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The Soul
Deacons..."Uptown"
It's happening in
Berlin. It's happening in Dublin. It's going on in West Covina and
Gary, Indiana. All over the world, young musicians, though maybe
lacking the skill that will soon develop in time, are relying on
their passion and ambition to come up with a sound-a sound that
they feel will change the music industry forever. None of this has
anything to do with the SOUL DEACONS, and their new release
entitled, Uptown. This is Old School, folks, and it doesn't come
any better than this. This is a wonderful blend of Jazz, Swing,
Blues and Fifties rock that is bound to please the ears of anyone
that listens to it, regardless of the listeners' personal tastes.
If I must compare them with another band that is currently
enjoying positive exposure, that band would have to be BIG BAD
VOODOO DADDY. I've been a fan of Voodoo Daddy for some time, but I
believe that this recording by the Soul Deacons is superior. It
has a smoother, mature and less frenetic quality that is instantly
appreciated. Coming to us via the unlikely location of Rio En
Medio, New Mexico, the band consists of Brother E. Clayton on lead
vocals, blues harp and rhythm guitar, with Fred Spencer on lead
guitar, rhythm guitar and vocals, Graham Binette on drums and
vocals. Trey Keepin, playing sax and Steve O'Neill on keyboards
complete the lineup. These guys have all been at their craft for a
long time, and the result is this happy, soulful, foot-tapping,
belly grinding collection of vintage tunes that is a pleasure to
experience. I would be hard pressed to pick a favorite track on
this album. The band moves easily from the jazz funk of HOUSE PARY
II, to the Fifties ballad IF I THOUGHT YOU NEEDED ME, to the Duke
Robillard swing of STICKIN' WITH YOU with an ease that is
astonishing. THAT MELLOW SAXOPHONE is an incredible combination of
Mambo, Salsa and pure Fifties Rock and Roll. The Deacons are as
diverse as they are talented. I have a wedding to attend in the
near future. You can be sure that I'll be bringing this CD along
with me. I'm going to ply the DJ with Wild Turkey, lock him in the
bathroom or whatever it takes to dispense with La Bamba, Tequila,
and Take the A Train. There is no doubt that once this CD is
spinning, so will the grandchildren. Uncle Bud will be showing off
his Swing steps with his beautiful niece and grandma and grandpa
will even show us how the Jitterbug was done in their day. This is
an album that folks of all ages can enjoy, and I certainly hope
you do.
Pat Benny for
South Bound
Beat Magazine
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