Out of Favor Boys
Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States | SELF
Music
Press
KALAMAZOO — If the feet of Judy Sarkozy, owner of Sarkozy Bakery, are any indication, the Out of Favor Boys live show shouldn’t be missed.
Sarkozy ruled the dance floor Sunday at the fifth annual Gumbo Cook-Off at Louie’s Trophy House Grill as the Kalamazoo blues band jammed throughout the day.
For at least a solid hour, Sarkozy snagged anyone who came within arms length of the dance floor, prompting OFB saxophonist Tony Sproul to warn those who wander too close.
The sight summed up what has made OFB one of the staples of the region’s blues scene since 2002.
The band — guitarist Joel Krauss guitar, bassist Tim Brouhard, saxophonist Tony Sproul, guitarist Dan Ouellette and drummer Mike Porter — hold down the Thursday night jam at The 411 Club.
It’s fitting that’s where the crew recorded its first new album since 2006’s “Can’t Be Good” and its first project with the current lineup.
The band will release the live double album, “7.18.9,” the date when it was recorded, Friday when it opens for 96-year-old blues pianist Pinetop Perkins at the State Theatre. OFB will also play the after-party show starting at 10 p.m. at The 411 Club. The CDs will be on sale at both shows.
The album comes in at just under two hours and is a “real representation” of the band, complete with “ridiculous banter.”
“There are mistakes, there are imperfections, but that’s what we sounded like, warts and all,” Ouellette said.
The double album, recorded by Mike Roach of Broadside Productions, contains some of OFB’s crowd-pleasers, including “Good Booty & BBQ.” There are also some covers, including a “super funky” version of James Taylor’s “Steamroller” — “James Taylor would be rolling over in his grave” — and Living Colour’s “Love Rears Its Ugly Head.”
“We totally changed it into slow blues, which is not what Living Colour did with it,” Ouellette said.
Ouellette also said the band is working on a studio album, due out late this year. - MLive - Kalamazoo Gazette
This five- or six-piece (according to the web site and album, respectively) blues outfit comes from the Kalamazoo circuit. Drawing from blues, soul, rock and funk, these cats say they sound like Tommy Castro or Howard & the White Boys. They're exactly what you'd expect to hear walking into a smoky bar in downtown Chicago.
Their 11-song disc, Can't Be Good, contains mostly original music deep within the vein of modern blues. Included is a funked version of Big Bill Broonzy's "My Last Goodbye to You." Long live the Hammond organ!
Check out www.outoffavorboys.com for booking information and gig dates.
- Ryan Cunningham
Recoil Magazine
- Recoil Magazine
This five- or six-piece (according to the web site and album, respectively) blues outfit comes from the Kalamazoo circuit. Drawing from blues, soul, rock and funk, these cats say they sound like Tommy Castro or Howard & the White Boys. They're exactly what you'd expect to hear walking into a smoky bar in downtown Chicago.
Their 11-song disc, Can't Be Good, contains mostly original music deep within the vein of modern blues. Included is a funked version of Big Bill Broonzy's "My Last Goodbye to You." Long live the Hammond organ!
Check out www.outoffavorboys.com for booking information and gig dates.
- Ryan Cunningham
Recoil Magazine
- Recoil Magazine
Discography
7.18.9 - Live in Kalamazoo (2010)
Can't Be Good (2006)
Halo (2004)
Photos
Bio
Since coming together in 2003 the Out of Favor Boys have emerged as one of the most entertaining bands in West Michigan. They have participated in the Budweiser Blues Series at the State Theatre in Kalamazoo, as well as in music festivals all over West and Mid-Michigan.
Beginning in 2005, the band hosted the Thursday Night Blues Jam at Wonderful’s Funky Basement in Kalamazoo, one of the longest-running blues jams in the country. In addition to jamming with the best local and regional musicians, hosting the jam session has given the band the opportunity to play with some national blues musicians like Tab Benoit, Watermelon Slim and Robert Bradley. Additionally the Out of Favor Boys have opened for regional and national acts Howard & the White Boys, Dr. Duke Tumatoe, James Harman, Deana Bogart, Joe Bonamassa, Kenny Neal, and John Lee Hooker, Jr.
The Out of Favor Boys continue to increase their diverse repertoire, frequently adding more contemporary blues and soul to their play list. They’ve worked steadily, playing venues from Ann Arbor to Grand Rapids to St. Joseph and commanding large stages at festivals throughout Southwest Michigan.
Featuring funky rhythms, searing guitar, and blazing saxophone lines, the quintet brings incredible energy to every show they play. Their high-energy sets feature their original songs, but also include favorites from contemporary acts like Tommy Castro and Tab Benoit and traditional favorites like Albert Collins and BB King.
The Out of Favor Boys put on a show sure to be enjoyed by contemporary and traditional blues lovers and anyone who appreciates great live music.
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