4/20 ~ AJ Crawdaddy wrapped up their latest CD, "Steppin' Out" produced by Christoffer "Kid' Andersen and recorded at Greaseland Studios in San Jose, CA. 11 dynamite tracks of bluesy gumbo consisting of originals and covers, a greasy stew of savory vocalists simmering in tasty horn arrangements with plenty of sweet steely guitar riffs and harmonica spice. Bring your appetite because you will not leave hungry. BUY IT HERE!
AJ is available for Station I.D.s and Interviews .. Please contact him at aj@ajcrawdaddy.com
"AJ has deep friendship with many in the Bay Area blues scene, and that’s a key to his popularity and success. Most of the musicians who play with him have been bandmates for more than two decades. “We’re playing blues, and that’s a simple language,” he says. “And it’s a very fun language.” Bill Koop, Metro Activate Magazine, San Jose, CA
AJ Crawdaddy – Steppin’ Out!
Cave Records
www.ajcrawdaddy.com
11 Tracks – 50 minutes
With his third solo album, guitarist Angelo Rossi, aka AJ Crawdaddy, continues his exploration of the blues music genre. He got a three year taste of the spotlight in the early 1980s when he joined the hit-making pop group Pablo Cruise. After a long hiatus, Crawdaddy returned to the music business in 2015 with his independent release, Vaporized.
For his latest project, he joined a long list of artists who have entrusted the brilliant Kid Andersen and his Greaseland Studios to make their musical vision come to life. In addition to recording and producing the album, Andersen also contributes on guitar, bass, Hammond B3 organ, and Wurlitzer piano. Crawdaddy is featured on guitar as well as lead vocal on four cuts.
Several members of the backing band have played on all of three of Cradaddy’s recent releases – Baxter Robertson on piano and vocals, Jim Dewrance on vocals and harmonica, Greg Jones on bass and Peter Booras on drums. June Core and Donnie Green also contribute on drums. The horn section features returnees Michael Peloquin on tenor saxophone and Marcel Marchetti on trumpet, plus Doug Rowan on baritone sax and Mike Rinta on trombone.
On the opener, guest vocalist Marcel Smith gives “Big Hurt” a deep, soulful sound, his mournful cries answered by Crawdaddy’s cutting guitar licks. Smith makes another appearance on the closer, “Rain Of Tears,” one of three songs recycled from the Vaporized recording. He once again draws listeners in, his exceptional voice giving them a palpable sense of the sorrow and heartache portrayed in the lyrics. Lisa Leuschner Andersen helps out on backing vocals. John Blues Boyd takes listeners down in the alley on a B.B. King slow blues, “Ten Long Years,” his raw vocals matched by the intensity of the bent notes Crawdaddy elicits from his guitar.
“Steppin’ Out” is one of four tracks with the leader taking over the lead vocal role, sharing the spotlight with Andersen on the Hammond organ and another guest, Quique Gomez, blowing sweet harmonica accompaniment. The band tears through a cover of “Bony Moronie,” Crawdaddy’s vocal exuding a sense of calm in contrast to the wild sounds surrounding him. “Mean Man” has plenty of six string fireworks wrapped around a brawny tenor solo from Peloquin. Fans of Little Milton will recognize “That’s What Love Will Do”. Crawdaddy may not have Milton’s vocal skills, but the arrangement brings out the best in his singing style.
The proceedings shift gears on a cover of Frank Frost’s “My Back Scratcher,” with Dewrance on vocals and harmonica, the band laying down a slinky, belly-rubbing groove that harks back to the Slim Harpo sound. Dewrance is also featured on “Country Girl (Home At Last),” a tight, Chicago-style shuffle with Robert Welsh setting the mood with some usual fine piano playing. Robertson gives Johnny Taylor’s “Need Another Favor” a solid reading while Crawdaddy takes his time on his solo segment, slipping in some references to the B.B. King style.
Blues Blast senior writer Marty Gunther found plenty to like on Slow Cookin’, Crawdaddy’s previous release. The guitarist keeps the streak going, putting together another strong offering built around his incisive fretwork. Andersen once again brings all of the pieces together to frame each song in a glorious mix that allows listeners to appreciate each and every contribution.
It sure sounds like everybody had a whole lot of fun recording this project. You owe to yourself to check it out!
Blues Blast Magazine Senior writer Mark Thompson lives in Florida.
AJ CRAWDADDY - BACKGROUND
Angelo J. Rossi, aka “AJ Crawdaddy” is an American Blues Guitarist born in Palo Alto, California and a long-time San Francisco Bay Area Artist. Angelo has worked with Graham Nash, and has toured with the popular Marin-based group, Pablo Cruise, which charted multi-platinum albums, “A Place in the Sun” and “Worlds Away.” Angelo is also a BMI published writer and a voting member of N.A.R.A.S. (The Grammy's).
THE “AJ CRAWDADDY” BAND
Angelo J. Rossi - Guitar, Vocal
Baxter Robertson - Piano, Vocal
Jimmy Dewrance - Harmonica, Vocal
Greg Jones - Bass Guitar
Peter Booras - Drums and Percussion
Michael Peloquin - Saxophones
Marcel Marchetti - Trumpets
http://ajcrawdaddy.com
