"BIG HOUSE BLUES BAND" is similar to that of many small town local bands in that most of their members are usually successful professionals such as accountants, lawyers, chemists, bankers, restaurant employees, or members of the full-time workforce in general.  Often, more than not, these individuals are 100% satisfied with the daily lives they lead, their places in the community and most importantly, their families.  Inasmuch as they may be content with not being the next band to go platinum, that doesn't stop them from being a kick ass band.  "LIVE! NO ROOM TO MOVE" will attest to that    

 

       The band consists of "BIG DADDY" HOUSEMAN on vocals, guitars and harmonica; JIMI RAY on drums and vocals; JANE BASSETT on vocal and percussion; NICK "THE HOUSE" HOUSEMAN on guitars and vocals; "TZER" TABACZKA on keyboards and vocals; JAY CARR on bass and vocals; GREG NIMITZ on alto sax; MARK MILLER on trombone; and JIM VAN BEMMEIEN on tenor sax.

 

    Although "LIVE! NO ROOM TO MOVE" features all covers, the bands' use of horns, piano and background vocals, that were not on the originals, make them sound quite interesting.  The disc opens with back to back B.B and T-Bone tracks - "PAYING THE COST TO BE THE BOSS" and "STORMY MONDAY".  On the B.B cut, JANE does a great job on vocals and the horn section is right on the money.  Also, for as many times as it's been done, I don't think T-Bone himself would be disappointed in this version of his classic.  The guitar work is outstanding and the piano and sax solos, along with the background harmonies, make this one of the better versions this listener's heard. 

    

    Another hot one is Hookers "HUG AND SQUEEZE YOU".  This one features some of the discs best rhythm.  JIMI and JAY, on drums and bass, lead the fast pace that automatically leads to an all out jam with great guitar and sax leads. 

 

    Another of my particular favorites is "THE GOOD LIFE".  With the band locked into a real tight groove, "TZER" tears it up with some great piano highlights, JIM blows the hell of the tenor sax and JANE belts it out on vocals. 

 

    More great vocals are sung by JANE on "GOTTA RIGHT TO BE WRONG".  Backed by some awesome drum work by JIMI, she basically runs away with it on this beautiful ballad.   

 

    BIG DADDY lights it up on "I'VE GOT MY MOJO WORKING".  His vocals and sharp harp work highlight this one - which, with all the vocal ad-libbing and background banter, makes it sound like the band is having a heck of a good time.  I'm sure they were.

 

    Other tracks on "LIVE! NO ROOM TO MOVE" are: "I'VE GOT PAPERS ON YOU", "WALKING BY MYSELF", "(I'VE GOT EVERYTHING YOU NEED) ALMOST", "IF YOU LOVE ME LIKE YOU SAY", "SMOKING GUN", "GIMME SOME LOVING" and "HEY BARTENDER"

 

    You can check out BIG HOUSE BLUES BAND by dropping by http://www.bighousebluesband.com.  Maybe while you're checking them out, you'll write them a check as well.....for a copy of "LIVE! NO ROOM TO MOVE".  Tell them Blewzzman said you won't be disappointed.