Live Review
Inside Straight CD Release Party
Famous Dave's - Minneapolis, Minnesota
February 4, 2004
by Rich Benson
Photography © 2004 by Rich Benson, all rights reserved.
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award"
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Inside Straight brought their tight, ensemble blues sound into Famous
Dave's in support of their new CD, "Straight Up, Down and Dirty." They
gave the small, enthusiastic Wednesday night crowd some hot, smoking
blues by a hardworking, talented local blues band. Kicking things off
with "Walking the Dog" the band had the energy and enthusiasm flowing as
keyboard player Billy Swanson delivered the strong, hip lead vocals in
addition to his keyboard playing. Coming right back with the Paul
Butterfield classic "Born in Chicago" lead guitarist Kurt Koehler gave
the crowd gritty, growling, full-throated vocals in as well as solid
guitar licks on his red Gibson. The rock-solid rhythm section of Mark
Zmuda on bass and Curly Martin on drums provided the driving beat and
energy. Sax player Paul Strickland added his great smoking sax riffs to
the mix.
The band played many songs from the new CD, including the great up-tempo
Howlin' Wolf blues classic, "Killing Floor." Kurt's energy and
enthusiasm on guitar and vocals was backed by the solid rhythm section
and great sax work by Paul for a smoking blues sound. Covering Little
Charlie and the Night Cats "Big and Fat" the band showed off their
tight, smooth vocal harmonies as Kurt played snarling, growling guitar
licks behind the solid lead vocals of Billy. The band kept their tight
vocal harmonies going on the hip, rumba beat of "Early in the Morning."
Kurt delivered some solid, expressive guitar fills and again delivered
solid vocals in his strong, husky voice.
All in all it was a solid night of blues by a band that keeps busy
playing the blues all around town and various points in out state
Minnesota every month. The CD was recorded live in September 2002 at
Willie's Hidden Harbor in St. Paul Park, MN and was released on the
local Cold Wind Records label. For a night of tight, solid blues, be
sure to check out this tight, talented band. And you can pick up their
new CD so you can take some of their music home with them.
Buy this CD NOW:
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Copyright © 2004 Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage
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