Music
Press
Over the past few years, we have seen the Hudson Rocket Band take on a whole makeover within their lineup. Now, they seem very secure with the grouping in place and have settled into a definite groove that fits their individual styles to a tee. This release was recorded at various performances earlier this year and finds the band in top-notch form, blazing their way through a fine selection of covers. It is a picture-perfect example of the fun time to be had by attending their shows.
Vocals are exchanged by all of the members over the course of the CD. Highlights include Mickie Will growling with intensity on Albert King's "Born Under A Bad Sign;" "Cordless" Cliff Ashmon taking on Charlie Musselwhite's "My Buddy Buddy Friends;" and Ken "Buzz" Johnson shouting his way through Robben Ford's "Start It Up." The instrumentation between the members gets better with every performance, as they grow together as a unit. And it's easy to see why Corey Wheeler is a past "Muddy Award" winner, especially when burning his way through a fiery rendition of Freddie King's classic, "Sen-Say-Shun."
This CD is worth picking up if you're a Hudson Rocket fan or just looking for a sample of a good-time, home-grown band that'll "play the Blues so you don't have to." Take in a Hudson Rocket show and take them home on CD, too.
- Greg Johnson, CBA President 2002
Discography
Where's Hudson?
Caught Live
No Cover
Photos
Bio
Hudsons’ guidance has taken the band to many fantastic festivals and performances. The band followed him to the International Blues Talent Competition (Memphis, TN), 5 years at the Waterfront Blues Festival (Portland, OR), 8 years at the Blues By The Sea Festival (Hammond, OR), Oregon GI Blues, The Bite of Portland, Rock Cut Blues Festival, Sunbanks Music Festival and headlined the Southern Oregon Blues Festival, to name a few. The band has followed him to countless benefits, local clubs and venues of all kinds.
The founding members, (Tommy Lister, Art Viloria, Ken Johnson, Leon Holder & Richie Bean), set the stage for all who followed. As it goes with bands, there have been many personnel changes over the years. The Hudson Rocket Band has been joined by such greats as Mel Solomon, Paul DeLay, Lloyd Jones, Jim Mesi, Franco Paletta, Robbie Laws, Rae Gordon, Ellen Whyte, Candye Kane, Eric “Two Scoops” More, Kid Lopez and Sonny James. The band has had the pleasure of playing with so many great performers over the years, they all cannot be named.
Hudson (always the missing member) finds a way to get the message to just the right people when it is time. Through his uncanny and extraordinary efforts, some of Portland Oregon’s finest talent has come together in The Hudson Rocket Band. As the New Year unfolds, The Hudson Rocket Band has solidified its membership with a true “Blue” direction, leaving our fans wanting more wherever we go! Like Cliff always says, “Too Much Fun!”
Look for us; we will be in your neighborhood soon.
Cordless, Gaddis, James & Mickie
Links
