Live Review
Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers
Famous Dave's, Minneaplis
September 19, 2003
by Rich Benson
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Rod brought his well-dressed group of hip West Coast jump blues players in for some energetic, enthusiastic music. Starting out on chromatic harp with just his drummer backing him, Rod blew great, low expressive riffs as his band filtered onto the stage behind him, Honey coming out last. They played fast, jamming, jumping blues, with a great keyboard solo by Honey and long repeating riffs by Rod. Right away dancers jammed the floor in front of the stage, jumping and moving to the music. Wasting no time, Rod led the band into “Big Blues Party,” funked-up blues with a hip-hop influenced sound. He wowed the crowd with his quick-hitting, choppy harp riffs delivered with high-energy and cool style. “Sinister Woman” followed with fast, jumping blues, Rod singing clear and strong with a hip inflection. He blew his harp low and growling, bringing it up for some soaring, piercing notes. Honey added her great boogie-woogie piano sound, while the rest of the band provided a tight ensemble sound.
During the night the Flyers blended solid originals with great classic blues. Two of their best covers were Muddy Waters’ “Baby Please Don’t Go” and Little Walters’ “Black Night.” On the former Rod played some great, choppy harp riffs that captured the spirit and energy of the blues legend. Honey added a great piano solo, while guitarist Henry nailed the guitar riffs. On “Black Night” Rod concentrated on playing great, heavy, dirty-tone harp riffs on this slow blues grinder. Bass player Bill Stuve added nice, gritty vocals in addition to his solid bass playing. Honey is the heart and soul of this band, with her high-energy, expressive keyboard playing, infectious smile, and boundless enthusiasm. She played her long, rollicking, raucous boogie-woogie piano on “The Stinger” backed by only Paul Wilson on drums. Long blonde hair flying, flashing her bright smile, she showed off all of her keyboard skills with style and flash. They closed off their first set with “Talk with Me Baby,” the band members exiting the stage one by one leaving only Honey and Rod. Rod got down off the stage and blew his harmonica as he moved slowly through the crowd, stopping here and there to blow some mean, energetic riffs. At the end of the song the band members filtered back on stage for a strong finish.
The shorter second set featured more great jump blues and great playing by the band. The grinding, soulful blues of “Please Have Mercy” followed by their closer of Muddy’s “Mannish Boy.” Rod closed things out as he started, with great harp playing, here slow and soulful, broken up with fast trills and soaring, piercing riffs over the steady, slow, hooking blues beat. The crowd responded enthusiastically to the great sounds they had heard, clamoring for more as Rod and Honey and the rest of the band left the stage.
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Copyright © 2004 Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
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