HOT ROD AND THE BLUES DeVILLES

Rock stylings, three-part harmonies distinguish Columbus band Saturday, February 26, 2005

Chris DeVille
FOR THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH

Coffee, water, a beer and a bloody mary. The members of Hot Rod and the Blues DeVilles strive to make music as diverse as their preferred beverages. Although the band is rooted in the blues, according to frontman and guitarist Rod Cave, the Columbus foursome hopes to create something more. When it formed almost four years ago, the group wanted ‘‘to do something where it wasn’t just a guitar player and three guys playing behind him," Cave said. With the release today of Paradise, the second Blues DeVilles album, the band has done just that: incorporated three-part harmonies inspired by the Temptations and shades of rock colored by Jimi Hendrix and the Eagles. ‘‘Besides the fact that these guys are all great musicians, they could all sing — which is exactly what I was looking for," said Cave, who in 2001 assembled his favorite players from jam sessions around town, complete with veterans of blues bands such as the Columbus Jets and Larry B. and the Real Deal. Paradise represents the band better, he said, than did the straight-laced 2002 debut Built for Comfort, featuring mostly renditions of blues classics. ‘‘We went in to do a demo so we could get some club work or hunt for an agent or whatever, and it was going to be a three- song demo," he said. An album of nine songs was born after a few studio sessions, with the lineup then including Andy Morse on guitar as well as continuing members Glen "Manny" Manuel on bass, Steve Walker on keyboards and Darrell "Tutu" Jumper on drums. Conversely, the Blues DeVilles spent two years recording Paradise at Brainchild Studios, south of Columbus, with engineer Cliff Orcutt. The latest sessions captured a band in transition, developing a sound that Manuel described as "more aggressive." "I think it had to change," Jumper said, "because we had that fifth player and, when he left, we had to make those adjustments. Going from a five-piece down to a fourpiece, it’s like taking your thumb off your hand. We had to really adjust what we do onstage. It’s not easy to do." The first chance to pick up Paradise will come tonight, when the group plays an albumrelease show at the Basement, a new venue on Neil Avenue next to PromoWest Pavilion. While recording, the Blues DeVilles continued to tour on weekends throughout the Midwest and build up a fan base. One club they frequent is the Finish Line in Delaware. "They’re doing everything right," said Al Roop, a manager at the bar and the drummer for the Barrelhouse Blues Band. "It really doesn’t get any better than Hot Rod and the Blues DeVilles." Roop called the rhythm section a "funk machine" that regularly draws a big crowd. "The clubs that we go back to, and we’re playing the original music, they ask for it by name," Cave said. "And that’s really encouraging to us. A lot of times we’ll be playing a song and we’ll look out and there’s people actually singing the refrain." Armed with a new booking agent in California, the band hopes to head West this year. Cave and Walker have already made music their full-time work. Meanwhile, Manuel and Jumper are waiting until a few more gigs are lined up before they give up their jobs as a driving-safety instructor and customer-service representative. The career shift into music — with the three members besides Walker in their 40s — might seem tricky. Cave sees it as a natural progression. "At first, it was kind of our intention to play . . . as a weekend band," he said. "I always wanted to do it full time, and it’s getting more and more possible to do that." "You gotta be mobile as a band; you gotta travel," Manuel said. "You could do Wednesday through Saturday night if you’re willing to travel." Helping the Blues DeVilles hit the road is Competition Accessories, a motorcycle company that has sponsored the band and provided a trailer. The group hopes to entertain, Cave said, by doing more than just standing around onstage. "We kind of go by the philosophy that people hear with their eyes in a live situation," he said. "We kind of concentrated on making it entertaining without being overthe-top. "It’s spontaneous; it’s not rehearsed. We’re feeling what we’re playing. I don’t think about ‘Oh, jeez, I’m going to drop to my knees and play.’ " Equipped with wireless connections for their instruments, Cave and Manuel often venture into the crowd during solos. "That’s why Vegas entertainers are so good," Jumper said: "They pull the audience into the show. You pull the audience into the show, you got them." "And if you can pull the audience into the show with your own material," Cave added, "then you’ve really got something."


- The Columbus Dispatch "Weekender"

Feb 7th 2005

HOT ROD AND THE BLUES DEVILLES TO RELEASE NEW CD “PARADISE”
Hot Rod and the Blues DeVilles, some of the most compelling artists in the Midwest regional blues scene, are debuting their newest Cd “Paradise. With nine original songs and one from National recording artist Doyle Bramhall II, the new CD will be exploring uncharted territory that is powerful and refreshing.
Great melodies and guitar driven hooks are sure to please blues and rock fans alike.
The band, who’s powerful live performances include those with blues legends such as Robert Jr. Lockwood, Lonnie Brooks, Buddy Guy, Anson Funderburke, Big Jack Johnson, Big Brother & the Holding Co., CJ Chenier, and Guitar Shorty are a testament to the Blues DeVilles passion for original blues based music.

“These cats are not only some of the best musicians we know, they are some of the finest folks around! If the opportunity ever arises to catch their show...DO NOT pass it up! You will not be disappointed! Their show rivals any on the planet! Thanks for the great time fellas, it was the best show we've been a part of.... period!” (from a show at Stevie Ray’s –Louisville, KY.)
-Jim Diamond& The Groove Syndicate, Nashville, TN.

“These Guys played one of the best versions of “Blues Before Sunrise” I ever heard. And I was there with Elmore (James) when he recorded it. So, I should know.”
-Sam Meyers (blues singing legend from Anson Funderburke & The Rockets)

The members of the band showcase over 25 years of musical performing and played over 150 dates in 2004. Lead singer and guitarist, Rod Cave is recognized for his soulful vocals and intense guitar solos among the regional blues scene. While Drummer “TuTu” Jumper’s credits include Ballet Met, Kenny Neal and KoKo Taylor, and Louisiana bass player “Manny” Manuel spent time entertaining with National Act Sinbad the comic. New keyboardist, Mike McGrain is bring his chops and giving the band’s songs a new and interesting flavor. Collectively, the highlights of their most recent venues and festivals include:

Fat Fist Blue-Cleveland & Cincinnati, OH
Slippery Noodle-Indianapolis, IN
The Blues Station-Columbus, OH
Stevie Ray’s Blues Bar-Louisville, KY
The Savannah-Cleveland, OH
Promo West Pavilion-Columbus, OH
Maggie’s Place-Doylestown, PA
Lucille’s Blues Club-Covington, KY
The Trolley Stop-Dayton, OH
Blues to the Point Festival-Carrolton, KY
Creekside Jazz & Blues Festival-Gahanna, OH
Comfest-Columbus, OH
Hocking Hills Blues Festival-Logan, OH
Cave Run Rockin’ Blues Festival-Morehead, KY

Log onto their website www.HotRodBlues.com to get a list of the upcoming feature shows. The bands two CD’s can also be purchased at www.cdbaby.com or at all shows.
- Columbus Messenger