...and this was the other band name to grab mine and BKP's attention. Cover art might have also been a factor based on the title. Turns out the band was born here in Florida about two years ago in a festivals' post-party jam session. They were hired on the spot to open for Buddy Guy a month later. One review said this after the show:
“Southern Hospitality, which after a single gig has significant players in the blues world taking notice. The hot jazz and funk of New Orleans, classic country, gospel, soul, and blues that became rock ’n’ roll in Memphis and went global by way of a trucker named Elvis.” That's some serious praise, and he's right because this album is all over the stylistic map. First tune could have been a lost Little Feat song. There's a cover of a Latin instrumental made famous by Carlos Santana that should make him smile. Another song could have been ripped right off a John Hiatt record. Can I pick 'em or what? Here is an official intro video for the album and the two featured tracks used are from those I just mentioned...
Now you know it's a three-member core, two guitarists and a piano player, who all sing lead. I can't tell you who is singing what, but one of them reminds me of the singer in Blue Monday (as if that rings any bells for more than two of you). It's the piano work that sparks the record for me, and Victor Wainwright was the winner of this year's "Pinetop Perkins Award" given by the Blues Foundation, beating out Chuck Leavell and Mike Finnigan. Lost in much of the publicity is the fact that the record was produced by Tab Benoit, who also won an award at the same event, taking home this year's Best Male Contemporary Blues Artist. All that being said, however, the album was a 50/50 affair at best. I'd like to see them live but they don't get back to Florida until November and Orlando isn't a listed location. Bummer...
I don't think I'd suggest paying $14 for a physical copy of this album, but it's well worth your $8 for a digital version.
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