Search - Roomful of Blues :: Standing Room Only

Roomful Still Delivers the Goods

Mark R. Smith | Grand Rapids, MI USA | 01/25/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"How many times have you been disappointed when a blues band shows up to a gig as a three piece when all of its discs feature horns and keyboards on nearly every track? Roomful of Blues fans never experience a let down since the band includes as members the two saxophones, trumpet, keyboards, guitar, bass, drums and harmonica heard on its discs. What you hear on disc is what you get live and, in this case, fans should be salivating in anticipation of the band's next appearance. Simply put, the band has rarely sounded better. Starting things off with the fast paced, horn laden "She Put A Spell On Me", the band works its way through 14 cuts that allow the band to flex its instrumental muscles in a variety of settings. "I Can't Stand You No More" has a slinky, guitar driven mambo groove that is unlike anything the band has recorded before. "Boomerang" is a rockin,' dance floor filling number for the rock and roll dancers while "Just Keep Rockin'" , "Jona Lee", "Flip Flap Jack" and "Up Jumped the Devil" will give the swing dancers a work out. While the band has proved over and over that it is the gold standard for upbeat numbers it makes a strong case here for its ability to play the kind of slow, emotional blues that are Bobby "Blue" Bland's stock in trade. On "Sufferin' With The Blues" lead vocalist Mark DuFresne conveys a deep, desperate pain that conjures up images of someone ending the night alone crying in bad scotch wondering if it is worth it to make it to tomorrow. The band's instrumental prowess is showcased on "Straight Jaquette" which features the dueling saxophones of Mark Earley and Rich Latille and allows trumpeter Bob Enos to take a couple of flights into the stratosphere. A pleasant curve ball is thrown into the mix on the easy loping groove of Nobody Knows which features guitarist Chris Vachon serving up croaking vocals reminiscent of Tom Waits. As with past discs, the band features covers by jump blues kings like Roy Brown but this time extends into soul blues penned by Little Milton and Lowell Fulson and a number of self-penned tunes (Vachon logs in with four while Latille, Earley, DuFresne and keyboard ace Travis Colby contribute one each) that fit seamlessly with those of the masters that they have covered. After more than three decades in the business, Roomful of Blues continues to deliver the goods both live and on disc."

A Room with a View

H. Tibbs | Canada | 10/22/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This incredible band, wrapping up decade 4, has its eyes on the past (big band swing bands of the 40's) with a view towards keeping the sound tight and rockin' for the modern age. New vocalist Mark Dufresne has a range that can bring chills or simply drive the band with power and a bluesy cool. Leader Chris Vachon is one of the best guitar players out there for feel and tone whether playing a slow blues groove or hitting it hard. I am always so pleased to see new work come from this incredible American institution. They swing, they jump, they jive, they are simply outstanding. Another live album featuring this current line-up would be great. The horn section led by 30+ year saxman Rich Lataille is as bright and sharp as ever. Bubba's horn work is outstanding! As a great band leader once said when asked which line-up was the best of all the ones he's had over the years, he replied, 'Why this one of course". Simply put, America's best jump blues band, period!!"