CD Review
Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings
"Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings"
Blind Pig Records (BPCD 5058)
by Dick Houff
Review date: November 1999
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1999 KBA Award Winner Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Do you remember "Big Twist & The Mellow Fellows?" If you were/or are an R&B fan with a fetish for horns, than in all likelihood, I’m sure you remember them quite well, and probably own some of their old Alligator Record discs. When Big Twist passed on in 1990, the Mellow Fellows continued as a tour de force on the Chicago club circuit with a new handle: Chicago Rhythm & Blues Kings. Big Twist was a powerful vocalist and the band went through a lay-off period as far as recording goes. With the discovery of front man /vocalist Ernie Peniston, a six-foot-five hulk, weighing in at 375 pounds from the Quad Cities; it looks like they’re back in the business of putting out records. This is the long-awaited recording that folks in the know have been waiting for, and new fans will follow. A Blind Pig Records debut, and if my predictions are right; a top-seller! The wicked combination of tenor saxman Terry Ogolini, and trumpeter Don Tenuto command respect well beyond the Windy City--I’d put these guys up against anybody in the business. David Mick is a damn fine guitarist and works well with Bob Halaj on bass. And Willie Hayes, one of the better drummers on the circuit; holds down the fort. They brought in Gene "Daddy G" Barge as a special guest. His sax exploits are legendary; during the 50s—60s, he played and recorded on hit records with Chuck Willis, Gary (U.S.) Bonds, Jimmy Soul, Little Milton, and Koko Taylor. His vocals are equally strong; on cuts #2 and #8 he sings lead. Gene produced this record and wrote half the songs; he also plays with the band on select gigs--and I’d love to catch him with the band! The eleven tracks on this killer just don’t stop, and believe me Ernie Peniston’s vocals are heard well above the horns--the man’s got a set of pipes. This one goes into my party rack! My favorite song, without question, is track #8: Street Musician. A beautiful homage to a dying breed: the street performer. My 5-Star stamp of approval--recommended.
This review is copyright © 1999 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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