Nerus Records artist: The Hitman Blues Band - Calling Long Distance - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Calling Long Distance , from The Hitman Blues Band , and it's a good mix of contemporary blues. Opening with title track, Calling Long Distance , "Hitman" Alexander on lead guitar and vocal sets the pace with solid slide, driven by Bob Stander on bass and backing vocal and Guy LaFountaine on drums. With Mike Katzman on keys and a full compliment of horns like John Kelly on alto sax, Tom Mineo on tenor sax, Eric Altarac on trumpet and Al Alpert on trombone and Joanna Alexander and Nancy Hampton on backing vocals, this is a cool opener. Blood Alley is a cool driver with a taste of 60's surf music featuring keys by Katzman, and Tom Mineo wailing on sax while swimming in the sea of reverb soaked guitar by Hitman. Very cool. Low slung shuffle, Side Pocket For A Toad , has a great feel with sweet blues riffs by Hitman and punchy horn work by Kelly, Mineo, Altarac and Alpert. Foolish Pride is one of my favorit...