The Nighthawks
Are Back with a New CD, 444, on a New Label, EllerSoul Records, Coming
June 17
In their Fifth
Decade, America’s Seminal American Roots Music Band Remains Vibrant & a
Must-See Live Performance Group
WASHINGTON, DC – America’s favorite
roots music band, The Nighthawks, announce a June 17 release date for their
latest album, 444, on EllerSoul Records, their label debut.
Produced by the band and recorded at Montrose Studio in Richmond, Virginia,
444 is jam-packed with 13 tracks of blues, soul, rock ‘n’ roll and
roadhouse country music – all given the trademark Nighthawks combination of
talent, passion, energy and showmanship that has made the Blues Music Award
winners a truly one-of-a-kind live listening experience, conveniently packaged
on disc and ready to take home to enjoy.
Now in their fifth decade of recording and live performing,
the 21st century Nighthawks are a tight, cohesive unit – the kind
that comes only from years and miles. Guitarist Paul Bell and bassist Johnny
Castle have been in the band for more than a decade; drummer Mark Stutso, the
“new kid,” is starting his fifth year; and singer/harmonica player Mark Wenner
is counting 40-plus. The nightly consensus from fans is that this version of The
Nighthawks is the best ever. The concept that was mapped out in the liner notes
of their 1974 debut recording, Rock and Roll, has grown into a
powerful expression of the American musical tradition.
444 draws from the deep roots the band has
always mined: an organic mix of originals and classic cover tunes. Some are well
known, like Muddy Waters’ “Louisiana Blues,” and some more obscure, like the Du
Droppers’ “Walk That Walk.” But they all blend to make a rich American stew.
“Honky Tonk Queen,” a Wenner original that sounds as if it could have come from
an old Rolling Stones’ session outtake; “No Secrets,” (another Wenner song) and
“Price of Love” (written by The Everly Brothers) are previously recorded
Nighthawks songs presented here with new depth and breadth. “The King” is
well-represented on the new disc, as well. Two early Elvis Presley movie numbers
-- “Got a Lot of Livin’” the final song in his 1957 film, Lovin’ You
(which Elvis sings out in the audience that includes his mother Gladys)
and “Crawfish,” which opens his 1958 movie, King Creole -- date
from the magic period in the 1950s when Mark Wenner was most under the spell of
the radical new star.
Johnny Castle contributes three originals to
444, including the hard-charging “444 A.M.” that gives the new CD
its title. “High Snakes,” a swampy, haunting cry of lost love, was written and
recorded by Johnny and his former DC-cohort, guitarist Bill Kirchen. Johnny’s
lovely “Roadside Cross,” is unusual for The Nighthawks and gives the otherwise
rockin' CD a gentle and beautiful finish. It also features the only guest
appearance on the album, the delicate mandolin part by Akira Otsuka, a pal of
Johnny’s from his bluegrass days.
Mark Stutso borrowed a bluegrass original from his
brother-in-law and turned it into a Texas funk groove in “You're Gone.” For
“Nothin' but the Blues,” he drew on his friendship with Grammy-winner Gary
Nicholson. The band had learned “Livin' the Blues” backing up on a tour with
Tracy Nelson, who co-wrote it with Gary. Mark Wenner takes the lead vocal on the
“Hawks version, with just one little word change.
As always, the
essential flavors and textures of this rich American stew come from the electric
and acoustic guitar work of the incomparable Paul Bell, who continues to thrive
in his role as lead guitarist, forever expanding his horizons on the instrument
with the best of tone and taste.
Almost every Nighthawks recording has featured at least one
Muddy Waters tune, and 444 is no exception. This time the band
showcases its acoustic version of Muddy's “Louisiana Blues” (staying close to
the country blues tone of Muddy’s original version), recalling their Blues Music
Award-winning acoustic release, Last Train to Bluesville, and
Muddy's live introduction on the band’s Open All Night album. As
the legend said that night way back when, “They have a beautiful name. They are
THE NIGHTHAWKS.”
The Nighthawks are booked by Blue Mountain artists (
www.bmatours.com). To watch the trailer for
their upcoming 2015 documentary film, “The Nighthawks: That Band on the Blue
Highway,” directed by Michael Streissguth, click on this link:
https://vimeo.com/88276223
THE NIGHTHAWKS TOUR
ITINERARY
5/7 The Zoo
Bar
Lincoln, NE
5/8 21st
Saloon
Omaha, NE
5/9 Uncle Bo’s T-Town Bar – Ramada
Inn Downtown Topeka, KS
5/16 Bright Box
Theatre
Winchester, VA
5/7 Poolesville
Springfest
Poolesville, MD
5/29 34th Annual Herndon
Festival Herndon,
VA
5/30 Ramshead
Tavern
Annapolis, MD
6/7 National Whitewater
Center Charlotte,
NC
6/20 The
Birchmere
Alexandria, VA
6/22 Capital Ale House Music Hall (CD
Release – 6pm) Richmond, VA .
6/26 Thunder in the
Valley
Johnstown, PA
6/27 Blues, Brews & BBQ
Festival Charleston,
WV
6/28 The State
Theatre
Culpepper, VA
7/4 Evenings on
Main
Luray, VA
7/5 High Tides on
Potomac
Colonial Beach, VA
7/6 A Blues Night Out – Bethesda
Blues & Jazz Bethesda, MD
7/20 Gilligan’s
Pier
Newberg, MD
7/26 Peekskill Rock & Blues
Festival Peekskill,
NY
