Music
Press
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO © MAY 2007
Although I can sometimes tell after just one listen that I like a CD enough to be able to give it a nice review, most of the times I prefer to listen to it several times before making a qualified decision. On the other hand, with "WHO CALLED THE COPS", after just a few tracks I was ready to start writing - but first, I needed to stop writhing. In just three little words I can tell you what my first impression of this disc was......fun, fun, fun. It's very apparent the band had fun recording it and I can assure you, you'll have fun listening to it.
In as much as I take pride in my originality when writing these reviews, I'll occasionally see a quote in a bands press kit, or at their website, that compels me to use that quote. This description of their style of music was one of those compellers........"A blend of Bourbon Street brass, rolling piano blues and a classic New Orleans beat; this high octane barrelhouse band pumps out psycho boogie, funk and zydeco-blues as if there is no tommorrow". Touche` - the Blewzzman tips his hat to the writer of those words.
This feisty bunch of players are: PORTERHOUSE BOB, writer of the discs nine original tracks, on vocals and keyboards; MITCH MONTOSE, drums and rubboard; MIKE BARRY, bass; GEORGE PANDIS, trumpet; SCOTTY STRATHMANN, trumpet, trombone and tuba; DAN HEFFERNAN, clarinet, tenor and alto sax; DON ROBERTS, baritone sax; LONNIE JOHNSON, trumpet.
If within 30 seconds of the opening track, "DID YOU CATCH THAT JACK?", you're not shaking or tapping one or more of your body parts - at a feverish pace - you may need to call your doctor. Man, this track rocks. It's a fast and furious Nawlin's swing thing with lots of funky horns that has MITCH and MIKE tearing up the pace on drums and bass.
If you're a mover and a shaker, head to the dance flo' for "TIPPIN' ON FO FO'S". This short but scorching Zydeco instrumental is guaranteed to break a sweat.
"DOWN BY THE WATER" opens with an awesome 90 second trumpet solo before getting downright funky. BOB is outstanding on piano and some Dr. John type vocals and the horn section, led by more great trumpet work and SCOTTY on the tuba, create a great ragtime sound.
There's no other way to describe the next track other than to just tell you it's name - "BIG BOB'S BOOGIE". Backed up with some great bass work, this instrumental is all about BOB and his piano..........
that is until DAN jumps in with some downright kick ass tenor sax.
"WHODOO VOODOO" is all of 63 seconds but what a furious 63 seconds it is. It's a ritual sounding instrumental with a fierce drum beat and wailing trumpets. This one brought to mind about a half a dozen jungle movies.
The title track, "WHO CALLED THE COPS", is all out musical mayhem. BOB is as wild on the vocals as he is on the piano, Mitch and Mike are trying to kick each others butt on rhythm - and they're both succeeding - and the horn section, in an effort to not be outdone, are blowing their brains out. At two and a half minutes, this track is about five minutes too short. I wanted more - lots more - of this. Easily the hottest track on the disc.
Just like the steak, PORTER HOUSE BOB and the band are excellent, right DOWN TO THE BONE. Check the guys out at www.porterhousebob.com and tell them you heard from the Blewzzman that they throw one hell of a party.
- www.Mary4Music.com
It’s outstanding. It has great, energy, and the arrangements and variety are wonderful. And I must commend you on the production values…the recording, the mix, everything is exceptional. It’s really first class and a lot of fun. I would enthusiastically recommend it to people. It’s got style and wit and pizzazz. It’s got that Dr. John feel that I love and crosses all the way over into Zydeco and Squirrel Nut Zipper territory. Congratulations. I’m sure it was a lot of work but it really paid off!!
Thanks for getting it to me. I’m going to play some of it on next week’s Rock the World show, heard on www.pulverradio.com. - Shadoe Stevens- pulverradio.com
Review: May 2007 Jim Santella - Southland Blues Magazine
Who Called The Cops?
Porterhouse Bob Johnson and his band, Down to the Bone, love to bring back the roots music that originally came from New Orleans and the Deep South. Cajun, boogie-woogie, zydeco, barrelhouse and jump blues ensure that his program will get it all in. The band has quite a unique sound to back up Bob's down-home vocals. He's one of a kind, underrated and adventuresome. At the piano, he pounds out a rollicking beat that mingles with trumpets, trombone, saxophone, tuba, bass and drums in order to celebrate the attitude that invented Dixieland jazz and Louisiana swamp blues.
On their instrumental numbers, Down to the Bone recalls the dedicated musicianship and rockin' spirit that came out of bands such as Chicago and Blood, Sweat and Tears. At the piano, Bob brings us the kind of authenticity that flows from pioneers such as Piano Red, Pinetop Perkins and Professor Longhair. When he sings, Bob gets to the nitty-gritty with all his heart. The session is a party that can go on forever; however, the album clocks in at less than 35 minutes, leaving the audience clamoring for more. Original songs such as Bob's "Whodoo Voodoo," Doin' the Fat Thing" and "Tippin' on Fo Fo's" get down and feisty, while "Who Called the Cops?" and several other jump blues allow Bob and the band to swing with passion. Tight horns and a loose rhythmic pride make this one a clear winner.
- Southland Blues magazine
Review: November 2005 Living Blues Magazine Mississippi
Shoutin' at the Grave
"A demon on keyboards and accordion, California based Porterhouse Bob cut his teeth while playing in Canada. His group gets outrageous on their second CD. Fewer than half the songs are originals, yet all share a funky New Orleans sound. Junco Partner is a celebration of shakers, rub board, piano, and baritone sax. Pulsing horns are used to carry the rhythm like most bands use the guitar. The stellar band is showcased during Mustard Gas. Funky electric piano and horns carry No Damn Fool, while other songs bring out a dancing soprano sax and a beefy flugelhorn that sound like something out of Mardi Gras.
TH
- Living Blues Magazine
Review: March 2005 Southland Blues Magazine Los Angeles
Shoutin' at the Grave
"Singing at the piano with a rollicking spirit, Porterhouse Bob tears up the joint. His 8-cylinder powerhouse band includes a swinging horn section that can't be beat. Bassist Leslie Baker and drummer Mitch Montrose gives Bob the kind of solid support that makes your feet move and your hips shake - even if you're sitting down. Carry this, his latest album, around with you in your personal player or in your car and the day just won't be the same. Bob's electric energy gets to you real quick."
"Classic Elvis starts off the session with "Hound Dog". Porterhouse Bob's version has the funk of James Brown and the soulful New Orleans spirit of Dr. John. His zydeco treatment of an original "Burnin' Down the Shack" puts you right there in the middle of a down-country celebration. "IKO IKO" follows with an urban strut that will follow you around day in and day out. The session's horns and guest organist Rich Wenzel provide a party-hearty feeling that runs deep. Bob's "Listen to Me Baby" colors the session with a fun -loving jump blues swing. George Pandi's bright trumpet and Shawntae Jackson's supporting vocals place the band right downtown in New Orleans. Bob closes with another original, "The Girl is Fine", which summarizes the band's full texture with rollicking horns, driving rhythm, and soulful vocals.
"Highly recommended, Shoutin' at the Grave takes you on a one-day vacation through the land of Mojo mystery, Cajun cooking, cracklin' crawfish and a party attitude."
Jim Santella
- Southland Blues
Review: 2004 Southland Blues Magazine Los Angeles
Rockin' the Big House
"Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone create a terrific party atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. There are no wallflowers sitting in the corner when this band steps out. Horns, drums and bass rock the room behind this eclectic singer/pianist who celebrates the blues roots of Atlanta and New Orleans. Bob cites Dr. John, Professor Longhair, Ray Charles and several others as primary influences toward his gritty singing persona."...
"His album contains a little of everything: barrelhouse blues, boogie-woogie, zydeco and a lot of fun. Spiritual Roots, a greaceful gospel chorus with sensual emotion, provides appropriate backing on three of Bob's original tracks. His "Po'k Chops," served up as a solo piano thrill, demonstrates Bob's adeptness at the keyboard. His love of variety rears high, as he gradually eases the tune into a grandscale Latin escapade with colorful dance floor instrumentalists on board. "Bring it to Jerome" returns to a staid, quiet, gospel adventure, then "U Ta Ta Macoomba" roots out the swamp zydeco dinnerware for supper.
"It's a blast. Recommended. Porterhouse Bob's idea of a good time has something for everyone and should not be missed."
Jim Santella - Southland Blues Magazine
Discography
ROCKIN THE BIG HOUSE (Big Mojo Records)
Fannie Mae, Big Chief, Big Fat Woman, Professor Longhair Boogie, Hot Rod Lips, What You Wanna Do Like That, Bisquits-N-Gravy, I've Gota a Woman, King Bee, Down in New Orleans, Po'k Chops, Lickin'Sauce, Bring it to Jerome, U Ta Ta Macoomba, Big House Boogie
SHOUTIN' AT THE GRAVE (Big Mojo Records)
Hound Dog, Keepin' My 88s Straight, No Damn Fool, Junco Partner, Burnin' Down the Shack, Iko Iko, Spider Web, My Lead's All Gone, Have Myself a BBQ, Hey Little Girl, Mustard Gas, Listen to Me Baby, Rockin' with Red, The Girl is Fine
WHO CALLED THE COPS (Big Mojo Records) New release for 2007. Did You Catch That Jack?, I Ain't Got You, Tippin on Fo Fo's, New Orleans, Doin' the Fat Thing, Down By the Water, Big Bob's Boogie, Whodoo Voodoo, Who Called the Cops?, Talk Like That, Slammin' the Ham.
Photos
Bio
A blend of Bourbon Street brass, rolling piano blues and a classic New Orleans beat; this high octane barrelhouse band pumps out psycho boogie, funk and zydeco-blues as if there is no tomorrow.
Front-man, vocalist and keyboardist, Porterhouse Bob, has shared the stage with Jim Belushi, Charles Brown, Paul Butterfield, James Cotton, The Coasters, Willie Dixon, Floyd Dixon, The Downchild Blues Band, Charlie Musselwhite, The Persuasions, Phil Upchurch, Muddy Waters and many other fine artists.
His outstanding rythymn/ horn section brings to life the original New Orleans and Atlanta style compositions and arrangements that Porterhouse Bob has created for his show. The energy his players bring to the mix is like nitro on a burning fire.
Jim Santella of Southland Blues Magazine says, "Singing at the piano with a rollicking spirit, Porterhouse Bob tears up the joint. His 8-cylinder powerhouse band includes a swinging horn section that can't be beat".
PBS FM Radio has this to say about their new CD, Who Called The Cops?:"Yeah you have done it again with a gumbo laden feast of Southern Blues mixed into a Voodoo stew with just the right amount of spice to add to the flavor. Yes we love it (Who Called The Cops) soooooooooooooo very much and l have allocated the cd to the biggest Blues show in this city "Jumping The Blues" with Tom Sianidis... all l want is for everybody to hear what we were able to hear , great music. Perfect for PBS FM."
The 7 piece band is based out of Los Angeles, performing live concerts from San Diego to northern California, Las Vegas to Reno.
The irresistable organic sound that eminates from this group of seasoned musicians never fails to get people onto the dance floor. It's a New Orleans bar room vibe that manages to transcend tradition, putting Porterhouse and his boys in new musical territory.
The band has been realistic about peer acceptance. "It may take another ten years before we've paved this highway." says Porterhouse,"In the spirit of those individuals of renown character that have come to the forefront with a unique and engaging sound, we feel like we're on the right track. We've spent six years getting to our third CD, "Who Called the Cops". Putting in another ten years doesn't phase us. I see the expression on peoples faces when they first see this band live. I see our fan base growing beyond the borders of California. I know there's something going on".
The band started out as a trio playing small blues and BBQ joints. As the band grew, it got to the point that the small venues simply could not hold them. They currently headline at blues clubs, festivals, casinos, and corporate sponsored events.
Heres what fans and festival promoters are saying:
"Just heard you in Santa Barbara. Wow! You are incredible. Thanks again for your energy and incredible musicianship. What a joy."
"You're the best, the absolute best! Thank you for your enthusiastic performance and audience interaction."
"We cannot thank you and the band enough for giving the City of Laguna Niguel such a great show! Blues fans or not, they loved you! Your unique sounds, style and energy created a fun atmosphere for everyone in attendance."
"They were the greatest. We love them!!!!! We plan to make Porterhouse Bob and Down to the Bone a tradition and hope they will join us every year for our party!!!"
Watch for a Porterhouse Bob event in your area...don't miss the fun and great live music; these boys mean business!
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