Roomful of Blues
Standing Room Only
(Alligator CD 4900)
Roomful of Blues is a party band's party band. On their 14th release,
the eight member group sounds like a 1940s big band. Since 1967, Roomful has combined
swing, rock, blues and R&B. Back then, the band was started by guitarist Duke
Robillard and keyboardist Al Copley. Three years later, a horn section was added. In 1977,
their debut album broke them out of New England and into national attention. Robillard
left in 1980 and over the years, the band has been home to at least 44 members.
The current lineup includes a stomping three-piece horn section. They
contribute significantly to the group's swaying sound on this follow-up to 2003's That's
Right. Throughout 14 tracks, (eight original numbers and six obscure classics from the
likes of Little Milton and Lowell Fulson), they flaunt their renowned signature sound.
Singer/harpist Mark DuFresne sounds like a modern-day Frank Sinatra. Since joining the
group in 2002, DuFresne has ignited a return to the band's roots. His classy vocals are a
highlight on "The Love You Lost On The Way" and "Sufferin' With The
Blues". The arrangement on the latter goes against the band's core fabric. This makes
it an extremely difficult number to pull off. Much of the credit for making the song work
must go to DuFresne's soft and precise voice.
The disc begins with boundless energy. "She Put A Spell On Me" allures with
interest. Immediately, you want to hear more. "Boomerang" combines the sounds of
the Fabulous Thunderbirds and the Downchild Blues Band. Here, Chris Vachon's hot rockin'
guitar is set atop a non-stop rhythm that is punchy. On "Just Keep On Rockin',"
the horn-laden band performs hopping sounds from an era gone by. "Straight
Jaquette" is a slinky instrumental, like ones heard in old-fashioned vinyl record
shops.
Their dancing music makes you feel great. A couple of songs,
"Boomerang" and "Just Keep On Rockin'," are worthy of Song Of The
Year, and most should be played on radio. Roomful's exciting sound is a welcome alternate
to guitar driven blues. If you are looking to lose some of those extra winter pounds, put
on this bouncing 50-minute CD and shake them loose.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - April 2005
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