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Joe Vicino & The Smokedaddys
Title: Shine
Genre: Blues Rock
Label: Hippotone Records
Website: www.smokedaddys.com
Joe Vicino & The Smokedaddys sure are smokin', oh yeah. Their new record Shine tells the story in so many ways. They could not have chosen a better name for the album because they absolutely shine on every track. Right out of the gate with the funky and soulful "You Got it Going On" to the title track "Shine," a gorgeous bluesy tasteful instrumental stroll, this band has their chops down.
This is a trio with the heartiness and presence of a five-piece band. Joe handles all the guitars, Pete Kiernan plays every type of bass while Ralph Santiago holds down the bottom end with smoothness rarely found on drums and percussion.
The dudes sound like they are from the heart of Austin, Texas rather than Long Island, NY. I was reminded of traditional blues and the electrical energy of Stevie Ray more than once while listening to this killer album, especially on tracks like "Texas Bound," which puts you right on the road to that bustling musical heartland in a second. Vicino's six-string brilliance shines like the mother of pearl found on some guitar fret boards as he plays with blinding speed and sweet soul on every lick, yes sir! On "Delta Town" Joe's acoustic slide expertise pays tribute to all the greats that originated from the Mississippi Delta. "We Once Knew" is a bittersweet lament of love highlighting the band's ability to perform a ballad with as much passion as the rockin' numbers.
Folks, this is the real McCoy, da blues like it should be, like French fries and ketchup and a burger with cheese, it all goes together just right. Make sure you get just what the doctor ordered, a shot of da blues straight up with no chaser-Joe Vicino & The Smokedaddys new album Shine. Rating 10/10
Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck - www.muzikreviews.com - Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck -
With all the Stevie Ray and Hendrix clones running about these days, it is nice every now and then to hear a really good electric blues CD. Such is the case of "One Night Stand", the latest release from the Long Island, NY based band Joe Vicino and the Smokedaddys. Vicino, who has fronted the band since its inception in 1997, is an excellent guitarist and passionate singer, capably backed by the talented Smokedaddys, Pete Kiernan on bass, Tony Campo on keyboards, and Chris Anstiss on drums.
Frankly, Joe Vicino reminds me a lot of what is right about this genre of music, as he and his band approach this CD, recorded live at The Yankee Peddler in Merrick, NY, straight on. As Vicino states in the liner notes, "there are no punches or fixes" in this set, but it is a completely honest representation of their work. Joe thanks wife, boys, and family in the liner notes and the CD is dedicated to the memory of his Father. This is genuine music played with honesty and integrity by a very real person, and apparently a pretty good guy to boot. The material is all well chosen covers, which may cause some critics to declare it less than groundbreaking. However, the final measure of a recording is found in its ability to entertain, and this is a most entertaining work, indeed.
As mentioned before, this is predominantly an electric blues recording, primarily Texas style, but with some Chicago and blues/rock as well. Vicino is a bit of a blend of Freddie King and Otis Rush, which is a pretty good formula for an excellent electric blues guitarist.
Highlights on the set include a very emotionally charged slow blues offering "It's My Own Fault", the opening medley "Hideaway/Waling By Myself", a moving rendition of "Nobody Knows You When You're Down & Out", and a hot cover of Robin Trower's "Too Rolling Stoned".
This is a very fine recording, and one that fans of electric blues music are going to want to own. The CD is available from the good folks at www.cdbaby.com. Also, be sure to visit Joe and the guys at their official web site at www.smokedaddys.com ..
Tom Branson/ Blues Rockers - Tom Branson/ Blues Rockers
Shine-Joe Vicino and the Smokedaddys Hippotone SD004 2004
Vicino, Kiernan and Santiago form a power trio of legendary reknown around these parts. Joe V is a powerful pushrod of propulsive guitar in both the electric and acoustic format. His songwriting varies from moving boogies to sweet melodies to dirgeful slow blues and anthemic instrumentals. Vicino has that rare ability to creates moods with the turn of a phrase or the trill of a string. His cohort, Pete Kiernan is as tasteful a bassman as there is. Providing a profound bottom, Pete understands that, often, less is more and Ralph Santiago in his ready partner with tasteful restraint as well as fullbore running down the track ready in his repertoire. This skill is now packaged on a truly representative compilation of 10 new originals that cover the blues. The band brings it down and builds it up with consummate skill. Opening with "You Got It Going On", Joe rocks in a mid-tempo dedication to desire. The titler, "Shine" captures a Claptonesque groove that celebrates love just as "Josephine" does in a beautiful instrumental. "Squeeze Toy" is a slow Blues that features Kerry Kearney on slide. "Texas Bound" is an instrumental driver akin to the Dixie Dregs. "Delta Town" is an ephemeral acoustic gem that brings to mind Otis Reddings "Sitting on the Dock of the Bay", while travelling over the blues heartland. Kiernan never lets the pedal up as he sings "Scofflaw Blues" and the bittersweet of "We Once Knew" demonstrates a keen appreciation for songcrafting in the same way that the band provides musicianship. This train is right on time.
Dr. Blues Mark Gresser, Long Island Blues Society - Dr. Blues Mark Gresser, Long Island Blues Society
Discography
Smokedaddys(1998), Road Scars(2001),
One Night Stand(live 2002), Shine(2004)
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
A 3pc. Power Trio with Soulfull Vocals and Musical Chops that will astound, captivate & entertain an audience. Established in 1998 the tightness of this band will awe their critics. A very versatile group that can turn from Delta Acoustic, Early Electric Blues & Swing, Psycadelic & Modern Austin Demolition Blues Rock. Band Lead Singer/ Guitar player Joe Vicino has become one of New Yorks top unsigned guitar players and it is only a matter of time before his name becomes a household word in the Blues. They have Headlined Their Hometowns Annual Blues Festival in Riverhead 2 times & were a Headline act at Blues2000 in Ellenville N.Y. They have become a force on the Long Island Blues Scene winning Best Long Island Blues Band in 2004 by the Long Island Blues Society and were sent down to Memphis, Tenn. Where they placed as Finalist is the International Blues Competition in Feb 2005. Now it is time for the rest of the country to know about Joe & his band.
Vicino is an Automatic Guitar Monster, he can go from Delta Acoustic to Austin Demolition in a heartbeat.
Mark Gresser- Backyard Blues Mag.
Frankly Joe Vicino reminds me a lot of what is right about this Genre of music, He and his Bands approach is Straight On!
Tom Branson- Bluesrockers.ws
The dudes sound like they are from the heart of Austin Texas Instead of Long Island NY, I was reminded of Traditional Blues and the Electric Energy of Stevie Ray Vaughan more than once
Keith Hannaleck- muzikreviews.com
the guitarist was impressive. Fast and frenetic or sweet and soulful, Mr. Vicino moved effortlessly between styles, from pre-World War II blues masters like Robert Johnson to their adoring British progeny, like Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton
Bayles Green- East Hampton Morning Star
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