By the name of this band, one can only assume that they were big fans of the English blues-rock band, Cream.
On 11 original tracks, Strange Brew—voted Pittsburgh’s Best New Band of 1997—earns its moniker and its coveted regional award by combining elements from American roots music with blues and rockabilly.
Strange Brew features lead/back vocalist/percussionist/flutist Marcy Eustice and bluesy-with-a-punk-edge guitarist Fran Rifugiato, an established slinger on the New York City club scene during the 1970s. The rest of the group consists of bassist Joe Jeffries, drummer Mike "Sticks" Visnick, keyboardist/backing vocalist Al Snyder and back-vocalist Mike Faggioli.
Think a rockin’ Patsy Cline meets guitar slinger Joey Ramone and you will get an idea of what to expect from these Pittsburgh Steeler and Pirate locals. Best cuts: "Hill Top Blues," "I’ve Been Talkin’" and the closing "Itchin’ Bitchin’ Baby."
adelphi@erols.com
P.O. Box 7688, Silver Springs, Md., 20907
(301) 434-6958
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
