear on numerous compila- Jettisoundz video JE182 think all those “HEY”s in our music came Lex had quit and they had a bunch of Planet records (Cd) PCD009 tions, mainly with previously released songs. Did they release anything ? from the Ramones which I always liked. shows lined up that they were going to have Nervous records (Cd)NERCD 084 You’ll find the complete discography on www. thequakes.com, the following record contains Ha ha- no- we recorded some stuff in a stu- to cancel so I said I would do it. It was New Generation two Paul Roman solo songs that are not (to Sony/Japan (Cd) SCRS 6640 dio but its terrible. We were not very good Is this what led you to move to London ? a lot of fun but I wanted to do my my knowledge) available elsewhere. Nervous records (Cd) NERCD 073 in those days but we had fun. We moved to London because after realizing own thing. an interview with Marcel Riesco One of the very good musical surprise for me this last months was the discovery of Truly Lover Trio. I was hooked since the first time I heard “Lonely Blue Dreams” on the Perfect For Parties compilation album. I then heard “Blueberry Eyes” and it was even better. I finally got a copy of his debut release “Hey Little Girl”. A fantastic mix of rockabilly, sixties rock’n’roll, Beatles influenced stuff and of course Roy Orbison. Marcel Riesco proved he was not only a great sin- ger but he’s also a talented songwriter with solid original songs. It seems a new album is planned for 2006, believe you haven’t stop hearing about this young guy. by Fred Turgis Let’s start from the beginning. You were born in Uruguay, right? I remember we got a stand-up bass from Yes sir. I was born in Montevideo, which is the capital city and holds half of the entire an antique store, and it was falling apart, country’s population. I grew up there, went to school, played soccer, football that is, I the neck was bent and separated from was an ok goalkeeper, and I also used to be a good swimmer. It’s a beautiful city. Most the body and we had to put a huge screw people compare it with Paris. It’s where they held the first World Cup of Football back on there. It never worked properly, in 1930 and the German ship Admiral Graf Spee was sunk there in 1939. My grandfa- but we looked cool. You know, we were ther used to tell me about that, cause he saw it happening. I was born during the terrible young and rowdy, trying to fall into dictatorship that covered some countries during the 70s, where ideas were forbidden a certain category…until we gave up and people were wanted just because they had “dangerous” brains. My dad has had and smashed that thing up! several occupations: he was a banker for a while, electrician, he wrote songs and lyrics Roll scene, lots of 60s stuff, garage, lots of a record and I would say “wow, that’s good!” for theatre plays. My Mom is a philosophy punk, lot of traditional music, but mostly or “wow, I’d like to use that chord!”. And teacher and a painter. contemporary stuff, and something that not only the music itself, but also the atti- developed into what is called Rock Uru- tude and approach towards the music and How did you “discover” Rock’n’roll? guayo--great bands, very good quality stuff. what music means to you. I know how im- Well, let’s see…through my mom and my Not really any roots music bands though, portant it is. I know how music moves the dad. But it was there for the taking. We but that’s perfectly fine, cause they are not world and how powerful it is and that was would listen to a lot music, they would needed when the music scene is so rich part of my education. show me songs. I was very little, and I was and active with so many different options. very much influenced. There was a lot of What I mean is, you know, American roots What can you tell us about your formative Beatles and Rolling Stones going on, some music doesn’t come from there, and there years and the bands you’ve played with? Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, Springsteen…all are a lot of different kinds of music styles I always played in my band. As time pass- that stuff was a heavy influence on me, you can choose from and it works just fine. es, musicians pass as well, and life gets to and contemporary traditional music, and But when a bunch of guys like us showed them. I had a 4 piece band with electric bass I wanted to be a singer/performer since I up, it was like: “wow, who are these guys? in the beginning, and then it became a 3 was very little. A couple of things turned And where did they come from?”. We actu- piece band when I realized I could play the me on to older Rock and Roll. One of them ally became quite popular, appearing on TV rhythm guitar, the solo parts and sing at the was Roy Orbison. The movie Back To The and radio and stuff like that. Things were same time. We played a lot, and I learned Future was very big for me -- the ballroom looking good, but I left the country when I a lot during those years. Those were -ad scene, you know, when Marty plays Johnny was 18 years old. venturous times….they still are, but every- B Good. Oh man, I watched that TV screen thing was so new to me back then. Renting in astonishment. I started researching that Reading various interviews and your equipment, getting lucky to be able to move music era and I found a lot of stuff and I got biography, it seems that playin’ music is it around, we didn’t have cars or anything. really into it for a long time, and formed my something you’ve always wanted to do… We used stand-up bass for a while, but that first band cause I wanted to perform and be Yes, always, since I was very young. was an instrument that was very hard to on stage. I couldn’t really afford the CDs or find where we were, unless you wanted a records so I would pick up bits and pieces I guess your parents were very important brand new one. But we couldn’t afford that. from here and there, radio and such. to your musical development as it was your I remember we got one from an antique father who taught you your first guitar store, and it was falling apart, the neck was How was the rockin’ scene in Uruguay? chords… bent and separated from the body and we What rockin’ scene? There is no rockin’ Yes, he plays guitar, and he taught me the had to put a huge screw on there. It never scene really. I was the only rockin’ band first basic chords and techniques. But I worked properly, but we looked cool. You there. I mean, there is a big music scene wasn’t into the technique part very much. know, we were young and rowdy, trying to with bands coming at you from everywhere, The rest I learned on my own. By that I fall into a certain category…until we gave but I know what you mean by rockin’ mean, I learned with records and watching up and smashed that thing up! It was such a scene. You mean Rockabilly, or early Rock performers. I would see a chord that I didn’t pain!…we moved to electric bass after that. and Roll sounds. There is a huge Rock and know and would start using it, or hear it on This was back in the 1990s. Then, the band went through a period of stand-up bass, and Records box that I like a lot. Elvis, his entire now we have electric bass again. The electric and there he (ROy orbison) was with career is fabulous. A lot of stuff I used to bass fits a lot better with my style and my listen to when I was a teenager I still listen songs and it gives us a wider range of pos- the voice of an angel and looking so to. I love a British band called Dire Straits. sibilities. I listened to some Eddie Cochran last week. mysterious. He totally struck me, Also a local band Dawn Shipley and the Would you say that coming from Uruguay Sharpshooters are recording a new album gave you influences (even unconsciously) even today, he is still my mentor. and I got to hear their new material. that for instance US bands don’t have and helped you finding you own style? I basically learned from him, the way Could you introduce us the musicians that It helped me think out of the box a bit play with you, please? more. Because I know the world is big, and to sing and the attitude towards it. Yes, of course. John Carlucci plays electric there is a lot more out there, and I don’t like bass. He’s been playing for a long time. He being limited to anything or classified as an- Is this something you’ve worked on for long? bison influence. Of course I love his son- played with a band called The Speedies and ything. So, yes, I think so. And I was heav- Oh thank you, that’s a nice compliment. gwriting. Dylan is a master and I admire also The Fuzztones in the early 80s. He is ily influenced by a lot of traditional music Yes, I started writing when I was very young, him too. He also defies the rules of songwri- awesome. Jeff Gerow plays drums. He is a from where I grew up, a lot of ideas, and but I used to keep everything to myself. ting. very popular guy and I’m glad he is with us. visions of reality. Those things influence you I still do, but I’m more open about showing He wears the best shirts in town. just as much. There is a lot of good music my songs. It’s a work in progress. Like Bob You used to have a lead guitar player, then out there. And I had to really crave the mu- Dylan says: “and artist is always in the pro- you took the lead guitar duties. Even if you It seems there’s a story behind the name sic, and it was so hard to get, that that made cess of becoming”. Its true. I feel like I have had to play lead and rhythm, wouldn’t you “Truly Lover” ? it a lot more special for me. evolved quite a bit, and I still feel that I am. say it helped you to refine your own sound? Yes. I was in my early teens….maybe 13, It’s like being afraid of showing what you Oh yes. See, that was kind of a limitation for and I wrote a little story that went on and on You’ve recorded an album in Uruguay that are wearing unless you think its somewhat me because if I want to put a certain accent about a character by the name of Truly Lover. was never released. Why? presentable you know? Or if it means a lot on a certain part that needs it, or do a certain He was a mystery man, but a contemporary Yes, I had been playing for some time and to you, you kinda want to save it up, you riff here or there, I do it. Or if I wanna play a knight at the same time. He was kind and I had some recognition and these people know? longer solo here or there, I play a longer solo. he walked the streets at night. All my friends offered me to record an album. This was So, that move certainly helped a lot. See, I loved the story. They were all a bit older than back in 1998 or 99. So I did. It was for a The first time I heard you, the thing that play in a particular style that fits with my me, and they started calling me Truly Lover, new label, and they also owned a radio sta- really impressed me was your voice. Man songs in a certain special way. and the nickname got around and a bit af- tion called XFM from Montevideo, but the you can definitely hear some Roy Orbison ter that I formed my first band, or about the station changed owners right then so the in it. How did you discover his music? Talking about guitars, who are your favo- same time. It became The Truly Lover Band stuff was never released for one reason or Thank you. Well, I got to know him when rite guitar players? by default, and I kept the name. another. he was with the Traveling Wilburys. At There are a few stylists that I really admire. about the same time he passed away. And I By “stylists” I mean people that are unique You just have a DVD out “for fans only”. A What kind of stuff was it? Was it already watched their video Handle With Care, and and have their own sound that you’ll rec- word about that? The Truly Lover Trio sound? there he was with the voice of an angel and ognize next time you hear it. Same thing There are bunch of new things out there, It is great stuff. Once in a while I listen to looking so mysterious. He totally struck me, happens with the singers….Guitarists like new formats and new capabilities. I thought it, and I like it. A lot of originals, in Spanish even today, he is still my mentor. I basically Chuck Berry with his double string solos, it could be a great idea if I put some rare, and English. I would say 50/50. Very well learned from him, the way to sing and the Eric Clapton with his sweet and stabbing behind the scenes footage and live footage to- recorded, we used a lot of studio time, and attitude towards it. I was never trained on licks, Carl Perkins with his simple but-diffi- gether for the fans. This is amateur video but didn’t really look at the clock on the wall. how to sing. Nobody sings like Roy Orbi- cult-at-the-same-time open strings, George it gives a bit of an inside view of the band. This was unusual for me so I took advantage son, even today, nobody does. But I play his Harrison with his Beatles riffs and later on of it. Yes, it is the Truly Lover Trio sound, music all the time, and I research his career. with the slide. You can tell those guys apart What are your plans for 2006 ? I believe different sounds, and different moods. You from all the others. Bo Diddley too. But there’s a new album in the can… Discography might get to hear it one day. In terms of songwriting your songs don’t also, I like flamenco guitar a lot, Paco De Great plans. We will be recording new ma- always have the basic pattern. Where does Lucia for instance, he is one of the best of terial soon. A nice little bunch of new songs. Single Perfect For Parties (2004) You finally moved to LA, was it just for that come from and who are your favorite all times. I’m sure they are going to please you. Also Lonely Blue Dreams (1998) El Toro/Rhythm Bomb Sunset Records 101 music purpose? songwriters? we have some shows lined up. Setting up a Hot and Wild Vol 2 (2004) Yes, I kinda felt that the city appealed to Yes, I noticed that as well… You know, I What kind of stuff was in your record tour in Arizona, and possibly Texas. Long Player Cherokee CHER-CD 504113 me. I came out here to visit once, and I li- don’t really try to do it like that, it just co- player this last few days? Hey Little Girl (2004) On www.trulylovertrio.com, you can also El Toro Records ETCD4030 ked it. The music scene is big here, but not mes out like that. I just write the way I feel Oh, I’ve been listening to Bob Dylan’s new A last word? find “Truly Lover Trio Live at The Scene” on very user friendly, you know. like writing at the time. I don’t really go by collection of unreleased tracks, and there is Its been great. You are a great interviewer Compilation albums CD and DVD format. any formats, or the usual verse-chorus-ver- also a brand new dvd that came out with it. and its been a pleasure to be a part of this Rock De Butaca (1996) Your first record shows a real strong talent, se, I just sit down and go wherever the song There are some things I listen to in a regular great project you have going on! Best of Sondor 49682 Uruguay compilation of artists real mature, for songwriting. takes me. Maybe that’s part of the Roy Or- basis besides Roy. I have a Jerry Lee’s Sun luck to you! Hillbilly Sweetheart & Rhythm’n’Blues Diva

ith the Saddle-Ites, Cari LeeCari Lee established herself as one of the big names on the new hillbilly andW rockabilly scene. If that wasn’t enough, she found time to play the part of the late Rose Maddox in a musical and saw her ta- lent exposed to a new audience. The band is now well recognized. Just have a look at the variety of venues they play: from rockabilly festivals to the Grand Ole Opry, from ope- ning for Brooks & Dunn to Social Distor- tion. Recently she proved she was more than an hillbilly singer (which is already great) and issued a fantastic Rhythm’n’blues album that received rave reviews, for good reasons. by Fred Turgis there was one specific occasion for me, but to record store asking if they had anything Hillbilly Sweetheart there were several events that led to my by Ruth Brown and they all looked at me interest in American roots music. When I like I had just come from Mars. None of the was a kid, I discovered a box of 45’s that my major music retailers seemed to know who mom listened to when she was a teenager. It Ruth Brown was - but they all seemed eager was all 50’s pop tunes, but it was cool to be to push Madonna. Sad really. I finally found able to hear what my mom was listening to a mom and pop record store who knew who Cari Lee back then. When I was in high school, I was she was. They didn’t have anything in stock, listening to a lot of Rocksteady and 60’s Ska but they ordered 3 different reissued 45’s for Rhythm’n’Blues Diva from independent labels like Studio 1. But me and I was in heaven! it wasn’t until my late teens when I started Let’s start with the beginning, what kind of to find the link between some of the early You said you started singing at the relati- stuff did you listen to as a kid ? Jamaican Rocksteady and the American vely late age of 26. What was the thing that As a young child, my mom used to play a Doo Wop styles. decided you to become a singer ? lot of different kinds of music. Everything I still don’t know if I’ve decided to become from Credence Clearwater to B.B. King. Do you have a precise memory of a record a singer. I think I might just stay with being But I also used to listen to a syndicated that made you think “That’s the kind of a professional goof off. HA! Really though, radio show called “The Doctor Demento stuff I want to listen to!!? this all kind of just started with me learning Show”. Dr. Demento was a guy who was Oh yeah! It was when I was 19 and I was to play rhythm guitar and making up a cou- a huge record collector who had a special listening to a radio station that played only ple of songs. The next thing you know we’re affection for unusual and obscure songs stuff from the 1950’s. It was another syn- at a jam session and I’m asked to sing a song with a novelty or comedic twist. That’s dicated show (what is it with me and syn- or two - it was all just in fun but when I when I first heard Julia Lee sing “Last Call dicated radio shows?) - anyway because it was approached by a promoter who asked For Alcohol” and Nervous Norvus sing wasn’t a commercial radio show, they could if I could work up 3 sets of material for the “Ape Call”. This guy played everything play whatever they wanted as opposed to club that he was booking, a few of us reali- from pre-war blues to Wierd Al Yanko- the average oldies radio station that played zed that we could make the fun last a little vic. As a 10 year old, it was very entertai- “Downtown” and “Georgie Girl” one too longer. So, I guess when it stops being fun, ning and I think if the show were still in many times. This radio show played “This I’ll stop playing music. syndication - I’d be listening to it today. Little Girl’s Gone Rockin” by Ruth Brown When I started Jr. High, I got into punk and I went nuts. They didn’t announce who Was writing your own songs a natural rock and really dug bands like The Sex Pis- the artist was and I was so desperate to find move for you? tols, Siouxsie and The Banshees, Blondie, out that I didn’t turn off the radio for days I love to write. I like writing everything Agent Orange. From there, I developed an because I was hoping to get the DJ to play from short stories, research papers, all kinds interest in Rocksteady, Blue Beat, and early the song again and announce who the artist of stuff. But song writing is a little diffe- Ska. was. They finally played “Mama He Treats rent. It’s a process that I plan to continue Your Daughter Mean” and announced that to learn a lot about. It almost feels as if it’s Did you grow up in a musical family? it was Ruth Brown and I wrote her name another language and it’s the musician’s job No, not at all. My sisters and I used to sing down on a scrap of paper and began my to act as a translator for the listener. I en- traditional folk tunes with my mom for hunt for her music. I went from record store joy working out vocal melodies with chord fun - but that was it. We really didn’t have enough money to put into music lessons or instruments and as a kid, what I really wan- They finally played “Mama He Treats Your ted to do was dance and act. So, while there were always records playing in the house, Daughter Mean” and announced that it was singing and playing instruments was never something that anyone focused on serious- Ruth Brown and I wrote her name down on ly. It was just fun. a scrap of paper and began my hunt for How did you discover hillbilly, rockabilly, blues and all that stuff ? her music. I went from record store to I think I’m still discovering those styles of music. There’s so much of it out there and record store asking if they had anything by I’m always learning a ton of things from other collectors and music enthusiasts. The Ruth Brown and they all looked at me like more I learn, the more I realize that I can never learn enough. So, I don’t know that I had just come from Mars. I was able to meet Don Maddox and sing “George’s Playhouse Boogie” with him and When we went out to record I was able to meet Kitty Maddox, Fred Maddox’s widow and some of Fred’s chil- “Scorched” - Billy Horton was teaching dren and grandchildren. They told me all kinds of crazy stories about their dad and himself how to play the saxaphone just “Aunt Rose”. Don was an amazing guy. He was just blown away at the thought of peo- so that he could communicate with horn ple being interested in them as a family and in their music. He’s in his 80’s and owns a players about session work. ranch out in Oregon. He plays a lot of fid- dle competitions these days. ne was just as respectful to little guys like us It’s a non singer question, so it may sound as they were to Vince Gill or other big-wig stupid, but did you have to approach your About the singing in that play, did you try Nashville Stars. way of singing differently for this album? to “imitate” her (I mean the voice but also The biggest thing for me was to be able to Well I don’t think that’s a stupid question gimmicks like her characteristic laughs) or stand on the Ryman Circle. I know it might at all. Yes, I did make an effort to approach did you stick to your own style? be a bit silly and sentimental, but to stand the vocal style differently than I would ap- I tried to ‘be Rose’ as much as I could, but on this small piece of what used to be part proach the tunes that The Saddle-ites do. I there isn’t a whole lot of film footage out of the original Ryman stage, knowing that think that there are different elements that there to study and some of the stories that was where Patsy Cline, Bob Wills, Ernest make different songs work in a particular I’d hear about her performances and stage Tubb, and so many others stood to perform genre. Even from song to song within the presence were conflicting. For instance, I was an amazing feeling. Scorched album the approach had to be dif- was told by one person that she was cons- ferent. The song “How Come” was original- tantly dancing and I heard from another Let’s talk about “Scorched”. Is this a long- ly done by Anita O’Day with Gene Krupa’s guy who told me that she never moved from time project you had ? Some tunes like “No- band and that had to have a much smoother the vocal mic and stood perfectly still. So, body loves you like me” or “I’m a pilgrim vocal swing to it than the Tiny Topsy tune, I listened to the Arhoolie CD of their live traveler” on “The Road Less Traveled” were “You Shock Me”, which needed to be a lot radio performances and Glenn Mueller bur- a first move toward rhythm’n’blues. more gutsy in vocal approach. It was a lot of structures and arranging songs so that each ned me a CD of some of the live recordings I’d wanted to do a rhythm and blues in- fun to be able to do something completely instrument involved has an opportunity to We figured, if Elvis could take an Arthur that he was able to capture back in the 40’s fluenced album for about 3 years and we different from what I normally do. ‘speak’. And we do a lot of collaboration wi- and 50’s. I studied a lot of her vocal cha- had decided to go ahead and put a couple thin the band and get input from the pro- Crudup song and release it in his own style racteristics and tried to replicate them and of songs on The Road Less Traveled album Both “The Road Less Traveled” and ducer. Right now I’m having a great time we put in a lot of their trademark shouts, after discussing whether or not it would be “Scorched” were produced by Billy Horton. writing songs with Steve Merritt and Danny and Moon Mullican can do a Tiny Bradshaw and hollers. A lot of the stuff that you’d hear appropriate for a Hillbilly Bop album. We What can you say about him? What does he Santos for the next album. Both Danny and on their recordings were also in the produc- figured, if Elvis could take an Arthur Cru- bring to your sound? Steve are so creative and talented. tune in his own style - well, why not have tion. You know, things like, “Stop it, you’re dup song and release it in his own style and Billy has a way of bringing out the very When you started, and maybe still now, driving me sane!” and “That’s My Brother”. Moon Mullican can do a Tiny Bradshaw best in everyone he works with. I have so did you have songwriters or singers that in- The Saddle-ites do Wynona Carr and Etta tune in his own style - well, why not have much respect for him and his knowlege of fluenced you ? You’ve played at the Grand Ole Opry, The Saddle-ites do Wynona Carr and Etta music. “The Road Less Traveled” was a very Well, I love a wide range of music and there James in their own style ? right? It must have been really impressive to James in their own style?! different album than “Scorched” and he ap- are characteristics of different vocal styles play in such a mythical place ? We started putting material together for the proached the two albums with a completely and writing styles that I like a lot. I dig of Maddox Brothers & Rose production duction was in rehearsals, I started getting It was a blast ! Jean Sheppard was due to be Scorched album shortly after releasing The different mindset. He gets very involved in everything from Fats Waller, Cats And The was having a very difficult time finding the emails and phone calls from people who on that night and I wanted to camp out in Road Less Traveled. We had decided that we each project that he does. He doesn’t just Fiddle, and Django Reinhardt to Wynona right musicians who fit the right characters had seen them perform or knew some of the front of her dressing room. She was ill that ought to keep the Saddle-ites separate from push the buttons and say, “Ok play!” He ta- Carr, Hank Penny and Rose Maddox. of The Maddox family. Steve decided that different family members personally or had day and couldn’t do the show. I think we the Scorched project so that there wouldn’t kes the time to listen to the arrangements, he didn’t want to audition, but he encou- played with them. I’ve heard some fantastic were all a bit tense at first, but it seemed be any confusion as to the style of music makes suggestions, recommendations, ad- You’ve played the part of Rose Maddox in a raged me to audition for the role of Rose stories about the family and their interac- that the minute we got there we were war- that The Saddle-ites play as opposed to the ditions and changes according to what he musical, how did you get involved in that Maddox. I auditioned and was cast as Rose tions with each other both on and off stage. mly welcomed. Everyone had such a hum- style of music that this solo album would thinks is most suitable for each and every project? Maddox. It was such a great experience. One of the biggest helps to me in terms of ble attitude. The promoter’s assistant took be. We put together some R&B musicians song. When we went out to record “Scor- I heard about that role through Steve, who character research was a man named Glenn us on a complete tour of the place and we here in the San Francisco area and did a ched” - he was teaching himself how to play was playing guitar for a theater production Did you make a special preparation for Mueller who is related to the Maddox fa- discovered that despite any celebrity status, couple of recordings for an El Toro Records the saxaphone just so that he could com- of “The Best Little Whorehouse In Texas”. that, did you meet people who knew her? mily through marriage. He gave me a lot everyone had the exact same dressing rooms compliation. Then, maybe a year later we municate with horn players about session Steve and Mitch Polzack and Brendan The director, Michael Grice, had done a of inside information about the family and and accomodations. There was none of this talked with Billy Horton about producing work. That’s pretty dedicated. Billy’s got a Gluek (From the band The Royal Deuces) lot of preparation before casting the parts. about Rose in particular. He also sent me “I won a country music award so I want the solo album out in Austin. He brought vast knowlege of music in general and has a were asked to audition for different roles He had consulted Don Maddox about a a bunch of photographs that he had taken only green M&Ms and imported water.” together some fantastic musicians and we great handle on all of the different musical that the a director had been trying to cast lot of the different aspects of the script and of some of their live performances back in Nobody had rock star attitudes and everyo- called them The Contenders. styles along with the instrumentation and for a few years. The director and creator casting. Once word got out that the pro- the 1940’s. recording equipment and techniques that will bring out the best of whatever genre he records.

Have you heard about the wonderful guitar player called Steve Merritt, he’s really good Oooohhhh that guy!!! He’s pretty easy on the eyes too! HA! Steve is my best friend, my mentor, and the thorn in my side! :-) Se- riously, though - if it weren’t for him and his encouragement and motivation, I wouldn’t be performing at all and I’d really be mis- sing out on a lot. Even if the name Slim Sandy isn’t fa- The liner notes of Marti Brom’s latest album state “Marti’s dress custome made miliar to you, if you dig rockin’ music by Cari Lee Merritt”. Can you tell us more you’ve inevitably heard about him before. about that? Marti and I always seem to get ourselves This guy is no one but Peter Sandmark, into trouble when we’re together - it’s fun drummer for Ray Condo during The trouble though. We talked once about the Marti and I always seem to get ourselves fact that it was a good thing that we live on into trouble when we’re together Hardrock Goners days, singer and guitar different coasts because all hell would pro- player in the western swing and jazzy bably break loose if we lived closer to each other and all the while we’d be laughing our it’s fun trouble though. “Crazy Rhythm Daddies”, drummer tails off at the whole fiasco that we’ve unin- for The Howlin’ Hound Dogs, and tentionally created. Marti is a fantastic wo- bug! She likes to sing and started on the Everything from the layout to the photos man and I adore her to pieces. I made the piano at age 4. She’s moved on to guitar and the informative articles, reviews and now he plays all of these instruments dress for her a few years ago as a gift. I rarely now, but I think what she really likes to do interviews are so well done. Thank you for as well as harmonica under the gui- make designs for other people, I’m certainly is perform in general. She’s been in a few letting me be a part of it. not a professional by any means. plays and she loves acting. But she also loves se of Slim Sandy “the one man basketball, video games, and science. We’re hillbilly blues band”. With so Do you make your own stage suits too? trying to expose her to a lot of different I make a lot of my own stage wear mainly things to see what sticks and let her take Discography many years of activity on the out of necessity. I can’t pay $1200 for a vin- the lead in what interests her. Right now scene, playing different sty- tage Nudie suit, as much as I’d like to. If it’s singing, next week it may be chess. In Cari-Lee & The Contenders I could afford something like that, I’d be any event I hope that she knows that no- Scorched (2005) CD Star Tone Records 113 les with different bands, afraid to wear it on stage. Vintage clothing thing is impossible for her to achieve and here at the Jumpin’ from is...well..vintage. It’s old - zippers break, that whatever she wants to do, we’ll be right Cari-Lee & The Saddle-Ites seams rip, and stains happen. I want to wear beside her. The Road Less Traveled (2003) 6 to 6 office (just kid- CD El Toro Records 4020 something that I can have fun in and not ding it’s my room) worry about damaging. So I make a lot of What is the future for Cari Lee? Another Red Barn Baby (2001) CD El Toro Records 2050 my own stagewear and if it gets damaged Saddle-Ites album or a Contenders one? we thought this Church Bell Boogie (2000) then I have a good excuse to make some- We’ve got another Saddle-ites album that 7” Single Star Tone ST105 man would have thing new. we’re preparing to record and that will in- Right now I’ve got a new challenge on my clude songs sung by Danny Santos as well Compilations a lot to say, and hands though. Our booking agent is asking as duets. I’m looking forward to that. We’re A Town North Of Bakersfield (2005) we were damn right. us to retire our western wear and create a planning another European tour and in the Cracked Piston Recordings look that’s a little more “uptown”. I guess mean time we’re continuing to have fun Perfect For Parties (2005) So take my advice, put a good we’ll see what I can come up with. Uptown playing music with each other. CD El Toro Records record on (what about “This Hillbillies?! That’ll be interesting. HA! Ritual Rockabillies (2001) A last word? CD El Toro Records is Slim Sandy”, a good choice We could have seen pictures of your young Oh, I’m sure you’ve heard quite enough out As Long As I’m Movin’ isn’t it?) and read this. daughter on stage with you. Does she sing of me. Thanks so much for talking with me. 7” Single Part Don’t know much about this one, like her mother? I’ve read your previous issues and I think probably a split single Yeah, that little girl has definitely got the Jumpin’ From 6 To 6 is so well put together. by Fred Turgis Your brother is well known, but aside of When I was about 4, my parents worked him were you raised in a musical family ? Yes. My brother Eric (who was lead guitarist in a summer camp, and I went around all for Ray Condo & his Hardrock Goners, as well as the Crazy Rhythm Daddies) is three day singing Popeye the Sailor man, so they years older than me, and taught me guitar when I was about 15. But our father, Sture, put me on stage in a camp variety show. was very musical. He had a big collection of jazz 78s that he brought from Stock- I remember it still, it was very scary, holm when my parents moved to Canada in 1952. We grew up listening to Louis with the lights and the back stage and the Jordan, the Delta Rhythm Boys, Nat King Cole trio, Fats Waller, Les Paul, Nellie Lut- audience, but I think the experience hooked cher, Duke Ellington, Django Rheinhardt, and so on. Also my father played in a jazz me on performing. group, the “Jay Sands Trio”, in the late 40’s, touring around Sweden. He played rhythm guitar. Voodoo” remarked we were a strange mix always fun, and for sure playing Hemsby of 50’s rock and roll (we did songs by Ed- was a highlight, in fact I would say that play- How did you become interested in music? die Cochran, Jerry Lee Lewis, for example) ing Hemsby the first time, in 1992, helped I was always interested in music singing as and original new wave type songs (influen- revive Ray, and inspired him to continue a small kid. When I was about 4, my pa- ced by bands like the Stranglers, the Spe- playing music. He was very disillusioned rents worked in a summer camp, and I went cials, James Black and the Contortions, for with the music business, and the scene at around all day singing Popeye the Sailor example). I actually played saxophone for a Hemsby was so alive, and the people actu- man, so they put me on stage in a camp va- couple of years, but ended up just singing, ally knew the songs we were playing. Still, I riety show. I remember it still, it was very and my brother played drums! We played have to say that all the tours were crazy, and scary, with the lights and the back stage and from 1980-84, only in Montreal, mostly art we had a constant party with Ray! the audience, but I think the experience school parties and some early punk clubs. hooked me on performing. “Come On” by Ray Condo contained seeds How did you meet Ray Condo? of the Crazy Rhythm Daddies as you and You started the “Daddies” during your “Satan takes a holiday” is, in my humble last show was in March. But we will play You play guitar, drums and even harmo- I saw him play at one of his first shows as Eric, your brother, sang more and more... Goners days. Do you think their early opinion, one of the best song of the first together again. I will be back in Montreal nica, what was your first instrument? And Ray Condo, in 1984. He didn’t have a For sure. We had already started the Dad- jazz/western swing sound had an influence Crazy Rhythm Daddies cd. I guess there’s a for the Red, Hot & Blue Weekender in Oc- how did you start playing the others? drummer, and I thought maybe he needed dies in 1988, as Ray would leave Montreal on the Ricochets? story behind the lyrics? tober, where we will do a tribute show of Guitar was my first instrument, I got one one. A short while later I invited the band to go to Vancouver for a couple of months. Oh yeah. Chris and Clive loved western I heard an instrumental version by Eddie Ray Condo & His Hardrock Goners songs. when I was 12, but sibling rivalry set in, and onto a radio show I did, and recorded them When he came back, we would go on tour swing and Bob Wills’ music was a big in- Lang, but never heard a vocal version. Then my brother kept taking it away from me to live in the studio. Then Ray invited me to and open with a set as the Crazy Rhythm fluence on the Daddies. Ray would be in a piano player friend of mine, Greg Shea, Is this the reason you stopped drumming for show me how to play; he got very good as play drums with them on New Year’s Eve, Rhythm Daddies, then bring Ray on and the audience for many of our shows, as I gave me a fake book with a 1000 standards, the Howlin Hound Dogs? a consequence. I liked harmonica, and got 1984, and I stayed with the Hardrock Gon- do a set as Ray Condo and his Hardrock said, we often did the opening act. Also Ray and there were the lyrics! But I didn’t really Yes. The last show I did with the Hound one, but I learned how to do blues sounds ers until 1994. Goners. The Daddies were essentially the loved Billie Holiday and wanted to swing know how it should be sung, so I sort of Dogs was in April. I played drums with from a book in a music store that explained Hardrock Goners without Ray, until 1994, more, so western swing was the natural fit made it up. them from 2000-2005. What can you tell how to bend notes. I couldn’t afford to buy He was a painter, Clive Jackson made the when Clive Jackson moved to Vancouver to for him. I think at the beginning you also us about them? The Howling Hound Dogs it, so I would just stand and read it in the painting on the cover of “Come on”and you start the Ricochets with Ray, then the Daddies had, in addition of the banjo, a fiddle. Did The first record was more western swing- started out in 1994 as Jim Dandy and his store. I formed a high school rock and roll draw, The Hardrock Goners were really an got a new bass player (John Davis from the you record with that line-up? Yes in 1989, country flavoured and the second was more Howlin’ Hound Dogs. Then Jim Dandy band when I was 16, and I would try to fool “art band” didn’t they? Gruesomes) and a drummer, Robert Kraft. I think, before Edgar, who was the violin jazzy… left. Noel Thibault was the lead guitarist around on drums. Later when I was about Yes, everyone in the band was an artist as player in both the Hardrock Goners and the The second CD was done over two years and he took over as the lead singer, and still 20, my brother and I were forming a band, well, the violin player, Edgar, was an anima- You and your brother formed The Crazy Daddies, moved to Vancouver. in sporadic sessions, 1999-2001, at a time is the front man for the band. They have a and we didn’t like the syle of our drummer, tor, and did the animation video, “Barroom Rhythm Daddies, I think Chris Dean, ex- when we had alot of jive dancers coming very authentic approach to rockabilly, ins- so one day we arranged to jam without him, Crazy” (based on the Pee Wee King song Goner, was involved in that project in the You recorded some cassettes with the Crazy to our shows, people from Sophia Wolff’s pired by artists like Charlie Feathers, Bob and we took turns on the drums. “Ballroom Baby”); Eric drew and made beginning… Rhythm Daddies, any chance to see them Jiving school, and so we played more jive Luman, and Johnny Cash. They have a new films, I did comic strips and films (we made At first the Daddies had no drums and I released on a rarities cd? tempo songs. CD out (yeah and it’s great, see reviews - Vir- We (at least me) discovered you with The all the Ray Condo music-videos), Ray did played rhythm guitar. Chris Dean was on We recorded two cassettes. The first cassette gil), recorded last December while I was still Hardrock Goners, but were you in bands paintings, Clive painted,and Chris Dean, banjo, and he sang many songs. My brother is called “Flat Foot Floogie”, and the second What about the band to this day, do you with the band, and Jim Dandy had returned before? I’ve heard about a band called the the original member and banjo player also Eric and I loved the 40’s “jive” vocal acts, “Swingcats’ Ball”, after the Louis Jordan still play together? I think you recently and played lead guitar for that album! Paradots. did artworks. In term of recording and/or like Slim and Slam, Cats and the Fiddle, song. Maybe we should put them out on moved… That was the band my brother and I formed touring what was the highlight of your pe- and we brought that element, so it was a CD ? Good idea ! I just moved to British Columbia on the Your main musical act today is Slim Sandy. in 1980. As Gerard from the band “Deja riod in the Hardrock Goners Recording was mix of stuff. west coast in June, 2005, so the Daddies A project you defined as “Hazil Adkins meets Joe Hill Louis”. How did you come that’s the way studios worked, especially in “Slim Sandy” CD and a 45. There are re- up with the idea of a one-man band? the 80s’. But I have tried for several years to cordngs of Ray’s last band, but I am not sure I always wanted to play harmonica record live in the studio. Some of the Dad- what they will do with them. I have more and guitar together, especially inspired by dies’ cuts on both CDs were done live in the Ray Condo master tapes, so I could put out Slim Harpo, I got a record of his in 1979..., studio, but as Slim Sandy it is all live! That’s another 45, but I need a distributor! but when I saw Hazil Adkins in about 1986, the only way I want to record now. I was blown away! He had an acoustic A last word? guitar, played bass drum and a high ha Any plans to do a Slim Sandy album soon? Keep boppin! cymbal, that’s all, and it was a wild rockin Yep, I have over 100 songs in my repertoire, show ! So after years of practicing guitar and it’s time I get more of them recorded. Go to www.slimsandy.com to get harmonica together... and seeing the more news and order the cd “This Is Bo Weevil band from France at the Recently you’ve also been working on a Slim Sandy” Rhythm Riot inspired me about how to DVD about Ray Condo. Can you tell us mic the harp, anyway. more about that? I finally tried doing the drums too. We made 9 music videos with Ray from At first it was hard to synchronize, but even- 1989 to 1994, and shot a lot of super-8 mm Discography tually I got it. and 16 mm film, in black and white and colour. So recently I had all that footage Ray Condo & The Hardrock Goners Crazy Date (1986) Do you have other “one-man band” transferred to video, and I edited it down LP Pipeline 002 influences? to one hour so far. Then I did three inter- Hot’n’Cold (1989) Dr. Ross, Joe Hill Louis, Harmonica views, and the next time I go to Vancouver LP Crazy Rekkids 001 Frank... I will interview the other original members Condo Country (1990) I actually recorded “Rockin Chair Daddy” of the Hardrock Goners, and some old close LP Crazy Rekkids 002 for the Ray Condo “Come On” CD, with friends of Ray. I have no money to make Condo Country (1991) DAGCD 008 Clive on bass, and my brother on drums. it, but that never stopped us from making This CD contains the Condo Country Ray told me he really liked that version. videos before, or albums or touring!! Then LP and songs from Crazy Date & Also Bloodshot Bill is a friend of mine. I’ll edit it and burn the film to DVD. I Hot’n’Cold Hillbilly Holiday (1993) work for a video production company so I Fury Records FCD 3025 have access to the tools. This CD contains songs from Crazy Date & Hot’n’Cold and new ones only available here. Come On (1994) So after years of practicing guitar and Fury Records FCD 3031 harmonica together (...) I finally tried The Crazy Rhythm Daddies Flat Foot Floogie (1991) Cassette Crazy Rekkids 004 doing the drums too. At first it was hard Swingcats Ball (1992) Cassette Crazy Rekkids 005 to synchronize, but eventually I got it. One Is Never Too Old To Swing (1995) Cassette Crazy Rhythm Daddies (1996) Can you describe your set? When will it be released? CD Igloo Records IR001 I do some original songs, like “Don’t Need I hope by the end of 2005. How ‘Bout It (2001) Nothin” and “Roadster Rumble” which you CD Crazy Production CPCD 001 can hear on mywebsite, www.slimsandy. Can you tell us a word about your comic The Howlin’ Hound Dogs com, and covers like “No More Nothin”, strips thing? Jitterbop Baby (2001) by Zeb Turner, or “Texas Boogie” by Gene I did a comis strip for 4 years called “SLUM CD Howlin’ Records O’Quin, “Mean Ol’ Train” by Papa Light- DOG” about a hobo dog, living in the Cat By The Tail (2005) CD Self Released foot, “Rockin Bones”, by Elroy Dietzel, slums of the city. Recently I have started “Cadillac Model A” by Bob Wills, “Ain’t up drawing again with a new strip called Slim Sandy Boogie Woogie Country Girl (2003) Got a Thing” by Sonny Burgess, a whole “ROACH TOWN” set in the bug world. It CD Self Released mess of stuff! will be published on www.roachtown.com This Is Slim Sandy (2005) CD Crow-Matic Records I was wondering : do you record live or do What are your projects? you use multitracking? You issued a 45rpm by Ray Condo, will It is all live to tape!! And I will have the there be more in that serie? engineer swear in court! Haha! Actually for I am doing a CD: “Best of Ray Condo & years we recorded, doing over dubs, because His Hardrock Goners”, and I plan to do a So, how long have you been doing music ? Since 1991. So.. 14 years now. My first band was a 60’s garage style band called “The Washouts”. After that, I started doing NOT A SIMPLE LIFE rockabilly in 1996. How did you get started ? BY DAVE “LONG TALL” PHISEL The first band I just fell into. These girls in my school had a 60’s band and needed a singer. So i tried out, and got the job. ho is the bloke to which these ex- When i decided to do rockabilly, I put an pressions apply: “short stick of dy- ad in the local paper to find musiscians. namite”, “The Real Deal”, “The best And from then on it was easy to meet people. voice in the rockabilly genre”? Who’s W Did you grow up in a musical family ? got a voice “as smooth as Big Sandy, but more Yes, my uncle was Bill Matthews. He had frantic on the level of Gene Vincent”. And who, a group from the 40’s through the 60’s when Charlie Feathers’ daughter Wanda was talking called Bill Matthews & the Rhythmeers. about him, did she exclaim “Wow, I am speechless! They played country and rockabilly. He It is awesome!” And, who can be that bloke that never had a hit, but he did have a string said in an interview “What you hear is what we of rockabilly 45’s that came out on Dot put into it. I want people to hear the fibers in the Records in the mid 50’s. But I reckon it’s hard to make a living playing music in ru- wood of the guitars and bass. And I want them to ral West Virginia.... which is why I moved feel every word I sing. That’s my main goal, is to out here! never sell out to the computer and digital age of manufactured music”? Who is the artist that can Do you remember the first record you at the same time sing and play upright bass, guitar, bought and/or the one that made you think I was so nervous, i overcompensated saxophone, piano, and drums in numerous country “ Woahhh, that’s what I want to do ! “ Probably the early Buddy Holly stuff done and rockabilly groups since the age of 11? Who at Bradley’s. I got a cassette tape for christ- by getting real crazy on stage. I was so accompanied by such artists as Big Sandy, Deke mas one year that had all the stuff like “Mid- Dickerson, The Paladins, Carl Sonny Leyland, James night Shift”, “Don’t Come Back Knockin’” winded after the show, I passed out ! Hunter, Omar & The Stringpoppers, and Rockin’ Ryan etc. And that stuff just floored me. It was so & The Real Goners? Who takes part in various agressive and soulful, and I would get hal- thers, Johnny Horton, and Sam Cooke. How did you met Paul Diffin and how is it groups like “Jaxxon 4” or “Hexxers” while assuming fway through a song before I even noticed Strange combination, I know. But they to work with him ? there weren’t any drums on it ! haha were all great singers and songwriters I met Paul here in San Diego. He was his own solo career? Who is that “country boy” in their own way. playing with a 50’s «top 40» cover band that, in addition to the music, likes to fish and climb Do you remember the first show just to pay his bills..... rent here is EXPEN- trees? Who the hell is that humble cool cat who you played ? What about your band, where do they come SIVE !! And I had known of him for years said “I hate people with big egos. I mean if you’re Sure do ! I was so nervous, I overcompensa- from, were they in other bands before ? because of his other great bands. I LOVE Jerry Lee Lewis and you can back it up, fine. But ted by getting real crazy on stage. I was so My live band these days is made up of some working with paul, he’s one of the fun- if you’re some mildly talented nobody, and you have winded after the show, I passed out! really great players from around the world... niest most easy going guys i’ve ever met... who all ended up in southern California for and immedietly we just clicked musically. an arrogant personality, ooh boy, don’t get me star- What is the most memorable gigs you some odd reason, as did I. He’s a super talent on bass, need i say ted!” No, we are not talking about Steve Austin, the played and/or went to ? Paul Diffin from England plays bass, more ?! «six million dollar man», but a plain and simple guy That’s a tough one. I’ve played and have you may know him from The Blue Cats, of West Virginia whose name evokes a character of been to so many great and memorable gigs. Sugar Ray Ford & the Hot Shots, and About your albums,how many are they? «Fight Comics». This Rip Carson (finally you got is But I would probably have to say that seeing The Big 6. Joel Morin is on lead guitar. There’s 4 in total. The first one was self- name!) is a charismatic character whose uncle also Jerry Lee Lewis on a good night, was on In recent years he has played with nume- released and called “laundromat boogie”. of the highlights of my life. When he’s rous rock’nroll acts here in California. I was only 16 when we cut that one ! Then played in a rockabilly band called “Bill Sykes and good.... he’s GOOD! And on drums is Michael Faughnan. He’s I got signed to Rollin’ Rock records with RIP the Rhythmeers”. The title of his new album “My new to this city as well, and we’re glad Ronny Weiser. I did 2 albums for rollin’ Simple Life” is a pure lie : The Life of that guy is What are your influences as a singer and a to have him. He was one of the top rock, and then moved on to dixie records not that simple! But let Rip talk about himself, his songwriter ? rockabilly drummers in Boston for the past for my last album “Box set : the singles col- CARSON friends and his just starting career My biggest influences are Charlie Fea- 10 years. lection”. I’m working on a new album right now, which is due out in a few months on Golly Gee records. Nothing will sharpen your playing like

Were they all done live in studio? performing in a studio setting where every For the most part, yes. I prefer it to be done that way because more feeling can note is under the microscope. be put into things when everyone is in the same room at the same time. Overdubbing can be necessary at times, but I avoid it work as a singer, because all the studio gigs enthusiasm for rockabilly and rock’nRoll is at all costs! are over by 8pm. Can’t complain! much better now in the states then it was a few years back. And as far as the quality of Tell us more about “The Singles collection”... You have this side-project called “The Jaxon the bands in concerened, there are alot of This was my first “solo” album. I did this 4”, the band with Big Sandy and Paul great acts here right now. Ya just one differently than all the others. With Diffin… gotta weed through all the bad ones! haha my previous albums I had a set band (the The Jaxon 4 is essentially my backing band, Twilight Trio). And I decided to move on minus the guitar player. So it’s Paul Diffin Do you know some european bands? and try something new. So we did the “sin- on bass, Michael Faughnan on drums, Big Yeah, i know many! The Tin Stars from gles collection” ablum real 50’s style. With Sandy on vocals and acoustic, and myself Holland back me up usually when I tour studio musiscians and all 50’s equpiment. If on lead guitar. Basically.... I’ve known San- Europe. They’re great musiscians and good you think about it, all the great rockabilly dy for years, and about a year ago he came friends of mine as well. I also know other records in the 50’s were done with studio to one of my shows and was very impressed bands like Wildfire Willie, Ike &the Ca- musiscians and with top notch equipment with the rhythm section. And he has liked pers, Jack Baymoore, The Sure Shots, etc, and record producers. Namely... musicians my guitar playing for a while (I play lead etc. I think the european bands are really like Grady Martin, Bob Moore, and Bud guitar for various other acts from time to top notch these days. They put alot of effort Harmon. So we really tried to recreate time) So he contacted me about putting into getting things right! that feeling on this last album. The musis- together a side project with him, and the cians are really top notch at what they do. Jaxon 4 was born. it’s nice to hear Big Sandy A last word ? And this was also my frist time working doing hardcore rockabilly again.... not that If ya want to make collard greens right.... ya with record producer and guitarist Mark the Fly-rite boys are any less than brilliant ! gotta boil ‘em down at least 12 hours!! Neill. You may know his name... he produ- ced Big Sandy’s “On The Go”, and many The Hexxers, your 60’s garage rock and other great records. So i think this new for- punk band you made with Rockin’ Ryan Discography mula really works, and it’s completely diffe- Sagat. It’s a different style; still rock’n’ roll The Washouts rent than anything anyone else is doing at but far from your rockabilly and country I Was A Teenage Washout (2005) the moment. So i’m going to stick with this trademark style. Is it the same audience? Golly Gee Records format for my next record as well, people Was it applaused the same way? Rip Carson And The Twilight Trio seem to really like it! And if it aint broke... Suprisingly enough, the rockabilly scene has Laundromat Boogie don’t fix it! really taken to it. And it’s nice to know that Golly Gee Records we can play for a rockabilly crowd and a Rip Carson And The Twilight Trio Rollin’ Rock CD102 You did sessions too (Deke Dickerson, Josie 60’s garage crowd, and they’ll both enjoy it. Stand Back Kreuzer, James Hunter, etc.) How did you Rollin Rock manage that job with your own career and What are your future plans ? the fact that you’re a multi-instrumentist To keep touring, and making records i’m Rip Carson Box Set (2002) playin’ guitar, bass, piano, saxophone, proud of. I have the new album coming out Dixie 101 drums (and maybe more!!). in a few months, and several US and Euro- My Simple Life (2005) I’ve been close friends with a fantastic re- pean tours this year. Golly Gee Records GGR 1027 cord producer named Mark Neill for about The Hexxers 5 years now. And he often needs studio What do you think about the new US Freaks With The Savage Beat (2005) musicians for his recording gigs. I’m the rockabilly scene? Golly Gee Records usually the first guy he calls if he needs upri- The US rockabilly scene is different in Buried Alive (2005) Golly Gee Records ght bass or guitar on a record. it’s alot of every state and city. Where I currently live, fun, I’ve gotten to play with some real greats Southern California, it’s over-saturated. And countless collaboration with in there. And nothing will sharpen your There’s too many bands and not enough Deke Dickerson, Rockin’ Ryan, Josie playing like performing in a studio setting clubs to play at. But in other places it’s the Kreuzer etc. where every note is under the microscope. opposite... plenty of fans and clubs, but This job doesn’t interfere with my night dang near no bands! But i think overall the keepin’ it country J o h n n y

DILKSby fred turgis musician at an early age. I have always tried I would rather play to a bunch of crazy J o h n n y to write songs since about as long as I can remember hearing music... I really couldn’t tell ya honestly. bikers and farmers in a shitty honky tonk

You told me Rudy Chalard is the reason out in the sticks, than to a bunch of why I became a singer, can you tell more about that ? hipsters that are trying to look good Rudy is just a great all around guy. The first time I met him we just seemed to hit it off. and get laid anyday...but honestly I just We were just kids really. I saw him play at a bar in San Fransisco called the Conneticut am happy that I get to play and have Yankee. I was under age to drink legally and I remember sneaking a pint of bourbon in people listen at all to tell ya the truth.... IKE MANY, I first heard about my boot into the club so I could drink... I really dont remember much after that but beggars cant be choosers!! DILKSJohnny Dilks when I bought we just became good friends... we were on “Acres Of Heartaches” (Hightone the same level. Neither of us had any money Records, HMG 3008) in 1999. or were hipsters we were both just kinda had a bunch of young guys who couldnt play Your sound evolved from a western swing really into music and didnt have all that for shit but they did it anyways and the ener- type of band to a more honky tonk/Baker- I’d never heard about him befo- much... We both drank too much whiskey gy that went along with it was always alot of sfield sound, what can you say about this re,L but the pic on the cover looked really and were into being out in the country so fun....country always had heart and soul... evolution? good so I thought “let’s try this one.” we hung out alot. He always told me to and whenever I was sad I could always listen Just growing up I guess. When I was a kid I keep on singing and if it hadn’t a been for to an old country record and hear about so- really only listened to stuff from the 20’s to Once again, I made a lucky choice, and him pushing me I probably wouln’t of kept meone else who had things alot worse and the 50’s. I always thought of country from even if Johnny himself is not quite hap- singing. I probably just be a woodworker. I guess I always felt better for it. the 60’s and 70’s as being too pop influen- py with this album (see the interview), ced...I didnt really give it a chance till I was When and how did you first get interested Who are your musical influences? twenty four or twenty five. I remember it was loaded with pure country music in country music ? Hank Williams, Buck Owens, George Rudy telling me to listen to Buck Owens as it should be done, with attitude, When I was a kid I worked in a sign shop Jones, Joe Carson, Red Simpson, Merle and I just sorta shrugged at the time... western swing influences, good lyrics and for a guy who was from Mississippi and Haggard, Wynn Stewart, Josh White, I dont know what I was fucking thinkin Kansas his name was Mike Kane. God rest Tommy Collins, BIlly Mize,Charlie Rich, now. I think that vocally the stuff from the cherrypie great yodel. A few years later his soul he passed away about a year ago. Otis Redding... I could go on and on theres sixties is much more complex and harder to I found out that Johnny had a website He got me into the two things in life that not enough room in this interview !! sing. The songs are much deeper and sofisti- (www.johnnydilks.com) and heard the What age did you start singing? since been living in New York making Jazz made me who I am... working wood and cated than earlier stuff. I think alot of it just country music. He had a shitty old turn- How did you learn how to yodel ? comes from me wanting to improve myself new version of the Visitacion Valley Boys, I played in a punk band when I was thir- records. teen years old but that doesnt count for I struggled with singing at first and I men- table from the sixties or seventies the type I sat infront of a piano for two years prac- as a singer and songwriter... and if I’m not including Lee Jeffries, known for his work singing...it was more like hollerin!! I really tioned Rudy Challard to you… well that where you can stack up like ten or twelve ticing my ass off. I took vocal lessons from learning new things then I’m just wasting with Big Sandy. The sound was different, started singing when I was around 19 years guy told me I had a great hillbilly voice and lp’s on the top and it drops em down one a gospel and soul singer named Katie my time. at a time. Well all day long I had country Guthorn who really helped me figure out an electric bass replaced the string bass old. I played guitar in a rockabilly band kinda worked with me and inspired me to with Lloyd Tripp and Johnny Baker called become a singer. I can remember being dru- music and some old blues and stuff like that how to breathe and use my lungs to sing. Is this the reason you’re looking for a new and there was no fiddle, but from the the Zipguns and those guys had me singing nk off my ass at two or three in the morning pumped into my ears... whether I liked it or name for your band soundclips I heard on the site (go and a couple of songs... I really didn’t like sin- freezing my ass off stuck at a bus stop with not. Mostly stuff from the fifties. Somehow I’ve seen somewhere on the internet that No the reason I am looking for a new band I could relate to it better than the garbage you werent quite happy with your previous name is that the Visitacion Valley Boys have check’em out) I felt like Johnny really ging at first and wasn’t very good at it...my Rudy in Daily city, he was trying to show confidence level was pretty low back then. me how to sing the Long Gone Lonesome they were playing on the radio. Remember record. Is that true, and if so, why? kinda just played out..We went through found the style that really suited him, I really just wanted to play guitar in a wes- blues. I didn’t understand how he could hit that alot of the bands that were on the ra- I cant stand to hear «Acres of Heartache» three line-ups over the last seven years and a 60’s country sound with some Buck tern swing band and just assumed that there the high notes like Hank Williams...he told dio and MTV at the time were comprised We made the whole thing in ten days I just think it’s fair to let people know that of men with long hair who wore make up... and recorded it live. I’m singing flat this is a completely new band... even thou- Owens and Dave Dudley in it. An album were guys playing western swing around.. me to practice my ass off… and I did... as but I was wrong.... So I decided to start a matter of fact I’m still practicing and still I just didnt get it... I was a dirty kid who on most of it and sound totally nasaly. gh our drummer is still with us he is the last has been recorded but hasn’t been released a western swing band and hired my gui- dont think I’m a very good singer.. wore overalls and got my ass kicked if I didn’t I could have done it alot better if I had remaining Visitacion Valley Boy. yet, hope we won’t have to wait too long tar teacher Jim Campilongo to play gui- do all of my chores. If I ever even thought a good producer who would have stopped of grown my hair long and wearing makeup us and made us really fine tune things. The line up of your band recently changed, but in the meantime what about spending tar, and a bunch of other local hotshots. I What originally made you want to play played rhythm and sang. I was shaky at best music? my dad would of put a bullet in my head. Plus I really dont like to hear myself sing could you introduce the new boys a few minutes with a real honky tonk man but went for it!! Jim has since become so- I really dont know… I have always had Somehow old country music made sense to in the first place....it’s like hearing your The new band consists of Dave Gleason on and read the interview? mewhat famous in his own right... he went music really deep in my soul and guess that me. I guess I liked punk at the time because voice on an answering machine... B-bender telecaster guitar, Dave Zirbel on on to form the Ten Gallon Cats and has I just wound up knowing that I would be a it was what I call «do it yourself music» you know what I mean? pedal steel, Steve Walz on electric bass and got me last night was «One Slightly Used When will it be released? those bands both had major label sucess.. Engagement Ring» on the Captiol Jeannie I don’t have a release date yet because I it was short lived but I think Nashville will C. Riley record from 68. dont have a record label yet. I am currently slowly have to open it’s eyes again... at least shopping it around and it basically is going I hope so. Lets talk about this new album, “Full time to come down to who will offer the most loser”… money. I personally spent just over thirty What is the future for Johnny Dilks? Full Time Loser just got finished and is off thousand dollars making this record and Future ? There is no future man!! I’m just being Mastered in Nashville as we speak. It am looking for a company who can at least kidding... Who knows ? How about getting was the last thing we did as the Visitacion cover the recording costs....but I’ll keep you me some gigs in France and Europe I love Valley Boys and I am happy with the end posted!! to come over and play on your side of the result. We recorded it down in San Diego lake. I would be good to see my ol pal Rudy and had Marc Neill produce it. Marc really Some singers, like Dale Watson or Wayne Chalard again...You should hit him up for pushed me to become a better singer and Hancock, almost consider themselves on an interview he’s an interesting dude and a without him it wouldn’t sound half as good war against Nashville and what happened really great songwriter and musician!! as it does. We stated recording it three years to real country music. Do you feel the same ago and because of cost and scheduling it or you just dont care? A last word? took way longer that I would have liked but I’m not at war with anyone... life is too Well Fred my last words are just thank you the end result was definetly worth it short. There is always going to be things in so much for hunting me down and asking this world that not everyone likes especially me to do this interview. I have kinda been Besides the Rudy Chalard cover, are there within the music industry. The sad reality off the national circuit since Acres Of Hear- all original songs ? is is that most of the people in this world tache came out and I always am amazed All of the tracks are originals with the ex- are like sheep they follow what ever is put when guys like you ask me questions from ception of Rudy’s song and one other cover. in front of them. I think that declaring war all the way on the other side of the world... We also had the Calvanes do backing vocals on Nashville will only hurt things instead of So thanks again! on it and they sound unbelieveable! help them. Look at BR-549 or the Derailers

Paul Roman - the quakes interview, continued from page 5 Leor Beary on drums. I think that this is by I would say that there are similarities far the best band I have had yet !! We all get along really well and there is very little ego between the punk and honky tonk music. Don’t you consider the psychobilly label to help people to not make the same mistakes Rumors are also talking about a new Qua- or attitude issues... we all just love playing limited for a band like the Quakes ? On we made. kes album. A word on that ? country music. Country musicians are or were notorious a record like New Generation there are Its not a rumor- its happening! Im working more than just rockabilly and psychobilly Will there be other artist on these label ? on it and I hope it will be out by May or I saw some pics with your stage suits. Are hell Raisers... so are punks. I’d say influences. I don’t think so- I don’t want to be “the guy” June.There is a lot of songs and Im going they original Nudies? Yes for sure but we sort of fit into this scene- at the record label- in other words I don’t to have to leave a lot out.The new record No Jaime The Western Tailor made my suits the difference is that one group can play we still play psychobilly- we do all those old want to be “the asshole” Its a lot of work will be different than the rest but its still me he worked for Nudie for many years. Not songs in our set-we are definitely not roc- just to put out the Quakes cds. writing the songs so if you are a fan you will too many people know about him but he’s their instruments the other group can kabilly. Im not interested in those labels-To You moved to Finland recently, why ? like the new one. Its gonna be what I call down in a small shop in North Hollywood... me its all about the sound of the Slap bass We were on tour in Finland and I met my “Quiff Rock” rockabilly+psychobilly+hillbil his work is amazing he still does everything kinda play their instruments… and twang guitar. girlfriend there:-) I don’t actually live there ly=Quiff Rock by hand..even Manuel uses computers now- because every three months I have to leave a-days !! It’s the closest thing to an original but both stirr up emotion. You created your own label, is this because because of the visa thing but I have been What is the line-up of the Quakes now ? Nudie Suit money can buy today. you had problems with records labels (you there a lot. On drums its Chris Van Cleve and on bass say you didn’t touch anything on the Ner- its either Lauri Valkonen from 9 Lives or Is there any type of venues that you particu- ple will still pay to hear music that sounds I’d say the difference is that one group can vous release of Live In Tokyo) Can you tell us about your new project, Aki Savolainen from PR3 depending on larly enjoy playing? like it did forty years ago. play thier instruments the other group can Ya- we signed a lot of bad contracts- we were the Paul Roman 3 ? who has time to play etc. Its very hard these I would rather play to a bunch of crazy kinda play their instruments....but both kids and we wanted to be on a record. We Will they release something ? days cause everybody has a LIFE :-) but we bikers and farmers in a shitty honky tonk You started with punk, would you say there stirr up emotion. didn’t bother to have lawyers look at those This is a project I put together in Finland so try and play as often as we can.We rarely out in the sticks, than to a bunch of hips- are similarities between punk and honky contracts etc.The “Live in Tokyo” story is a I could get out and play. We play mostly all make any money because flights cost so ters that are trying to look good and get laid tonk music, No-show-Jones was kind of a What is, for you, the best cry in your beer whole story in itself but we got screwed by a Quakes songs and I try out some new ones. much to get all three of us in one place. anyday...but honestly I just am happy that punk attitude for example? song? Japanese label on that one and now we don’t There are no plans to release anything but I get to play and have people listen at all to I would say that there are similarities Hell I don’t know I never cry in my beer. I receive any royalties on that.I have a FREE some of those guys played on new recor- A last word ? tell ya the truth... beggars cant be choosers!! between the two. Country musicians are or usually just get drunk and try to drink my- ADVICE section on our web site to try and dings for the upcoming Quakes albums. Stick to your guns ! Remember that Fred. I just feel lucky peo- were notorious hell Raisers...so are punks. self to death when I’m sad...but the one that REVIEWS REVIEWS

HE EXXERS to. Ryan’s vocal sounds like humble opinion, two of the Bonny on drums. Both Suzy The Mezcal Brothers : Next Town - and man they rock ! Good Heat sub-pop period, bet T H Hot Rod Lincoln : Turn The Jukebox Freaks With a possessed Screamin’ Lord best. Hillbilly boogie, honky and Buddy sing. They have Up - Buck Jones : Georgia Shaker band with a singer who re- you’re gonna like Matt Hole. The Savage Beat Sutch on this one. “No One tonk with a bit of rockabilly, released 2 studio albums to - Ralph Rebel : Rockabilly Vampire minds me of the late Darren The song is good, but is - Matt Hole And The Hot Rod Golly Gee Records GGR 1039 Knows...” is probably one of what more could you ask date and have been playing Gang : Rockabilly Vampire - The Lee Spears. “The Creature” is much too long (5 1/2 minu- Rumblejetts : Big Bouffant - Jerry Straight Home - I Can Beat Your my best loved ones with tons for? Dave Brown’s voice is their brand of high octane a solid rockabilly in a Char- tes) and could have been cut King & The Rivertown Ramblers : Drum - Strangled - Bones By My of fuzz (I love fuzz). In the excellent (it sometimes re- rockabilly since 1991. This Used To Be - The Spinouts : Bad Ass lie feathers style and it will to be more effective. Hailing Bedside - No One Knows Where My - The Tremors : Lovin On My Mind Wild Seeds Are Sown -Tell Me Pretty middle of the album, there minds me Johnny Horton), live album of 18 tracks delight all the b-movies fans. from Kansas City, The Rum- - Rusty And The Dragstrip Trio : Baby - You Put Me On - Sidewinder are two more rockabilly in- Johnny Vee’s guitar skills (many of which can be Cry Over You - Eddie Clendening “Cry Over You” is even bet- blejetts delivers a very good Crawl - I Take What I Want - Like : Don’t Make Me Wait - Hot Rod What, Me Worry ? - Let’s Dance fluenced songs, then back are also amazing. From roc- found only here) is a good ter and leaves me wanting for neo-rockabilly with some Trio albums.Then came the Lincoln : Cattin’ Around - The - Knockin’ On Gravestones - Bones By to wildness with «Sidewin- kabilly licks to Chet Atkin’s way to hear how they sound Rumblejetts : That Will Be All From more. Rockin’ Ryan needs British inspiration, think “Box Set” album and this My Bedside (Mad Maraca Mix) der Crawl» “I Take What I (I’ll see you in my dreams), on stage. You can definitely You - Billy And The Bullets : Sitting no introduction to rocka- about bands like Restless. time it “clicked” in my head. On The Outside - Rockin Ryan Want” is another favorite of he knows them all! Don’t find a Setzer/Stray Cats in- And The Real Gonners : Gettin billy fans, but just in case, The other great discovery And now we have “My Sim- mine, featuring label owner forget the slap bass which fluence in their music, not Lowdown On You - Jerry King & you’ll find two songs here for me on this record was ple Life”, his best album to The Rivertown Ramblers : I Miss Mel on percussions and is the backbone of the band exactly the sound, Buddy’s The Ring - Peter And The Wolves from two different albums. Jerry King & The Rivertown date and probably one of both Ryan and Rip on vo- as they are drumless and voice is more rockabilly with : Another Heartache - The Reno The Reno Brothers are more Ramblers. They perform the best rockabilly records Brothers : Cruisin The USA -Buck cals. Throughout this album the “newest” member Chris hiccups and tremoloes, but Jones : Chicka Boo Stomp - The in a modern country sound two great songs (recorded this genre has given us in Ryan proves his vocal has no- Cummings (from the River- in the general feel and the Mezcal Brothers : Be My Bad Girl with a voice and a guitar at Sun), a classic rockabilly recent years. The musicians - The Regal Line : 51 Merc thing to envy of Gerry Ros- side Trio) on steel guitar. He way to approach the genre. you could compare to Dale with hiccups and the beau- are no strangers to rockabilly 27 tunes from 18 bands, lie. Just imagine what they also recorded this album at The set is a mix of classic co- Watson. To be honest this is tiful slow numberprobably fans: veteran Paul Diffin Caution! Wild stuff here! could deliver live? But, hey, his Riverside Studios. A very vers (Johnny Cash, Johnny not the kind of stuff I would my fave track on this record) (The Blue Cats, Sugar Ray If you think the baritone wait!!! They’ve just released good album that I’m warmly Powers, Collins Kid, Carl Pe- listen all day long, but they “I miss the Ring”, the kind Ford, Big Six, Marshall & guitar on Johnny Horton re- a live album called “Buried recommending it to you, rkins...), played with enough add a good variety to this of song that would have The Shooting Stars) on bass cords is your limit in term of Alive”. despite the cover design I’m personality to be more than comp. The Mezcal Brothers made Sam Phillips proud. and recording, Joel Morin modernity, this record is not Fred Turgis not too keen on. reproduction. Buddy plays are a wild modern rocka- “Sitting on the Outside” is (Dawn Shipley, Pep Torres) for you. But if you’re loo- FT great solos and make ‘em his billy band, not that original, a fine instrumental by Billy on guitar and Michael Fau- king for a good sixties garage own.The band’s self-penned but very pleasant. Hot Rod & The Bullets, with -blu ghnan (Lustre Kings) on OUNTRY ATTIN punk with a healthy dose of C C ’ HOT ROD TRIO songs stand well among the Lincoln provides two solid esy licks à la Dave Gonzales drums. The mid tempo “The Bo Diddley and rockabilly Movin’ On Cool & Crazy Record s CD005 Live ! classics. I really loved “32” this is what Spinout and neo-rockabilly tunes, with and good stop/start effects. Hate Inside Of Me” starts music, don’t go any further, Golly Gee Records GGR 1045 and “Demon’s Got A Mo- Rockabilly Monthly maga- bright guitar and good snare A very good album to hear the album and you know you found what you need! Call Me Lonesome - Honky Tonk Girl - Hangmans Boogie - See You in My Hot Rod Model A - Long Blonde torcycle” on which Buddy’s zine offer here. “A little bit drums. «Cattin’ Around» well-confirmed artists and you’re not just listening to Who are The Hexxers ? No Dreams - Pinball Millionaire - I Got Hair - Here Comes That Train - Hop, guitar roars like an engine. for everyone” could have sounds like the best songs to discover new ones before “another good record”. less than (Rockin’) Ryan Sa- a Problem - Blue Days Black Nights Skip, Jump - Cat On The Loose - 32 - Hocus Pocus - I Believe in Love - Hot Rod Heaven -Baby Don’t Rock If you like Brian Setzer’s 68 been another name for this of the British combo “The buying the albums. Very hi- I won’t go into a song by gat on vocals and his partner - Convicted - Dear John - If Your Ever - One Gone Cat - What If - Demon’s Comeback Special or The compilation album as it co- Nitros”. This song comes ghly recommended. song review but you’ll find Lonely - Blues Come Around - Mobi- in crime the multi-talented Got A Motorcycle - Hot Dog - Let’s FT lin’ Baby - Just Because - Movin’ On Bop - Don’t Boss Me Baby - Tear It Reverend Horton Heat, you vers the whole spectrum of from the album «Blue Café» here great rockabilly tunes Rip Carson (guitar, bass, Up - Folsom Prison Blues - Boppin won’t be disappointed with today’s rockabilly. The first which was produced by Lee like Sinkin’ Down, That drums). The opening song, The Blues - Crazy Baby this one. song “Hush Hush” perfor- Rocker.. It’s good, and fresh, RIP CARSON Ain’t Enough (two collabo- Beau Dentures’s “Straight FT med by Chadd Thomas is a to find bands that still play My Simple Life rations with Rip’s partner in Home” with its powerfull great 50’s sounding rocka- in that style. Buck Jones Golly Gee Records GGR crime: Ryan Sagat), Poor Me riffs is the kind of song billy with train effects provi- from Finland is a powerful The Hate Inside Of Me - All I Ask and I’m Not Free (with han- VARIOUS ARTISTS Wild Billy Childish could ded by the slap bass and the combo with electric bass. - Sinking Down - Miss Heartbreak dclaps), a beautiful ballad Rockabilly Showdown - My Simple Life - Let Me Be - have played. “I Can Beat drums, and Chadd’s deep Their songs wouldn’t be out The One I Want - I’ll Tell You - that sounds like Sam Cooke Your Drums” seems directly Vol.1 That Aint Enough - Stuttering Cindy Golly Gee & Humtone Records voice is excellent. This tune of place on a Mike Ness solo - Poor Me - Keep Moving - meets Don Gibson (All I taken from a “Songs The GGR1046/HUMT1000 alone should convince you album (especially Chick a Happy Heart - I’m Not Free Ask) and two well chosen co-

Cramps Taught Us” compi- It’s been a long time since Chadd Thomas & The Crazy to buy the album. Rip Car- Boo Stomp). “Rockabilly Sometimes you need time to vers that suit perfectly Rip’s lation, imagine something I heard such a good British The Hot Rod Trio is a Ca- Kings : Hush Hush - Rip Carson : son’s song is fine with a good Vampire” by Ralph Rebel get used to an artist. This is voice : Jackie Lee Cochran’ Cause Of It All - Rusty And The reminiscent of The Sparkles. band. With this album they lifornian modern rockabilly Dragstrip Trio : The Creature Burlison-style guitar. Rusty adds a welcome psychobilly what happened to me with Miss Heartbreak and Char- “Strangled” proves they’re can stand proudly next to band consisting of Buddy - Eddie Clendening : Be Good Or And The Dragstrip Trio touch to this album. Too bad Rip Carson. I must admit he lie Feathers’ Stutterin’ Cin- Be Gone - Rockin Ryan The Real not only good at playing this The Riverside Trio or The Dughi on guitar, Suzy Du- Gonners : Beat That Love Out -The (from Australia) is one of he just has one song. If you didn’t impress me very much dy. So, the results are quite music, but they can write it Rimshots, who were, in my ghi on slap bass and Pete Reno Brothers : Make Love To Me - the great band I didn’t know, dig The Reverend Horton when I bought his Twilight simple: great musicians with REVIEWS REVIEWS

great songwriting and great is a term that everybody production work) which is truction of an “internatio- rock’n’ roll style” recording better is Billy Idol’s “Re- HE IGHSPEED THE BLACK CRABS T H production work. Take a seems to use nowadays a good way to take a fifty nal of the rockabilly” before released in the island of bel Yell”. Idol seems to be Blast Off HEARTACHES listen just to hear the instru- (no, Bonnie Tyler ain’t a Self-Released year old musical tradition the development of Internet Malta! When you’ll have fi- a favourite of rockabillies Runnin’ On An Empty ments separately and you’ll rocker !), but this is the best into the new century. and site such as myspace. By nished listening to that first and psychobillies as he was Blast Off ! - Pickup Line - Can’t Find Heart see what I mean. What word to describe their music. the Doorknob - Shelton Express Cat’s Take a look at their website: reading it I thus could disco- (but not last) sample of the heavy covered troughout the Self Released you have here is a piece of A mix of surf (Penetration, Pajamas - Sweet Sweet Girl Dange- www.theblackcrabs.com ver in the Nineties that the European scene you’ll surely years. Lost Souls did “Dan- rous Curves - I Do - Rink Lay - Poor Shot Rod - Highspeed Heartaches classic rockabilly. An album Green Arrow), early Beatles Jenny - Stink Bomb which is as well designed as future of the rockabilly at come to the conclusion that cing With Myself”, The Ri- - Forever’s Gone - Agent Peter’s Secret as important as Big Sandy’s (“I’ll Be True” and its intro Dirty Old Man - Singin’ The Blues this CD is. that time would come from Europe is not only a econo- cochets did “King Rocker” Gun - All These Chicks - Who’s The - Ready Ready Ready Dealer - Broken Glass - Blowing Me “On The Go”, High Noon’s taken from Beatles’ “Devil FT the Scandinavian countries mical construction but also and recently Union Ave- Away - Devil’s Overture - Runnin’ on An Empty Heart - Walking The Other “Show & Dance” and maybe In Her Heart” would make and that there was an em- (above all?) a “rockabilly nue played a fine version of Way - Trailer Park Reunion - Let’s Go even Gene Vincent’s second Sir Paul jealous), and the VARIOUS ARTISTS bryonic scene behind the connection”. “White Wedding”. “Saints & -Charlie & Jack album. You can’t say I didn’t usual Everly/Holly/Fuller Rock Around The EEC iron curtain. After having Dave “Long Tall” Phisel Sinners” is not The Long Tall warn you. influenced stuff. You’ll find Vol.1 ceased its activity in, here Texans one but a Taggy To- FT some rockabilly (Johnny Empire Records. EMP-CD-103 is the return of the Fenech TAGGY TONES nes original. The second part Power’s “Rock Rock”) too, guy with a new grinding of are unreleased and alternate Hometown Gamblers : What you Unplugged, Unreleased, HE PRAGUE and “My Tender Heart” Think About that? - SpoDee-O-Dee his magazine which should Unexploited takes from the “Rockin’” al- T S : My Baby’s Gone - Hick-O-Rhytm : sees the bros go bluegrass. be published very soon then Raycous Records RAUCD165 bum. They kept the same BROTHERS Red Wine & Reefer - Lil’Ester & The Tin stars : Drugstore R’n’R - Ronnie Frank and Chris play all the Coming from Seattle, with a participation on this Saint & A Sinner - Rockabilly Girl tempo for “Memories Keep Best Of The Essbee Cds Nightingale & The Haydocks : These Boots Are Made For Walking instruments, except on one The Black Crabs are The Long blonde Hair - Hot Rhytm & 30 european groups compi- On Haunting Me” but this Volume 1 Rockabilly Rebel - Rebel Yell Booze : Don On the Farm Boogie ElToro ETCD7010 tune where they are backed Donettes minus Rebecca the lation named “Rock’n’Roll This Little Girl - His Latest Flame version has no whistling and The Highspeed Heartaches - Fireball Steven & The Halebops Folsom Prison Blues - Insane - Big Fat by Deke Dickerson and singer. Originally the band : Rock,Pretty Mama - Eyeballin’ Around the EEC» on Em- the voice is different. Hard to come from Corpus Christi, Penetration - Hippy Hippy Shake Stella - If Only You Knew - Memories Torpedos : Devil On my Trail - Jum- - Rock Rock - Surefire - New Reason Shorty Poole, and the skills was formed for a short time pire Records , the first Eu- Keep On Haunting Me - Pink & choose between the two ver- Texas. They play a mix of pcats : Hoppin’And Boppin’ - Daryl to Cry - You Only Live Twice - I’ll Be Black - Crazy Kid - C’mon Johnny of each of them is simply to back the legendary Wanda Haywood Combo : If you Want To ropean label. You will find sions, I’m afraid you’ll have rockabilly, country, surf and True - Green Arrow - I’ll Do It Every 501 - Crazy Love - Blue Suede Shoes Be My Baby - Atomic Boogie Band Time - Drum Boogie - Rock’n’roll - amazing. Of course Chris is a Jackson but they’re still to- there an outline of the active Tutti Frutti - Nutbush City Limits to buy both. Tracks 13 to 17 even some latin influences. : Boogie After Midnight - Firebirds I Feel A Brand New Heartache Run Rudolf Run - Don’t Ever good drummer (if you don’t gether playing their brand : All by Myself - Sabrejets : Redneck european scene with bands are demos of songs that will This album is not really My Tender Heart - Praying Mantis Trust A Girl - Since I Don’t Have You - No One believe me listen to “Drum of modern rockabilly and Blues - Alley Kings : Friday Night from different styles (from appear on their “Viking At- new (2004), but I think I Wants My Love - Nesman Studios Boogie” a Gene Krupa meets that’s a good point for us. Rumble - Anabel & The Rock-A- fifties rockabilly to teddy tack” album and are produ- should talk about it ‘cause - Tall Tall Trees - Sunset in Tokyo Bells : I Try - Diana & The Atomics Just over a Girl Bill Haley song) but he can Guitar player and lead singer : Whistle Bait - Aces Wild : Wild boy sound, jumpin and jivin’ ced by Kim Nekroman. It’s there’s some good stuff on it. ,Wild Women - Rioters : Feel The play steel, upright bass, Jonathan Stuart wrote eight Rhythm - Slapbacks : Will I Love and even psychobilly) from no wonder to hear on “Crazy The opening song has fe- sing fine harmonies and songs and the remaining Again - Blue Jeans : Hot Rockabilly many different countries like Kid” a typical Nekromantix male backing vocals and is Stuff - Mad Men : Mean Little on “Just Over A Girl” he gi- six are covers, ranging from Mama - Mystery Gang Trio:Wiggle Germany (Spo-Dee-O-Dee) backing vocal. A few live not far from “King Of The ves us a great piece of eefing. Don Gibson to The Sonics Baby - Marco Di Maggo : Neck Holland ( Lil’ Esther & the songs complete the set, with Drape” by The Cramps. On Fire - Pete Anderson & The Frank Lee Sprague is even via The Everly Brothers. Archives : Look Out Heart - Jumpin Tin Stars, Ronnie Nightin- various guest on saxophone, Good drums and slap bass more impressive as it seems With such different covers wheels : Hot Rod Mama - Conver- gale & The Haydocks) Uni- trumpet (great rendition of breaks in this one. “Agent tibles : Cripple Rock - Go!Daddy O’ that no instrument has se- you’re not surprised to hear : Hotel Blues - Komety : Tak Mi Zie ted Kingdom (the Firebirds, Very good compilation of Tutti frutti à la Sonny Bur- Peter’s Secret Gun” is one cret for him : surf guitar, more than just rockabilly - Lucky Cupids : Strangers In the Sabrejets) Italy ( Marco totally new material from gess) and various guest singer. of the three instrumentals Night - Antonello Persiano : Blue bluegrass mandolin, Jerry (well represented throughout Suede Shoes Di Maggio), France ( Hot, this Danish neo-rockabilly The last song on this cd is a you’ll find on this album. The Sprague Brothers re- Lee Lewis boogie piano... this album with Kirsten’s ef- Rhythm & Booze), Finland combo. Tracks 1 to 6 are ta- beautiful piece of rockabilly This one and “Broken Glass” cording carreer didn’t stop You name it, he plays it. fective slap bass) in their in- (Daryl Haywood Combo, ken from a radio show and with just the voice, a light both have a twangy elec- with the end of their con- Add extensive liner notes fluences. A little bit of Link Atomic Boogie Band), Slo- are recorded unplugged. guitar and a strong slap bass. tric bass and will delight all tract with Hightone. They and you’ll have another Wray here (the instrumen- venia (Lucky Cupids), Croa- These six songs worth the And, according to the liner The reverend Horton Heat released a bunch of records must-have from El Toro, tal named… “Rink Lay”), tia (Mad Men), the Czech price of this album alone. notes, it’s only a rehearsal. A fans as would do “Devils on their own Essbee label. and as the title states Volume jazz (“Cat’s Pajamas”), Republic (Go!Daddy O’) Do you remember Restless’ very well crafted record with Overture”. You have good This compilation gathers the 1, we can expect a Volume 2 60’s stuff (“Stink Bomb” Estonia (Jumpin wheels) unplugged songs on their various moods, sounds and changes of paces with more best of this now hard-to-find very soon. with twangy electric bass) and even Pete Anderson & “Rarities” cd, these ones are stuff that will delight every neo-rockabilly anthems like albums. As usual with the FT and a pitch of country. The Archives from Latvia, as good. Acoustic guitar, Taggy Tones fans and gain “Let’s Go” (this one also have Spragues, you can expect The whole album is played Marc Fenech with his maga- the pioneer of rockabilly slap bass and brushed snare. them lot of new supporter. drums and slap bass solos) or fine songwriting and beauti- with a positive “don’t look zine “Southern and Rockin” in the whole former USSR Great version of Matchbox FT “Who’s the Dealer” and the ful arrangements. Rock’n’roll back” attitude (very nice made much for the cons- and also the first ever “50’s “Rockabilly Rebel” and even bluesy “All These Chicks”. REVIEWS REVIEWS

Th e album closes on the nice mainly Noël Th ibault’s voice. groups like Th e Marvels, Th e homage with the cover of time. She’s also a remarkable harmonies together and Roy. Robin (bass) and Mike “Charlie & Jack” or so you He has those kind of roc- Blue Ridge Mountain Boys «Whoo! I Mean Whee!». songwriter and writes songs Reno & Smiley’s “Country (guitar) contribute one song think cause you have more : kabilly voice I enjoy, where and Th e Bootleggers before And with Mario there’s that make you rock (“Little Boy Rock’n’Roll”. Follow each. About the music there’s a very good acoustic country you can still hear the country learning how to play of other no time to rest or have a nap: Bit More” or the agressive my advice, catch them the no big departure from the ballad where Jon is supprted roots in it (listen to “Behave instruments and building its all the titles are pure energy “Mr Crazy Legs” that could next time they’ll come to previous albums, you’ll fi nd only by a light guitar and a Be Quiet Or Begone” with own studio of recording. It and it is not with «Bip Bop have been recorded by Wan- your town (just imagine how the same blend of rockabilly slap bass. its falsetto). Slim Rhodes’ is there that he recorded in Baby», “Spellbound”, “Me- da jackson) or cry like “Free they could sound live) and (“My Rockin’ Heart”, “Move FT “Take & Give” is given a 1998 its fi rst album «Shake tronome Mama” or “Rhythm & Fairly Sober” (as good as buy the cd after the show. On”), hillbilly boogie (“She rockin’ treatment with the it don’ t break it» an album Train” (which can make you any Wayne Hancock song) One last word, Lil Bit & Th e Tracked Me Down” has bac- gathers all his pieces recor- HOWLIN steel part being replaced by of 12 titles including 9 com- think of a band like «Johnny or “Th e Best Th ing”. Th e Customatics will be in issue king vocals very similar to ded during 2003-2004. Th is a Burlisonian guitar à la positions. Mario plays there Bach and his Moonshine Customatics give her the 5 of your favorite webzine Webb Pierce’s Teenage Boo- «Lost Recordings» album is HOUND DOGS “You’re Undecided”. “Bro- of all the instruments except Boozers») that you’re gonna best support you can dream FT gie), beautiful ballads (“I’ve hot, very very hot: it is likely Cat By Th e Tail Self Released ken Heart” is the occasion the saxophone held by Rus- stop of boppin’. Th e Jump- for this type of band. Th e Lost”, “Untie Th is Strings”) to burn your CD player and to salute the work of the sell Bradley (an homonymic Blues & Jivers as «Hep To way Tomcat Miller gives the but this time they added a set your boppin’ shoes on Cat By Th e Tail - Behave Be Quiet Or THE ROY KAY TRIO Begone - Take & Give - Stranger Th an rhythm section. Th e drums friend). Th is fi rst album Th e Boogie», “Mabel”, “Bea- beat and the swing with his Rock-A-Way touch of western swing with fi re! Arsen is not the calm Fiction - Th inking’s Man Woman and the bass work perfectly was a true success mixing le Street” or “Bye Bye Boo- bass gains him a place near “Cadillac In Model A” and kind. - Bottle To Th e Baby - Broken Heart - Lonesome Moon Gonna Be Better Times - Hungry For together. Sometimes in roc- hypnotic rockabilly, tough gie” are also eff ective to make Kevin Smith or Ric Ramirez Lur-Liner LL003 its jazzy chords. Axel did a Th is wild double bass player Your Lovin - My Baby Walks All Over kabilly bands, especially rock’ n’roll and swingin’ jive. you dance. Th e only “cool” in the great bass players’pan- very job job producing this has tailored 15 cuts, alone Me - Gonna Love My Baby - Servant Cadillac in Model A - My Rockin’ Of Love - Give My Love To Rose when they have a drummer, Since then, nothing. We just one with a country fl avour is theon. And he can sing and Heart - You’re For Me - Cold Tears record and gave it a sound of and with friends. Among Slip Slip Slippin In - She Tracked Me Down - I’ve Lost... the bassist tends to over-slap knew thanks to his website “Long Time Gone”. write songs too ! “No More” - Rockin’ And Rollin’ - Everyday I’m its own. I won’t go more into these friends, there is thee which is not necessary. Th is that Mario was working on An excellent album for tho- has a strong “south of the Countin’ - Two Of A Kind - Untie details, but if you want to Rockin’ Lloyd Tripp who Th ese Strings - Lonesome Moon - Long is not the case of Th e How- a second album but this last se which are not afraid to border” feel with nice steel John’s Flagpole Rock - Shadows Fall hear a well produced album, holds the lead guitar on lin’ Hound Dogs. I could was done more than to wait. maltreat their ears, stomp and fl amenco guitar breaks. - Move On good songwriting, beautiful most cuts. Also, on the titles go on, telling you how “My But fi nally, the brand new their feet and wet their shirt! “Train Train” is a funny harmonies this one is for you. recorded with the Ricochets, Baby Walks All Over Me” is «Rhythm Junction”is out DP “spoken song”, just like Another (the third !!!!) future Arsen’s preceding band, is moving or how “Give My and deliver the same scien- “Smoke, Smoke, Smoke” classic album from Roy and Matt Pavlovic. So you can Love To Rose” almost make tist mixes, the same receipt LIL’ BIT or “Hot Rod Lincoln” to the boy. Wouldn’t be surprised be sure that you’re gonna you forget the Man In Black, which had made the savour give you an idea, with guest to fi nd them on “Th at’ll Flat fi nd (for sure this time ;-)) & THE CUSTOMATICS Th is is the second album but the best thing for you is of the fi rst. Dennis Fallon from Two Git It Vol. 217” in 2052. And some «rockabilly weapons Whiskey Nights from this Montreal based to grab a copy now. Try to Faultfi nders will be able to Tomcattin’ Around Tons of Steel on baritone. as usual with this band, the of massive destruction». As band. Th e fi rst one is now get it at www.slimsandy.com reproach this second opus Miller also wrote “Old Hot cover and the booklet are very this is the case; it is defi ni- Whiskey Nights - Little Bit More - No out of print, hope it’ll be FT for being a kind of carbon More - Red Hen Hop - Old Hot Rod rod”, a rocking song Lil’ Bit “Rock-A-Way Lonesome well designed. tely not rockabilly for queers re-released some day. What copy of the fi rst and they will - Been Gone So Long - Train, Train delivers with aggressivity, Moon” is the third album FT or sissies! James Chance, the - One Too Many - Free & Fairly Sober you’ll fi nd here is classic roc- MARIO BRADLEY not be wrong but Mario - Mr. Crazy Legs - Country Boy Rock surely one of her best mo- by this Seattle drumless trio drummer, beats like a nutca- n’ Roll - Stampede - Th e Best Th ing kabilly, or authentic if you “Rhythm Junction” overcomes so well this dif- ment. We haven’t talk about (two guitars and a bass). ARSEN ROULETTE se, the guitar groans, shouts prefer, that wouldn’t be out Pink’ n’ Black Records. PBCD 007 fi cult combination between Brian Duarte although his Th e previous ones has been Th e Lost Recordings whereas the double bass of place in the Sun catalog various styles and composi- talent shines throughout respectivly produced by Deke El Toro Records ETCD7000 slaps and snaps. Arsen ado- (despite the cover art and its tions (12 out of 16 titles of this album and culminates Dickerson and Ashley King- I Get Up - All Th rough Th e Nite res Jerry Lee, and in his work She Was My Baby - Boppin’ Lil Betty Elvis / RCA graphism). One which some are co-signed on his own “Stampede”. man. For this one they went - Gone Crazy - Don’t Say Goodbye one fi nds the fever and the original (the excellent Cat with Volker Houghton) Th is instrumental is a real to Germany and choose Axel - At Th e Drugstore - Hop Up Honey urgency of Killer. Th e fi rst - Tonight Tonight - Baby Likes To By Th e Tail) and 13 covers, that I again let myself em- “tour de force” and would Praefcke (Ike & Th e Capers) Rock And Roll - Jinx On Me (Demo) title «I Get Up» starts with but played with so much bark with the fi rst title «Hey delight every fan of pickin as co-producer. I believe you - 7 Lonely Nites, Days (Demo) the sound of the needle of a Spinin’ Around (Demo) personnality they make this Baby», a wild, and violent mixed with a good dose already know all the good Lonely Blue Teardrops (Demo) record player on an old vinyl songs their own. Even well rockabilly haunted by the Brand new album (the third) of rock’n’roll. A few covers things I think about them, Gone Gone Gone (Demo) with a piano sound «à la Jerry known songs like “Slip Slip cavernous vocal of Mario from this Texas quartet. Jen complete this cd. I really en- if you don’t read “Jumpin’ Arsen Roulette, whom you Lee». So after starting gently, Slippin’ In” or “Give My Mario Bradley was born in which always remind Har- aka Lil’ Bit must have one of joyed “One Too Many” (also from 6 to 6 #2”. And this al- better know since the fi rst the second piece «All Th rou- Love To Rose” sound fresh. Galway in the Irish Republic drock Gunter one of its the best voice on the rocka- covered by Th e Horton Bro- bum won’t change my mind ! issue of Jumpin’, has just gh Th e Nite» is gonna wake Th e reason is the musi- and it played of the double most obvious infl uences and billy scene today. It’s power- thers on their latest release) All but three songs are ori- released an album on the you up like a hundred cups cianship of course, but bass in several rockabilly to which he pays a vibrating ful and clear in the same with Jen and Tomcat singing ginals mostly written by Spanish label El Toro that of coff ee bursting directly REVIEWS

into your heart and your t Rock The Jukebox» -pe is the same I already made to man hillbilly blues band. head! Be prepared because riod) and, of course, Dwi- the Moots one: why is this Harmonica, guitar, drums you won’t find any rest be- ght Yoakam. Moreover he’s album so short?? That guy and vocals all played in fore «At The Drugstore» (the produced and accompanied sure knows how to sing and the same time by the same seventh cut!) and then back by Pete Anderson, the very write some good songs: four man. As its nickname says to your frenzy boppin’ with talented guitarist of that self-penned songs demons- Slim Sandy’s inspiration “Hop Up Honey”. The last famous cowboy and also trate that talent. “Your Heart goes from blues (Doctor five are almost all demos (the founded the label Little Dog Won’t Love”, “Heartache to Ross’ Come Back Baby) to sound is not that good but or romantic long hair who Records in 1993. Moot, ac- Follow”, “Not Another One hillbilly (a great rendition the power is still here) except sings the same old ditties companied by his band “The But You”, “You Coulda Been of Jimmie Rodgers’ Cali- «Lonely Blue Tear Drops (an gauged for mainstream radio Cool Deal”, delivers in this The Lucky One” are real mas- fornia Blues with yodel) out take) a catchy rockabilly or “perfect for line dancing’” ten song album (too short!) terpieces, some tearjerkin’ or with a lot of Hasil Adkins ballad that just thrills me so music (okay ol’ pal, but do what will please those who catchy honk-tonk songs the and Rock’n’roll in between. mean! A «as soon as possible, you have to speak like an in- like TRUE country with way they were made in the Sandy’s own are great too and must-have album» and you dian chief in a 50’s western? stories of motorways («Kind golden fifties. Other tracks well written. Sure the sound better listen to me or Santa - Virgil). No, Long Tall loves Highway»), of alcohol («Jug are covers from Hank Snow is raw, but you don’t expect Claus is gonna beat your ass! the spiritual sons of George of Wine «and «Whiskey (“Golden Rocket”) John- a one man band sounding DP Jones, Frankie Miller, Eddie Town» which appears in the ny Cash (“It’s Just About like a Phil Spector produc- Noack, Little Jimmy Dic- film «Crash» with Sandra Time”) and Johnny Horton tion, do you? I can only MOOT DAVIS kens, Ernie Schaffin, Ray Bullock), of trains (superb (“Honky Tonk Mind”) and encourage you to go to www. Moot Davis Price and, of course, Hank and crepuscular «Last Train the first song of the album slimsandy.com to order your Little Dog Williams. Singers with guts Home» ) and of broken love written by Ethan Shaw the own copy of this cd (it’s only and a big sound, a kind of («Thanks for Breakin’ My bass player for the Essenti- Thick Of It Now - Highway Kind - $10), and while you’re there Jug Of Wine - Whiskey Town - Thanks male delicacy where men are Heart « and «Stay Gone») als (“For Bein In Love”) is a why don’t you order other For Breakin’ My Heart - Last Train not afraid to cry but always that is sometimes combined very good foreword. Please Home - Nothin’ - One Of A Kind Peter Sandmark related - Halls Of Smoke & Wine - Stay Gone with sincerity and heart, but with fast movin’ rhythms guys, pour me another glass stuff like The Howlin’ never with a back thought of (love his “Nothin”). Moot of your brew as soon as pos- Hound Dogs or The Crazy marketing! That’s why you’ll proves with this first al- sible!! Rhythm Daddies. Believe read about people here like bum that he’s already a part DP me, you can’t go wrong with Wayne Hancock, Dale Wat- of those artists, thanks to this guy ! son, Ronnie Hayward, James a certain form of country SLIM SANDY FT Hand, Johnny Dilks, Tom (the only one for me), This is... Armstrong, Hank III, Phil will never die. Crow-Matic Records Hummer or Roger Wallace. Bear on his “Myspace” ho- There are two guys each re- mepage (http://www.myspa- BEAR leasing a first album that ce.com/bearandtheessenti- & THE ESSENTIALS I will like to tell you more als) says to describe his music Two Time Fool about: The first one is Moot “Nothing you would hear Sotz Davis and the second one is on today’s country radio” For Bein’ In Love - Your Heart Won’t Bear and his band the Essen- and I guess he’s right. His Love - Livin Doll - A Heartache To Follow - Two Time Fool - Golden Roc- tials. music sounds like listening ket - Baby Bye Bye - Not Another One Moot Davis is one of today’s to a fifties Texas juke-joint But You - It’s Just About Time - You Don’t Need Nuthin’ - 7 Nights To Coulda Been The Lucky One - talents whose obvious refe- juke-box: a honky-tonkin Rock - Come Back Baby - Bicycle Boo- A Honky Tonk Mind rences are Hank Williams, spirit with a Johnny Cash/ gie - You Can’t Fool Me - Cabin By The Creek - California Blues - Down When Long Tall speaks about George Jones, Webb Pierce Johnny Horton rockabilly In Kokomo - The Way You Dance country music, he will never and Buck Owens but also sound. The only reproach to - Rock It All Night evoke Toby Keith or any the eighties honky-tonkers be made to this eleven tit- This cd offers 10 cuts (three unspecified junk and phony like Clint Black or Alan les “Two Time Fool” album covers and seven originals) cowboy with a white Stetson Jackson (during his «Don’ (produced by Billy Horton) recorded live by the one