Brad Vickers & His VESTAPOLITANS

Artist Information

Biography

Please consider BRAD VICKERS & His VESTAPOLITANS for your Festival or event. You can’t go wrong with their exciting blend of good-time blues, ragtime, hill country breakdowns, and more American roots music!

BRAD VICKERS learned on the job playing with America's blues and roots masters: Pinetop Perkins, Jimmy Rogers, Hubert Sumlin, Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Odetta, Sleepy LaBeef, Rosco Gordon—to name only a few. Now his own group, The Vestapolitans, offer a good-time mix of originals and covers spanning blues, ragtime, hill country breakdowns, rock 'n' roll, and more great roots music. Their 3 CDs, "Traveling Fool" (2011), "Stuck With The Blues" (2010), and "Le Blues Hot" (2008) have met with terrific reviews, radio play on 250+ stations (two were XM Bluesville "Picks2Click"), and audience response!

GREAT REVIEWS Keep On Comin’!

Here's what the press has to say about our 2011 release, "TRAVELING FOOL":

“Their best so far. Each disc has improved upon its predecessor, but this one will be hard to top.”–Graham Clarke, BLUES BYTES

“You could put any track on the player and enjoy it. Highly recommended.”–John Mitchell BLUES BLAST

"This “rootsy” group settles themselves firmly in the “Masters” category. Vickers is a natural.” –Marcie Geukens, ROOTSTIME Belgium

“A set of “old school” blues and R&B that can’t fail to delight.”–Mick Rainsford, BLUES IN BRITAIN

“A real success and a group to discover right away.”–Bernard Boyat, BLUES MAGAZINE France

“Guardian of The Flame. An exciting recreation of those jug, ragtime, and old timey bands that first educated me in the 1960s and ’70s.”–Richard Ludmerer, BLUESWAX US

“Brad Vickers is an artist who quietly creeps under your skin.” –Rune Endal, BLUES NEWS Norway

 “Brad thanks those...from whom he has learned so well. They would be damn proud of this release.” –Chef Jimi Patricola, BLUES 411 US

“Vickers expertly conjures his heroes on originals...and receives superb support from his band.” –Bob Weinberg, JAZZ/BLUES FLORIDA US

“A true one-of-a-kind band, mixing and mastering wildly divergent styles, always sounding credible, and never mass-produced.” –Roger & Margaret White, BIG CITY RHYTHM & BLUES US

“‘Traveling Fool’ is simply wonderful. One can hardly withdraw oneself from the disc.” –ROCKIN’ BLUES Germany

“A highly-entertaining set of vintage rockin’ blues that’s guaranteed to liven up your next party!” –Sheryl & Don Crow, NASHVILLE BLUES SOCIETY US

“Very fine songs...perfect for airplay...irresistible instrumentals!” –Roberto Rossi, MYSTERY TRAIN, Italy

“Just what the people want, and never tire of. 4 Stars.”-Bernard Boyat, SUR LA ROUTE DE MEMPHIS, France

 “This is the kind of music that gladdens the heart.”–Stuart Hamilton, ROCKIN’ THE BLUES

“A well-thought-out collection of amusing and witty tunes. Highest praise!”–BLUES VAN, Hungary

“If rootsy, Americana and early rock-influenced blues is your thing, this...will make you swing.”–Dave Rubin, GUITARINSTRUCTOR.COM

“Great music, that reminds me of the laid back Chess Records of the 50s and early 60s.” –Henrik Linden RED HOT ROCK, Sweden

“Masterly work from all band members. This one should be a must-see-live band.” –Steven ‘Nick’ Nickerson, WYCE MUSIC JOURNAL US“

Straight up, well-executed rock’n’roll. The rhythm section is solid and the saxophone work gives the underbelly of the music plenty of life…executed with taste and professionalism.”-David Hintz, FOLKWORLD

“A steady and enjoyable cruise through authentically traditional blues, rockabilly, honky-tonk and ragtime numbers. `Don’t Take My Cadillac’ stands out as the best of [Vickers’] own songs...Leroy Carr’s plaintive ballad `How Long Blues’ is well done too, with some nice interplay between the guitar and Jim Davis’s clarinet.” -Neil B. LEICESTER BANGS, UK

“Perfectly captures the spirit of early rock instrumentals, channeling Duane Eddy, the Ventures and Booker T. and the MGs, and they’re just as much fun as those old gems, with lots of burning guitar and sax breaks.”—George Kopp ELMORE MAGAZINE Review Blog US

“The Vestapolitans, have the amazing ability to carry on the traditions and sounds of an older style of music without their efforts ever sounding pre-planned or forced. Playing this music just comes naturally to them. Give a big shout out to producer Dave Gross and V.D. King for the job they did mixing this album. Every instrument is represented so wonderfully, and nothing is masked by someone else's playing—It's truly impressive work. I have to take time to mention...Don't Take My Cadillac...it is without question my favorite tune on this record, and that's saying something, ?because these songs are all phenomenal. "Don't Take My Cadillac" is the perfect storm of songwriting, arranging and performance, crafting what would have become a timeless smash hit had it been released in the height of the Chess era. This song is an instant classic! Standout Tracks: All of them! Personal favorites include "Don't Take My Cadillac," "Low Down Dirty Shame," "Without Moolah," and "In My Dream" “-Johnny Full-time, FULL-TIME BLUES RADIO

“This is a very fine, good-timing, and extremely entertaining set. As I said the last time I reviewed one of Brad’s albums – more please!”-Norman Darwen, BLUES & RHYTHM, UK

“I'm transported indeed to a romantic and uniquely American road trip. There's no need for hurry---we done forgot where it was we were going anyhow! But oh the sights along the way! And all of those hip joints we got to stop and hang-out at! Folks back home are gonna love hearin' some of these tales! That's the takeaway for me now playing the Vestapolitans as sonic wallpaper in my shop right now...I'm “THERE!!” "-Dale Thomas Rates in BLUES 411 US

“Just plain, enjoyable music! A varied and enjoyable CD. The use of the horn section reminds you of the glory days of Chess in the fifties and sixties."- Eric Campfens BARN OWL BLUES, Holland

"Everything is executed and arranged so that you have the impression you're right in the middle of American music! This can surely satisfy most connoisseurs of the the beautiful music of the pre-war era, and multiple styles of roots music." -Piotr Gwizdala TWOJ BLUES, Poland

“Keeps you excited not only for the song you are hearing, but also excited with anticipation for the next track to come… Traveling Fool” is simply a tour de force . Highly Recommended for the sheer Fun and Enjoyment of it."-John Vermilyea BLUES UNDERGROUND NETWORK

"Fun, unaffected dance music you will enjoy listening to again and again.it will immediately grab all listeners. GREAT".-Vicente Zumel, LA HORA DEL BLUES Spain

"The very first jump jive song out of the box ("Traveling Fool") elicits that primal urge to toe-tap or more. Really tight group, and the sax just smokes. This is one band that should be a must-see-live band. That's my two nickels worth!-Steven "Nick" Nickelson: WYCE MUSIC JOURNAL Grand Rapids, MI

“This album called ‘Traveling Fool” is fabulous.! Thanks for the music and your wonderful band, The Vestapolitans.Keep playing those blues”. -Pat St John SIRIUS /XM radio

"Love the production of this, old school. I like Brad and a bunch of the musician's on this disc, Some good songs n good feel. Great cover art, which i think is important. Damn good!"-Todd Wolfe WLVR

"Brad and His Vestapolitans keep honing their unique sound. Great to finally have their new disc on the air!!!"-Mike Reisz “Blues All Over The Place” WDPS Dayton, Ohio

"Your new disc arrived yesterday, and you guys just "Knocked My Socks Off”!!! ?I think this is another super disc from you!"-Peggy Nagel KAFM Grand Junction, CO

"I love the album and its songs – they are so joyful and happy. With Bobby Radcliff again as a guest star “Traveling Fool” is a fully satisfying blues release –played by a pro and produced by a pro." -Przmek Draheim RADIO SFERA Poland

Here's what's being said about our 2 other fine CDs:

“Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans deliver another batch of honest, irresistible blues”
—Tom Hyslop, BLUES REVUE

“Plenty of instrumental sass by way of Vickers’ astute acoustic picking and sax man Jim Davis’ sonic strut…”
—Mark Uricheck, LIVING BLUES

“Few bands can cover more than a half-century of blues styles and give each its own authentic reincarnation. This sets Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans apart from every other blues band in the land.”
—Roger & Margaret White, BIG CITY BLUES

“After their surprising debut album ‘Le Blues Hot,’ one could only hope for a quick sequel. Now, with ‘Stuck With The Blues,’ that expectation is rewarded. You’ll find it all here: ‘feel good’ music, depth, originality, and respect for the legacy of the blues greats.”
—Marcie Geukens, ROOTSTIME

“They are the real deal blues-early-rock-and-roll torch carriers, vowing to keep American’s Modern Music alive and strong every time they go into the studio. You can always, 100% of the time, count on strong jam interludes, blazing horns, a showcasing of every individual and their instrument, and a consistent, danceable, boogie-woogie, foot-tapping, thigh-slapping cacophony on every track. Thank you Brad Vickers & your Vestapolitans. Keep up the good work!”
—Belinda Foster, ILLINOIS BLUES BLAST

“New York based singer/guitarist Brad and his versatile group impressed me with their debut ‘Le Blues Hot’, and now they do it again with their new CD release”
—Norman Darwin, BLUES & RHYTHM

“Vickers and band tackle a diverse set of musical styles on this release, but it all fits together seamlessly. ‘Stuck With The Blues’ is another winner that will be welcome in any blues fan’s collection.”
—Graham Clarke, BLUES BYTES

“Several—make that many—replays were in order here…The disc closes out with an all-out jam called ‘I’m A Love You’. On this one, it’s Brad on top of his game with the guitar.”
—Peter ‘Blewzzman’ Lauro, MARY4MUSIC

“Indeed an impressive album. In a word, ‘Excellent!’”
—Mladen Loncar, SOUNDGUARDIAN.COM

“Torch-holders of that great American music known as the Blues. A perfect meal cooked up with many spices ranging from city blues, ’50s rock, country, and 1920s boogie-woogie.”
—Joshua Meander, NOMAD’S CHOIR

“Brilliant, wide-ranging, ‘Stuck With The Blues’ is a perfect sequel to the amazing ‘Le Blues Hot’”
—Roberto Rossi, RADIO PNR

AND, praise for The VESTAPOLITANS’ First CD, ‘Le Blues Hot’

“One of the most uninhibited, original works of these years!”—Eduardo Fassio, IL BLUES

“Gets better each time you listen.”—Richard Thomas, BLUES MATTERS

“Outstanding musicians!”—Vincent Zumel, L’HORA del BLUES

“Fun, spirited tunes!”—Bill Nolan, WPKN/WPKM

“Highest praise, 5 Stars!”—Mladen Loncar, SOUNDGUARDIAN.COM

“Intelligent, lofty, & very ‘30s Jazz-Ragtime!”—Andre Hobus, SOULBAG

“Fresh-astounding-amazing and unusual!”—Alain Mallaret, BIG BEAT

“Rollicking blend of Blues and Jazz!”—Norman Darwen, BLUES & RHYTHM

“Good-time feel!”—Tom Hyslop, BLUES REVUE

“A CD by a fabulous musician!”—Przemek Draheim, Radio Sfera

“Seduces you from the first songs, scores a direct hit!”—Marcie Geukens, ROOTSTIME

“Like nothing else you’ll find today!”—Roger & Margaret White, BIG CITY BLUES

“Unpretentious...credible!”—Belinda Foster, ILLINOIS BLUES BLAST

“One of my favorites of the year!”—Olivia Greene, WWOZ


EARNING HIS REPUTATION by having the good fortune to tour and record with some of America’s greatest vernacular artists as a blues bassist, Brad here plays guitar andsings. A good half of the songs are his own compositions. Most of the rest are interpretations of his favorite roots classics. Both the writing and treatment are inspired by the work of artists he loves, especially the great bluesmen Tampa Red and Jimmy Reed.

BRAD'S LONG LIST OF CREDITS includes playing and recording with rock ’n’ roll founding fathers Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, Chicago blues legends Hubert Sumlin, Jimmy Rogers, Pinetop Perkins, Louis Meyers, Magic Slim, Luther Johnson, Lefty Diz, and James Cotton; country bluesmen Sam Carr, Frank Frost, Lightnin’ Hopkins, Lightin’ Slim, Snooky Pryor; folk blues matriarch Odetta; Texas bluesmen Johnny Copeland and Frankie Lee; rockabilly great Sleepy La Beef; R ’n’ B legend Roscoe Gordon; master drummers Charles Otis, Bernard Purdie, and Willie Smith, great modern blues artists Slam Allen, Wild Child Butler, Paul Butterfield, Robert Cray, Saron Crenshaw, Christopher Dean, Ronnie Earl, The Frost Kings, Big Daddy Kinsey, Bob Gaddy, Steve Guyger, Michael Hill, Big Jack Johnson, Floyd Lee, Junior Mack, Little Mike and the Tornadoes Band, Paul Oscher, Jerry Portnoy, Bobby Radcliff, Danny Russo, The Dean Shot Revue, Bill Sims, Jr., Somethin’ Blue, Andy Storey, Taj Mahal, Tony O. Band, Kim Wilson…and many more.

BRAD IS JOINED ON "LE BLUES HOT" BY A GREAT GROUP OF MUSICIANS. The extraordinary Jim Davis, whose saxophone credits include Paul Oscher and Hubert Sumlin, also takes the clarinet through some dazzling turns. His horns dance among genres with eloquence and aplomb. The estimable Barry Harrison, alumnus of both Johnny and Shemekia Copeland’s bands, holds the house drum chair at NYC’s famous Terra Blues club. Here he plays drums and percussion with great variety—and humor. Take note of his fills on “ ‘A’ Rag!” Rising star Dave Gross shows off his Gypsy-jazz-tinged guitar talent on “Sunny Side of the Street,” and “‘A’ Rag”—and he contributes some very solid upright bass parts! The versatile Margey Peters, long-time bassist with Big Frank & The Healers, plays electric bass, fiddle, and sings. Margey also co-wrote several of the tunes, as well one she wrote with collaborator Steve Tarshis. Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans have some great music in store. So grab a seat, sit back, and enjoy!

Instrumentation

BRAD VICKERS - Guitar & Vocals
BRAD's distinctive delivery is culled from his extensive experience playing with American blues and roots masters.

JIM DAVIS - Clarinet & Sax.
Horn wiz JIM was conservatory trained, but learned his trade in Boston's combat zone "burlesque" houses!

MARGEY PETERS - Bass, Fiddle, & Vocals
MARGEY is the long-time bass player for Big Frank & The Healers, S. I.'s premier blues band.

ARNE ENGLUND - Piano, Guitar.
Known as a great guitarist with such acclaimed acts as Debbie Davies, ARNE is a great barrelhouse piano man!

Bill Rankin - Drums
BILL has played with many roots acts, including Big Jim Wheeler, and the great Zydeco band, Lucky 7!

ALSO AVAILABLE AS A TRIO of Guitar/Vocals, Bass/Fiddle/Vocals, and Clarinet/Sax. PERFECT FOR INTIMATE VENUES!

Discography

"Traveling Fool"
(2011 ManHatTone 1070 -15 Tracks)

"Stuck With The Blues"
(2010 ManHatTone 1060 -14 Tracks)
XM Bluesville "Pick2Click"

"Le Blues Hot"
(2008 ManHatTone 1050 - 20 Tracks)
XM Bluesville "Pick2Click!"
Soundguardian.com's "Best Blues CDs of 2008"

Great Radio Play on 250+ stations. All 3 CDs are still in rotation on XM Bluesville.

Brad Vickers has previously recorded with many great artists, including 2 Grammy-nominated recordings with legendary pianist Pinetop Perkins. Among those with whom he has recorded are: Roscoe Gordon, Hubert Sumlin, James Cotton, Paul Butterfield, Big Daddy Kinsey, Little Mike & The Tornadoes, Odetta, The Uptown Horns, and Floyd Lee.

Official Website

http://www.bradvickers.com

Links

• Facebook
• MySpace
• Twitter
• Vestapolitans' 3rd CDbaby page
• Vestapolitans' 2nd CDbaby page
• Vestapolitans' CDbaby page
• The Vestapolitans Facebook page

Audio

• Coming And Going
  Listen  
• Cold Fish
  Listen  
• Freight Car
  Listen  
• Baby, Please Don't Go
  Listen  
• Where Can My Baby Be?
  Listen  
• Hudson's Stomp
  Listen  
• It's Gonna Be Me (There'll Be A Day)
  Listen  
• Up From The Bottom
  Listen  
• Gonna Quit You
  Listen  
• Our Real Good Thing (...Gets Better Every Day)
  Listen  

Lyrics

• Hobo Jungle

Video

Photo Gallery

Press

• One of the most uninhibited, original works of these years! [+ Show ]
  

  The references in the titles are simple: That the album draws on the European-American Jazz of the '...The references in the titles are simple: That the album draws on the European-American Jazz of the 'Thirties (using the charming article "le" in the fashion of the musical bistros of Paris), "Hudson's Stomp," to the baptismal name of Tampa Red, "I'm Homesick," to the master of the bottleneck, Homesick James (and also his cousin Elmore), " Boogie for Jimmy Reed," which automatically evokes the obstinate rhythm guitar which has been carried on by thousands of blues and rock bands all over the world.
  Instead the design and execution imagined by two New York musicians, Brad Vickers and Margey Peters, it is far from simple: Vickers, a bassist of long experience that has accompanied everyone, from Jimmy Rogers, to Odetta to, Sleepy LaBeef, organized an orchestra (named The Vestapolitans) that pays homage to the shades of pre-War tonalities (using Vestapol and "open tuning" dear to the country blues guitarists.) Retuning his instrument to get the benefit of the acoustic guitar, the leader adds the retro sounds of the sax and clarinet of Jim Davis, the violin of Peters, and the vintage guitar of Dave Gross. Reassessed are timeless classics like Tampa Red's "Give it Up Buddy", that's played between slide guitar and clarinet, "Baby Please Don't Go" (without words—it's the guitar and the violin that sing), "Hesitation Blues," " On The Sunny Side of The Street," and "Hands Off" (this last by Jay McShann, where Margey, with dignity, takes care of Priscilla Bowman's vocal parts.) The result of this long, imaginative jam of hokum blues, dusty jazz manouche, and boogie, are incomparable—and not only in the revisited: original pieces like "Freight Car," "'A' Rag," and especially "Mississippi Shadows," a noir masterpiece with a bit of tension and restlessness, frame "Le Blues Hot" as one of the most uninhibited, original works of these years.
  

• Just What the Doctor Ordered [+ Show ]
  

  “This exhilarating collection encapsulates several genres of roots music…Vickers does a wonderful jo...“This exhilarating collection encapsulates several genres of roots music…Vickers does a wonderful job on guitar and has a nice, soothing voice that is a perfect fit with the material…it’s obvious that Vickers and company had a ball recording it...What may be most impressive is that the group’s original tunes fit so seam-lessly with the older songs…“Le Blues Hot” is just what the doctor ordered for fans needing a fix of old-timey blues, jazz, and ragtime.”

• What A Band! [+ Show ]
  

  “Brad Vickers may be know to some from his recordings with Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, or Little...“Brad Vickers may be know to some from his recordings with Pinetop Perkins, Hubert Sumlin, or Little Mike & The Tornadoes; or maybe you've been lucky enough to catch his shows. He tunes his guitar in "Vestapol", hence the band name—and what a band!...Excellent slide guitar numbers skiffle, hokum and/or ragtime-styled tunes, or fine down-home blues. A very distinctive and appealing sound.”

• A CD by a Fabulous Musician! [+ Show ]
  

  “A CD by a fabulous musician! One of the baddest blues bassists around, it turns out that Brad also ...“A CD by a fabulous musician! One of the baddest blues bassists around, it turns out that Brad also knows his way around guitar's neck and microphone! With...great playing and some first-class musicians, "Le Blues Hot" is a CD that should have been released a long time ago!”

• 5 Stars! [+ Show ]
  

  “Le Blues Hot is precisely that, a singularly unique masterpiece of music, which, in its simplicity ...“Le Blues Hot is precisely that, a singularly unique masterpiece of music, which, in its simplicity is literally brilliant...each song is better than the last...highest praise goes to Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans. One of the 50 Best Blues CDs of 2008" - 5 Stars!”

• Scores a Direct Hit! [+ Show ]
  

  “Seduces and wraps you up you from the first song. New York singer/ guitarist Brad Vickers, is hims...“Seduces and wraps you up you from the first song. New York singer/
  guitarist Brad Vickers, is himself a star of exceptional range...Brad scores a direct hit. An ideal "Hot" welcome to the New Year!”

• Intelligent, lofty, & Very 30s Jazz-Ragtime! [+ Show ]
  

  “Sophisticated in their apparent simplicity, and demonstrate a solid knowledge of the melodic, cultu...“Sophisticated in their apparent simplicity, and demonstrate a solid knowledge of the melodic, cultural
  and technical...The result is intelligent, lofty and very 30s-jazz-ragtime”

• Fresh-Astounding-Amazing and Unusual! [+ Show ]
  

  I adore the fresh-astounding-amazing and unusual mix of Blues (slide guitar, upright Bass…) with Jaz...I adore the fresh-astounding-amazing and unusual mix of Blues (slide guitar, upright Bass…) with Jazz (clarinet, sax…).… that's why "Le Blues Hot" made me jump my heart and stomp my feet !!!”

• Good-Time Feel! [+ Show ]
  

  “ ‘Le Blues Hot’ investigates vintage blues and jazz styles over the course of 11 new compositions a...“ ‘Le Blues Hot’ investigates vintage blues and jazz styles over the course of 11 new compositions and songs from Jay McShann, Tampa Red, and others. Guitarist Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans maintain a good-time feel with Jim Davis’ saxophone and clarinet evoking a New Orleans party on ‘Where Can My Baby Be?,’ and the ensemble lending ‘Hesitation Blues’ a fresh old-time jazz arrangement. Dave Gross adds guitar to ‘On The Sunny Side of The Street,’ hear roots rock in ‘Woogie On Down’ and ‘Gonna Quit You,’ and find solid Chicago blues in ‘Boogie for Jimmy Reed’ and ‘I’m Homesick’.”

• Like nothing else you'll find today! [+ Show ]
  

  At one time blues and jazz were synonymous, Brad Vickers & his Vestapolitans reunite them with a deb...At one time blues and jazz were synonymous, Brad Vickers & his Vestapolitans reunite them with a debt to early jazz, swing, acoustic blues, and ragtime, creating a sound that is fresh, swinging and hot. Brad Vickers is a well-regarded bassist who's played with everyone from Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley to Jimmy Rogers and Johnny Copeland, and currently backs up Bobby Radcliff and Steve Guyger. Here Brad takes up acoustic guitar in the open “Vestapol” tuning, naming his group The Vestapolitans, and giving this New York City band it's name and distinctive sound. With the addition of Margey Peters on bass and violin, Jim Davis on clarinet and sax and Barry Harrison on drums The Vestapolitans have a style all their own. The twenty tunes on this CD are a mix of originals and classic blues and jazz standards that give it a timeless quality. His originals blend so well with the covers that you'd have to check the liner notes just to be sure.
  The original county blues number “Freight Car” starts off this journey with slide guitar leads and clarinet where you'd expect a harmonica. It's a real delight to hear clarinet and violin swing the blues, these standard instruments of early jazz and ethnic bands are rarely used today, and here they're not just an occasional lead, but are used as accompaniment playing off each other and filling out the songs, gives the music a fresh yet familiar feel. Using clarinet is a nice turn around: taking back those parts from the Mississippi Saxophone imitating horns. Brad’s vocals are nice in a homey way, but the real pleasure comes from the subtle interplay of these simple arrangements. The violin starts off an instrumental version of “Baby Please Don't Go” with a driving beat carrying the load as Brad Vickers’ slide work shuffles on out. Rounding out the compilation are traditional numbers like the Rev. Gary Davis' “Hesitation Blues,” Jimmy Reed’s “It's Gonna Be Me (There'll Be A Day),” and “On The Sunny Side Of The Street.” Interspersed with these are instrumentals blending traditional numbers like “Up From the Bottom” and “Give It Up Buddy” with his own originals, “Hudson Stomp” and “'A' Rag”. Margey Peters adds vocals on Jay McShann's “Hands Off” with an edge. Her pleading vocals fit this leave-my-man-alone tale. On a more rockin' side you'll find is “I'm Homesick.” With its slide guitar and sax the title may comes from Homesick James, but could just as well be Elmore. They keep on rockin' with “Gonna Quit You” and “Woogie On Down,” featuring a hard-rockin' clarinet and greasy slide guitar, while “Boogie For Jimmy Reed” is driven by a sly high hat. With so many great numbers the stand-out track may be“Mississippi Shadows,” an instrumental giving the swampy feel of sliding on snake oil down some dark back road. This CD listened too as a whole may be a progression from country blues in the beginning, swing in the midsection, and rock towards the end, and moves along on a steady roll. Finishing off this voyage,“Raisin' Praise” takes on the feel of a Sacred Steel church revival meeting. Played on acoustic slide guitar, it leaves you with a sanctified feeling.
  Brad Vickers & His Vestapolitans are like nothing else you'll find today—and only similar to music you may have remembered from the past.
  — Roger & Margaret White, Big City Blues
  

Setlist

The Vestapolitans have enough material
—comprised of both originals and covers
(from such artists as Tampa Red, Jimmy Reed,
Chuck Berry, J. B. Lenoir, Reverend Gary Davis, among many others) in their unique skiffle, blues, ragtime, style—to play as much as 200 minutes...
or more.
Please refer to our audio selections for a taste!

Basic Requirements

Calendar