• Howard & the White Boys – Rosa’s Lounge

    Artist:
    Rick J Bowen Posted On December 12, 2014
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    Anyone who has had the great fortune of seeing a show at the renowned Rosa’s Lounge in Logan Square, on Chicago’s Northwest side, knows it is a windowless hotbox of pure blues and soul. Hard-working quartet Howard & the White Boys caught lightning in a bottle there on one summer night in 2013, recording their show and releasing it in October of 2014 as their sixth album, simply titled Rosa’s Lounge.

    The eleven-song set is not only a high watermark achievement for the band but a spot-on example of modern Chicago blues.

    The formula of two guitars, bass, and drums is worked to precision here, with the rhythm section laying down grooves that mix the tight new sound of modern R&B and gospel with classic blues and soul riffs, while the guitars trade gritty leads — all designed to emphasize Howard McCullum’s big baritone and hot shot bravado.

    The opening track, “Heat Seeking Missile,” is a snappy Messin’ tune with the kid-type boogaloo that showcases the bands’ mighty chops right from the top. McCullum testifies to his lifelong obsession during the mighty, slow-burning 12-bar “Strung Out on the Blues.”  Drummer Jim “Buka” Christopulos rolls around his whole kit during the thundering “Trouble Follows You,” then they make a statement with the funk on “Judge.” Special guest Steve Asma joins the crew for the down-home shuffle “Black Cat,” adding greasy slide guitar to the stew. The boys take it to church for the bonus studio track “That’s Alright,” with guest Neal O’Hara adding sweet Hammond B3 to the gospel beat. 

    Howard & the White Boys – Rosa’s Lounge (3011 Records)
    http://www.howardandthewhiteboys.net/

     




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