Boogie Bone

Boogie Bone
Pro-Bone-O CD release party
Roseland 1-15-11

Note to self: Quit buying top-dollar tickets for national acts, when I've got it all right here with top-notch live and local music-night after friggin' night for a fraction of the price.

Other note to self: Always make sure to drag even my economically lazy friends out to see local acts- especially when Boogie Bone plays. They hang out with the audience during the opener set and hand out worthy prizes to their fans!

Half the city was in attendance. That's right…they all squeezed in to be part of one of the best shows this year so far. They also got a free full-length CD of the band's new release, 'Pro-Bone-O'. A richly decorated album containing a collection of cleanly recorded killer numbers. There's backwood boogies, uptempo Texas style shuffles, with shit-stomping Telecaster leads. There's four-bar baddies mixed with some funk- driven horn sections, and informal r&b, bringing both Smokey Robinson and Tower of Power to mind.

I especially dig the jump-blues inspired "Insight Out" with its spanish vis-a-vis arabesque slant. Nice. For all its variance, the band keeps it all wrapped up tightly in the blues.

In celebration, the band was red hot and ready from the first song out. It was as if they just finished one of the best gigs in their life but still had four hours worth of boogie in them to hoist upon the crowd- these cats are adrenaline addicts.
Amazing that Howlin' Jake Johnson can call to mind Al Green, Joe Louis Walker and Vernon Reed all at the same time. Steven Dee Williams carries both great rhythm, dynamo leads and punchy vocals. He toggles between each member of the band, bouncing his chops off of them all.

Seems that one Steve Snyder plays just about everything- sax, keys, harmonica, flute..all at once. Move over Rasaan Roland Kirk!
All this, held down by a very heavy bottomed rhythm duo, Henry Gevaldon and Todd Stevens on bass and drums, respectively.

For a bit I wondered why I didn't recognize too many out in the seats…they came from every walk of life and corner of the city. The CBA regulars were there with their blessed legion of support. Yet there were also whole platoons of youngsters, oldsters and in betweeners; even a couple metal-heads w/ Motorhead t-shirts heard the music and decided to check it out. I lost sight of them amongst the mayhem.

The StrangeTones are so impressed with the 'Bones, they lent themselves as the opening act. The 'Tones are yet another shining example as to why we've got the very best in Portland They played familiar tunes everyone loves as well as a couple brand now songs, unleashed here for the very first time. Wow.

Its no wonder the greatest artists we got are all local. There's almost no reason to catch the National's running through, when we got 'em all right here, for a fraction of the price.

Final note to self: Since half the city was in attendance, let the other half know that their remiss cost them one of the best times they could've had so far this year. They also didn't get cool t-shirts and bumper stickers- you haven't lived until you can walk up to the hottest chick in the room and hand her a "Got Bone?" button.

And the 2 headbangers? I spotted them at the front of the stage, their Pabst pints and horn-forked fingers thrusting firmly in the air as Boogie Bone threw down the last 2 rescinding notes.
That's our PDX!
- Buko Magazine

Recently while talking to Boogie Bone's Steven Dee Williams and Howlin' Jake Johnson, they explained to me that their new CD Pro-Bone-O was going to be a bit toned down, aiming to appease the more traditional blues lovers. Well, before all of you die-hard Bone Heads start to bemoan what will befall your beloved band, let me tell you that there is no need to worry. Boogie Bone may have taken what they term as a toned down approach, but this new album still kicks things out in high gear.

I do have to say that the band is certainly all over the map with musical approaches for what has to be their most eclectic release to date. But though it may take a variety of paths, it all sounds great. These guys write exceptional lyrics and Johnson is the perfect front man to deliver those words. They're all splendid musicians that have a feel as if they were hand-crafted to fit together. Henry Gavaldon and Todd "Spud" Stevens are a solid rhythm section, putting the spark behind whatever direction that Williams' guitar and the hodge-podge of instrumentation offered by Steve Snyder travel. And those two travel extensively, playing off from one another brilliantly throughout the disc..
Right off the get-go, you have the two Steves open with a train-like rhythm of guitar and harmonica on "Deep Black Water," that paces its way right into a rocker number on "Got It Made." That second track is more of the type of song you may be used to from Boogie Bone, but they quickly change pace into perhaps the most traditional sounding acoustic blues piece they've done to date on "The Preacher," as the basic acoustic guitar and harp are highlighted with handclaps and footstomps holding the beat.

The album continues with its diverse patterns with funky-paced "Stranded" that offers a bit of a James Brown feel on Snyder's sax work; a little psychedelic break between guitar and keys midway through "How Blue Are You"; and even bringing on an Eastern flavor with Williams' guitar achieving a little sitar-like tone on "Too Old To Die Young" (now if that isn't your expected Boogie Bone title for a song, what is?). Plus there's the feel-good number recalling hanging out with your buddies on "Good Times" where you spend the night drinking, possibly getting into a little fight, while "making jokes about your sisters and mothers."

Pro-Bone-O may not be the type of fare that you've heard from them before, but this album works. It offers new directions for the band and they have what it takes to bring them all across in the grandest manner. Another winning release from Boogie Bone. Can they do no wrong? Not with material like they've given us so far. Pro-Bone-O follows suit!

Total Time: 46:26
Deep Black Water / Got It Made / The Preacher / Stranded / Why / How Blue Are You / Too Old To Die Young / Good Times / Inside Out / Serves Me Right / It Don't Matter / One Day
By Greg Johnson - Blues Notes Magazine

Portland Oregon’s Boogie Bone is a versatile and accomplished blues quintet with a flair for originality, and their CD, Pro-Bone-O, is unimpeachable testimony to that. Musically, Pro-Bone-O ranges across both acoustic and electric blues, and even modern jazz in the last track, “One Day.” The 12 tracks on the CD glide effortlessly from one style to another, and the band incorporates influences from modern rock, rockabilly, and James Brown percussive-horn soul into its efforts. All 12 songs here are original, penned by the band’s guitarist, Steven Dee Williams, in collaboration with Jason R. Pope, Pro-Bone-O’s associate producer and graphic designer.

In addition to Williams, who also plays keyboards, Boogie Bone’s personnel consists of Howlin’ Jake Johnson, vocals; Steve Snyder, another keyboardist, who especially shines here on acoustic and amplified blues harp, tenor and alto saxes, and on “One Day,” flute; and the rhythm section of drummer Todd “Spud” Stevens and bassist Henry Gavaldon. Jake Johnson’s moniker, “Howlin’,” is somewhat of a misnomer—while he can cry loudly with raging passion, he can also mourn softly, with his vocals consistently providing the full range of appropriate emotions across the variegated songs here.

While most of Pro-Bone-O’s lyrics are on the darker side of blues explorations, descents into impassioned desperation, regret and wonderment at mistreatment, tracks 2 and 8, “Got it Made” and “Good Times” respectively, are felicitously upbeat, celebrating on “Got It Made” an “OK-looking white boy” who has it made, while “Good Times” regales with the boys gathering together for a night in the bar, replete with bar noise and the waitress taking orders, giving last call. Williams and Pope have a way with truly striking lyrical imagery throughout: punctuating track 6, “How Blue Are You,” with reference to the lives of Robert Johnson, Magic Sam and Stevie Ray Vaughn; the rueful “I’ll write a song making fun of you” on the slow blues lamentation, “Why,” track 5; “You’re too young to die/but you’re too old to die young” thematic expression of track 7, “Too Old To Die Young;” the pointed “you smell like Jim” reproach to the cheating lover on track 11, “It Don’t Matter;” and the rollicking “making jokes about our sisters and our mothers” on “Good Times.”

Notable musical approaches grace several tracks: the acoustic country sound of chugging, train-like harmonica with acoustic guitar of the opening track, “Deep Black Water;” the rockabilly feel of track 2’s “Got It Made;” the classic 1950s feel of track 10’s slow blues ballad, “It Don’t Matter;” the equally 1950s rocking rhumba of track 9, “Inside Out;” the melancholy modal acoustic blues of “Too Old To Die Young;” the back-to basics simplicity of track 3’s ‘The Preacher,” with its elemental hand-clapping percussion and its guitar-and-harp interplay that’s reminiscent of the early collaborations of Muddy Waters and Little Walter; and the decidedly modern-rock guitar featured on “How Blue Are You.” Reed-instrument virtuoso Steve Snyder peppers track 4, “Stranded,” with a sax-percussive riff that’s classic James Brown, which also features the Steven Dee Williams mimicking a coffee percolator sound on his guitar. This same James Brown horn percussion is again adapted by Snyder effectively on the rocking “It Don’t Matter.” Both Williams and Snyder are extensively featured on solos, and organs and piano are also part of the musical background featured on Pro-Bone-O, all making for an unusual display of excellent taste in arrangement, musical and vocal virtuosity, and notably extensive variety of different musical styles and genre-crossing approaches throughout. This is what makes Boogie Bone stand out decisively: not just the musical variety, but the ability to play each of the variegated songs well. Pro-Bone-O is just a very accomplished CD from a very accomplished and original band.

Jason Pope’s graphic art aptly complements the musical art, both in its originality and in its technical excellence. The CD sleeve cover adapts the Ramones’ use of the official U.S. eagle-and shield seal as its logo to depict for Boogie Bone its own logo, one graphically emphasizing hellfire, skeletons, guitar and sax. This thematic emphasis carries on in Pope’s artwork for the sleeve tray, with its devil’s head and the band playing in the flames of hell, while the artwork on the CD itself pictures a grinning young man holding up a recording contract. All adding to Pro-Bone-O a felicitous artistic dimension to match its felicitous musical dimension.

Boogie Bone’s present fans are called Boneheads, and Pro-Bone-O can be expected to add more Boneheads to the ranks; for this CD is certainly no bonehead course, but truly at the advanced graduate level of creative explorations in contemporary blues-based musical approaches..

Reviewer George "Blues Fin Tuna" Fish hails from Indianapolis, Indiana, home of blues legends Yank Rachell and Leroy Carr. He has written a regular music column for several years. He wrote the liner notes for Yank Rachell’s Delmark album, Chicago Style. He has been a blues and pop music contributor for the left-wing press as well, and has appeared in Against the Current and Socialism and Democracy.
- Blues Blast Magazine

Boogie Bone is: Jake Johnson, lead vocals, Portland, Ore.; Steven Dee Williams, guitar, Honolulu, HI; Steve Snyder, saxophone, harmonica, keyboard, La Grande, Ore.; Henry Gavaldon, bass, Phoenix, AZ; and Todd Stevens, drums, Walla Walla, Wash.
These guys have known each other and played together in different bands and styles over the past 20 years, but never all in the same band at the same time. What you notice right away are tight breaks, crisp endings that catch you off guard and a band with an attitude that is at the same time humble and fun-loving.
This is how it all began: Drummer Stevens was contacted by a friend with the PDX Brewers Club to see if he could throw together some music for the clubs' winter party. So he called Johnson to see if he was interested; Johnson said, "why not," and called Dee.
Boogie Bone debuted at the Lucky Lab West to a packed house of home brewers. Stevens recalls, "The crowd really had no idea what hit them. Everyone wanted to know where we were playing, why they hadn't heard of us and when they could see us next. But we had no bookings and really had not thought past this gig." The band went through a couple of bass players before Williams called on old friend Henry Gavaldon.
Johnson says, "You knew right away that this band was special. That first jam was magic. These guys had played together for so long that everything was a wink and a nod and they were instantly on the same page. As a singer, knowing that the band is rock solid gives you a lot of confidence. In fact, we recorded that first rehearsal, live, one-take stuff; it still gives me goose bumps." The recordings aren't perfect but the feel is there. With the blues, that is all that matters.
The last piece of the band, fittingly, was added the way the rest of the band was formed; pure happenstance. As Johnson recalls, "We had a gig at the beach down in Manzanita. A friend of mine, Steve Snyder, who I knew to be an amazing saxophonist, said he was going to be down there that weekend, so I asked him if he wanted to sit in for a few tunes. He said it sounded like fun. We play our first set and then he gets up with band. Second set was off the charts; the chemistry between the two Steves (we now call them the Steve Brothers) was like they had been playing together for years. These guys are dancing on tables, spinning on chairs, playing off of each other and just having a blast."
Dee remembers, "The next morning we are at breakfast and Snyder was just leaving. He told me how much fun he had playing with us the night before. I said that it was mutual and he was welcome to play with us whenever he wanted. I didn�t figure he would join us full time. He was in another band, had been a pro for years, is in the Oregon Music Hall of Fame, the whole deal. Well, he was at the next rehearsal and became a permanent member of the band. The whole thing was typical Boogie Bone, we weren�t even looking to add anybody and he falls out of the sky."
"Really, since then it has been a lot more of the same." says Dee; "We decided to record a demo to see if we could get a little exposure and some cooler gigs. The first few songs were turning out better than I expected, so Jake and I kept on writing. The next thing you know, we have a complete album. In addition to club owners, I sent it out to any radio stations that would listen to indie blues recordings. All of a sudden, I am getting emails from DJs saying that they love it and will be featuring it on their radio shows. At this point, every song on the record has been played on the radio; it debuted at #39 on the Roots Blues chart, it has been played in Germany, Croatia, Italy, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, Australia, on and on."
Dee continues, "Locally, here in Portland, it has received regular airplay on KINK and KMHD. Now, Double Tee Concerts has had us opening for national acts as they come through town. The whole thing is just incredible. We tried so hard, for so long, in so many different styles of music, and all had kind of given up the dream. We put this thing together just to have a good time and it is the best band we have ever been in. I guess maybe we were trying too hard. This band is fun and the audience can sense it. We stumbled our way back to our roots and it just feels like home."
Before Boogie Bone, Williams, Stevens and Gavaldon were the core of the original rock band Alloy, recording and touring the northwest for the majority of the '80s. "Jake used to come hang out at Alloy rehearsals, I had no idea he was a singer. It's ironic because he fit right in with the band's messed up sense of humor, and he ends up having fabulous pipes." Alloy disbanded in 1993.
According to Johnson, "I was singing with a rock band called Razorbabies with Henry, who was also playing with a blues band, The Livewires. Henry invited me to come try out the blues with them. Todd was the drummer for that band. I remembered him from Alloy, he was the most amazing drummer, and he played it all, jazz, blues, rock, it didn't seem to matter."
Snyder recorded and toured extensively with the power funk band Shock. They toured with or shared the bill with heavyweights such as: Tower of Power, Earth, Wind and Fire and The Average White Band. They released records on the Fantasy label. It was with Shock that Steve inducted into The Oregon Music Hall of Fame.
"This band is just fun," says Snyder, "and I think the audience can feel it. All we want to do is make good music, play cool shows, party with the crowd and make some great records. These guys are pros but now it's all about having a good time. There is no pressure, unlike previous bands, where it was always: We need cash, we need exposure, we need big shows, we need a record deal, we need to feed our huge egos. We have been through it all and I mean all. Now it's time to get the party started, just don't forget to invite Boogie Bone." - Positively Entertainment Magazine

by Duane Verh

Some of their shenanigans may put off the purists but
this Portland five-piece emerges as a most blues-savvy
lot as their debut disc progresses. Much of the time Boogie
Bone uses blues elements as components of high-energy
originals of a decidedly Òconcert-setÓ nature. Their tunes
all get communal credit so the dude(s) with a knack for
catchy phrasing in frequent evidence remains a mystery.
Easier to decipher is the solid grip on old-school groove
that all concerned display even when the BoneÕs in full
flash mode. To a man they are solid players with guitarist
Steve Williams making good use of his frequent solo time
and drummer Todd Stevens showing cut-above blues instincts.
Standout tracks include the neo-swing ÒWeekend
BluesÓ and shuffles of both the SRV (ÒMama Told MeÓ)
and traditional (ÒCheatinÕ HeartÓ) variety. Duane Verh - Jazz-Blues.com

The boys are back and guaranteed to boogie you right down to the bone. Boogie Bone band is billed as a blues band most of the time, but they are born to be rockers who can roll it too.

All-for-one and one-for-all should be this band’s motto playing music together through more than 20 years. This 20-year kinship in no way makes them too comfortable to let out a rock-n-roll roar; as a matter of fact, they have so much fun on stage and off, it’s contagious.

There seems to be a movement in town to play the blues with an edgy, more diverse style, depending on the group’s musical background. Everything old is new again with a creative twist and unique talents, thanks to the desire and perseverance of musicians to perform.

Boogie Bone is full of talent and has an excitement you can see working together on the gig. You have got to admit there is a difference you feel in the crowd when a band complements each other without competing. This truly celebrates the friendships Boogie Bone adds to the success of the band.

The three core members of the group, Steven Dee Williams, Henry Gavaldon and Todd Stevens, played in a band called Alloy in the ‘80s that toured the northwest at places like The Starry Night. Back then, the Portland music scene was a who-knows-who networking, self-promotion market with little room for loyalty among band members. It’s refreshing to see that, even though many of the players are the same in this town, they have matured together, finding a mutual respect with enjoyment for the finer things in life, like good old friends.

The guys in Boogie Bone are camping buddies and have families that enjoy spending time together, even on holidays like the Fourth of July when the band gigs at Blue Lake Park.

Lead vocalist Jake Johnson always wears shades and seems to be a bit of a tough guy with his broad shoulders and defensive tackle physique, but “Shakin’ Jake” breaks into a big smile when he starts to sing. Johnson used to hang out at rehearsals when Alloy was getting ready for the next show, until one day he got in front of a microphone and it was hello “Shakin’ Jake.” Johnson is definitely blessed with a youthful voice and good range with lots of stamina to keep the music alive and rockin’ through the night.

Steve Williams and Henry (Hank) Gavaldon met back in their college days in Phoenix. Williams is a fantastic guitar player and Gavaldon keeps it all together on bass with electric energy, always wearing a big grin.

Drummer Todd (Spud) Stevens adds center to this dynamic threesome of rhythm. The newest member Steve Snyder not only dances with the melody on sax and harmonica, but can pound out some major keys.

A fitting place for this spirited band to play is Trails End. Oregon City’s Trails End Saloon has its own story of standing the tests of time, surviving and thriving in a building built over 100 years ago. If you have never visited this establishment, you’re missing out on a trip back to turn-of-the-century nostalgia. The whole Oregon City downtown area has changed very little over the years, making it a valuable historical site without a lot of hoop-la. The Trails End has great meals with a home-cooked taste and a full-service bar. Take advantage of the open invitation filled with hospitality and stop in at the corner of 14th and Main in downtown Oregon City.

The multi-talented Boogie Bone Band would be the best addition any club could make to their calendar of coming attractions, unless you can book them first for your next party. Contact the guys at www.boogieboneband.com. (See Bandstand for schedule.)

www.positivelyentertainment.com/ - Positively Entertainment

Boogie Bone is a powerful, straight-ahead, blow-your-hair-back boogie band.

Their recent release, Boogie Bone, is just scary enough to make you go see them in person and find out whether it’s really true: There is a monster in the closet and it actually does come out at midnight. Of course, if you buy the CD, you can play it over and over just to convince yourself and others that Boogie Bone is a monster act.

The group features Howlin' Jake Johnson, vocals; guitarist Steven Dee Williams; Todd "Spud" Stevens on drumset; Henry "Groovemaster" Gavaldon on bass; Steve "Triple Threat" Snyder, saxophone-harmonica-keyboards.

The list of influences includes: Johnson: Joe Cocker, Magic Sam; Williams: Roy Buchanan, Jimmy Page, Stevie Ray Vaughan; Stevens: Pat Torpey, Tommy Aldridge; Gavaldon: Geddy Lee, Steve Harris; Snyder: Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Lenny Pickett, Michael Brecker.

If a musician wants to claim influences such as Magic Sam, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Michael Brecker, they had better prove it in the first 45 seconds of their first tune of the night. Failing that would just make you look silly.

Magic Sam (Sam Maghett) applied 99 percent style, delivery and intent, with one percent talking about people who have done him wrong. This writer recalls hearing Magic Sam tunes on a very early version of KISN AM Radio. Some people apparently did call in to complain that Magett’s content was insufficient. The DJ of the hour announced, live, that they would keep playing tunes by Magic Sam because they just plain liked him. (Reference You Don't Love Me, Yes I Know.) There is just something about it; it's not what you play, it's how you play it. The Boogie Bone CD is proof enough for this writer that not only can they actually do it, it seems like they must love it also.

The late Stevie Ray Vaughan set a new standard of excellence in hot-rocket blues; this writer believes that Boogie Bone shows no shame.

The opening cut on the CD, Mama Told Me, kicks off very much like a classic SRV number. The tune features a fresh guitar phrase that sounds like it's been there all along. Since SRV is the definitive performer on the tight, back-beat shuffle (sometimes referred to as the “lame duck shuffle”), it's no surprise that some of his style would appear in the sounds of blues-rock bands. If an artist can use, apply and manipulate an existing standard and make something new of it while retaining the recognizable standard, that artist is said to be a Master. The traditional 10-to-12-tune folio, with consistent performance all through, then is called a Masterpiece. Give Boogie Bone a listen Just wait for the next one!

Michael Brecker is one part of The Brecker Brothers, known for their too-hot-to-touch, 16-beat funk-rock tunes, Michael Brecker is the mad scientist of the bass. Studying Brecker is like studying Paganini or Jaco Pastorius. Either you can do it or you can’t. There is no safety lane.

Boogie Bone, the band, can be heard on their website www.boogieboneband.com. CDs are available now; for more information contact booking@boogieboneband.com, Steve Williams at 503-887-0557. The website offers a downloadable electronic press kit in color and black-and-white.

The CD is getting a lot of airplay, which is usually good news. Boogie Bone is an editors choice on CD Baby for Electric Blues. Requests for promo kits are coming in from all over the world. Saxophonist Steve Snyder was recently inducted into the Oregon Music Hall of Fame with his former band Shock.

Dec. 8 is the big CD release party date. The Trail's End Saloon in Oregon City isn't hard to find, once you know where it is. If you are unfamiliar with that area, contact the band, the venue, or logon to Trail's End Saloon website for driving directions.

Boogie Bone’s performances generate a feeling of happiness and fun. That’s a slick trick for a "blues" band! Pack up your mojo bones and set out to boogie and don't you be bringin' home no more "F" report cards. (See Bandstand and ad for upcoming schedule.)

http://www.positivelyentertainment.com/features/nov2007/boogie.html - Positively Entertainment

Bone-A-Fied
Written by Greg Johnson
Thursday, 01 October 2009 00:00

Boogie Bone

Self-Produced
It has been said, “The blues had a baby and they named it rock & roll.” But sometimes, that child does not stray too far from its mother’s bosom. That is where Boogie Bone is quite at home. Blues with an edge. Riding on the brink of rock & roll. With guitar riffs that burn. A solid rhythm section that drives directly from the pocket and keeps everything directly focused and on pace. Vocals that tear at one’s soul and can soar in a manner that cannot be ignored. Then there’s this other guy, who fills all the extra necessary needs that without the band just wouldn’t be the same. It’s that extra piece that brings everything home, blending with a power surge that makes the band unique.

For their sophomore effort, Boogie Bone took their time, making certain that everything was just right. That lengthy wait between their debut and this second disc, “Bone-A-Fied,” was more than well worth it. As fantastic as that first record was, this one takes it to another level. Kind of like Spinal Tap’s “eleven” volume amps, you just know it’s one better. Songwriting, performance and group comradery; it’s the full package!

Boogie Bone can easily trace its roots to blues shouters and high energy rockers. Guitarist Steven Dee Williams tears into monstrous riffs a la the likes of Johnny Winter, Gary Moore or Roy Buchanan, providing a starting point and pulse that plays throughout each number. Definitely the focal point of their live performances. Williams is a no prisoners taken musician easily at home burning down the house on a Stratocaster or delivering Delta-fueled licks on his steel-bodied guitar (“Angel Preamble”). You just know that Jake Johnson listened closely to vocalists like Paul Rodgers or Robert Plant, because he has that same ability to reach those ranges only few others can match seemingly with no effort. Drummer Todd “Spud” Stevens and bassist Henry Gavaldon are certainly unsung heroes of this band, but without either of them everything would fall flat. There is a second-sense between a band and its rhythm section and with really good ones everything is like clock-work. That’s the synergy that this pair provide. And what could possibly be said about Steve Snyder? Is there anything that this guy cannot play? Switching between saxophone, harmonica, flute and keyboards, he is like a one-man dream team that would make any act he’s with on a level one step above everybody else.

The music on “Bone-A-Fied” is all original and quite engaging. It drives straight to your nerve endings, bringing on an excited sweat, compelling you to shake and dance. Don’t try to stop that urge, it’ll only make you that much more restless. It’s aimed at eliciting such a reaction. Boogie Bone wants to rattle your bones. And it all comes home to that fine line between blues and rock. But they may be the first to admit they’re guilty of playing rock & roll, as stated in the song “Blues Police.” But make no mistake. It may kick you in the butt, but it’s all the blues. That much you can take to the bank! Yes sir!!
- Blues Notes: Greg Johnson

BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO, © March 2008

Used to be if someone told me I was a bone head, they'd be very likely to get slapped up side their head. That was, however, prior to having discovered the debut CD from a band that's spreading the blues up in the Pacific Northwest - BOOGIE BONE. Just give a listen to their self named CD "BOOGIE BONE", and you, just like me, will be a "bone head" too.

BOOGIE BONE is a group of five musicians, who while attending school at Boogie High, all failed Math, Science and English, yet all got an A+ in Band (sorry, you've gotta see the CD to be in on that joke). These educated, and very talented musicians are "HOWLIN" JAKE JOHNSON on vocals, STEVE "FANGERS" WILLIAMS on guitars, TODD "SPUD MONEY" STEVENS on drums, HENRY "GROOVE MASTER" GAVALDON on bass and STEVE "TRIPLE THREAT" SNYDER on sax, harp and keyboards. And yes, their music IS as cool as their nicknames. Let me tell ya 'bout a few of the tracks that got my bones boogieing.

Nowhere in this review will you ever hear the words - "AIN'T NO GOOD". Unless, of course, it's to mention the title of one of the disc's hottest tracks. Caution should be used if listening to this track - which starts out fast and continuously get faster - while driving. This one features some of the best rhythm that's ever vibrated this listeners ear drums. Speaking of drums, TODD is at discs - and for all I know, maybe his career best - on this one. I don't know about him, but if this keeps up, I'm going to be out of breath by the end of this review. Adding in some hot guitar licks by STEVE and great vocals by JAKE make this one of BOOGIE BONES' best.

After the pace not dropping a notch on "MEAN STREAK WOMAN", the guys settle down nicely into a more traditional blues number called "CHEATIN' HEART". This one features lots of sharp harp by STEVE, the usual smoke from TODD and great bass lines from HANK.

"WHAT I NEED" is the same thing I always need - good ol' straight down the alley blues. And I'm getting my needs filled right now. With HANK and TODD providing a nice slow rhythm - well, slow for them anyway - the two STEVE'S take turns turning up the heat. First is STEVE SNYDER with a scorching sax solo, followed by STEVE W. - not allowing himself to be out-scorched - putting out some serious blues licks. Of course, all this is happening in between JAKE showing how he got "HOWLIN" for a nickname. More great stuff here.

Although I prefer mine seven days a week, sometimes "WEEKEND BLUES" just has to do. This one finds the guys doing what most of us do on the weekends - cuttin' it loose. It's a short three and a half minute song featuring everyone in a cool little jam.

If you haven't "GOT THE FEVA", this one will give it to ya. This is unquestionably the one that gets BOOGIE BONES' live audiences dancing. I dare you to listen to this one and not move - I couldn't. This one had even my old bones shaking. Once again, - great rhythm, good harp and some of the disc's best guitar work.

Other tracks featured on "BOOGIE BONE" are: "MAMA TOLD ME", "WORKING CLASS STIFF", "BLUE SEA BOOGIE" and "SEE THROUGH IT".

Check out the BOOGIE BONE BAND at www.boogieboneband.com and tell them you, like the Blewzzman, want to become a "bone head"
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com

- Mary4Music.com