The James Quill Band is a Las Vegas, Nev. based groove/jam-oriented band with sharp rock/country/blues sensibilities. Quill has played professionally with such rock and roll greats as Three Dog Night, Billy Joel, John Mayall (he replaced Eric Clapton), Dr. John and Roger McGuinn. Injuring his foot while he was in the eight-grade, Quill was stuck at home one day and was listening to the radio and came across a station playing Jimmy reed. At that moment Quill had his first epiphany and became a blues lover for the rest of his life. Quill also has had the weird experience of being asked to fill in for Bobby Fuller ("I Fought the Law") after the singer was found dead.
Quill writes eight of the 10 cuts on "Down to Earth." The rest of the band contributes on the two other tracks including the CDs ending track a fine percussion heavy tune by Nelson called "Sunday's Prayer."
"It's great to just plug in and play with my new band, which consists of guitarist Paul Barnes (Sancho-Barnard Band), bassist Gunter W. Nezhoda and drummer Sandy Nelson (Big Joe Turner, Mel Carter, and the Penguins), says Quill."
The back notes on the CD say: "Only 70 years left till the `70s begin-don't be late." A listen to "Down to Earth" definitely reveals the 1970s as the band's favorite decade. Traces of Neil Young, Crosby, Stills and Nash and the Eagles can be heard throughout this nine-seconds shy of 40-minutes long CD.
www.jamesquillsmithband.com
management@jamesquillsmithband.com
www.mp3soundrecords.com
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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