The St. Louis native and self-proclaimed performer and lover of what he calls "Deke Dickerson music," has come a long way since he was first turned on to roots music by his father's record collection as well as attending concerts by the likes of Bill Monroe and Willie Dixon.
The vocalist/guitarist/saxophonist/songwriter and his Ecco-Fonics are joined in the studio for "More Million $eller$" by some special guests: guitarist and former member of the band X, Billy Zoom; piano slinger Sonny Leyland; tenor saxophonist Joey D'ambrosio, who played with Bill Haley's 1955 Comets, steel guitarist Jeremy Wakefield (Wayne "the Train" Hancock) and by the voice of the Beverly Hillbillies TV theme singer, Jerry Scoggins.
Dickerson's music is a mixture of Johnny Cash and Buddy Holly with a little rockabilly, jump blues and garage and hard-edged 1950s rock 'n' roll. Released in October of last year Dickerson and his Ecco-Fonics have found a home amongst the legions of fans of Chris Isaak, the Squirrel Nut Zippers and the Cherry Poppin' Daddies, while at the same time showing respect to a time when life and music were much simpler.
Hightone Records has released/produced another fine roots album/artist and from the sounds of "More Million $eller$, a bright and colorful future lies ahead for all of those concerned.
eccofonic@earthlink.net or www.hightone.com
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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