The notes inside DANNY DRAHERS CD, "BIG FUN TONIGHT", have me puzzled.  I'm siting here in sheer amazement wondering to myself how this guy could have been involved in everything he's been involved with, and yet he's not a household name within the blues community.  Forgive me for not even attempting to list his credentials.....space just doesn't allow.  You'll just have to go to his website and read it for yourself.  Or better yet - get the disc, and as your reading about his life's accomplishments, relish in his musical accomplishments.

 

    "BIG FUN TONIGHT", features thirteen original tracks by DANNY that showcase him shuffling between jazzy, funky and slow blues.  Joining DANNY, on guitar and vocals, is a very impressive ensemble of distinguished guests that include: DR. JOHN and BRIAN MITCHELL on Piano; BERNARD PURDIE, MIKE CLARK, GREG ROCKINGHAM,TOBY WILLIAMS and GEORGE RECILLE on drums; WILBUR BASCOMB on bass; BOB MALACH on sax; LARRY ETKIN on trumpet and CHRIS FOREMAN, REUBEN WILSON and EVERETTE DE VAN all on the Hammond B3 organ.  If your an organ fan, I'm sure by now your salivating. 

 

    "BIG FUN TONIGHT" isn't just the title of the disc and the title of the opening track, it may very well describe what you'll be doing as your listening - having big fun.  The bands real tight on this hot shuffle.  As you'd expect from the bands introductions, and you can expect this on most of the tracks,  CHRIS on the B3 is just one of this tracks highlights.  DANNY'S vocals and his extended solo at the songs end are others.

 

    The rapid rhythm of GREG on drums and WILBUR on bass set the blazing pace on this smokin' instrumental called "GARLIC & ONIONS".  The leads, passed back and forth 'tween DANNY on guitar and CHRIS on the Hammond are phenomenal.  This one's spicy hot. 

 

    Anyone who has ever read one of my reviews knows that on discs featuring different styles of blues, it's the low down dirty blues tracks that are always my personal favorites.  "DON'T KNOW MUCH" is one of those tracks.  It opens with some serious blues guitar riffs and very soulful vocals by DANNY before it's turned over to the DR for some scorching blues on the piano.  After the horns and the Hammond kick in it's DANNY all over again.  This is nine and a half minutes - and that's if you resist hitting replay, which I couldn't - of ass kickin' blues. 

 

    The jazz lovers will just love "32nd & 3rd".  It even sounds like a corner you'd expect a jazz joint to be on (who know's, perhaps it is).  Once again, GREG and WILBUR are setting to pace.  However, it's a much smoother and slower pace this time around.  The kind that gets the foot tapping, the head bobbing and the body swaying like a Jello mold.  Meanwhile, DANNY and CHRIS are putting on a virtual music class on the guitar and the organ.  Another 9.5 minutes of musical bliss.

 

    "GOIN' HOME" and "I DON'T KNOW WHY" are both quick 3 minute tracks with excellent drum work.  On "GOIN' HOME", With everyone in jam mode, some fast and furious stick work can be heard by GEORGE and on "I DON'T KNOW", its GREG layin' down the beautiful beat.

 

    The rest of "BIG FUN TONIGHT" features "MY DESIRE", "LI'L GIRL", "DISCO WOMAN", "BLUES FOR C. L.", "GOT A PROBLEM WITH THAT?" and "JIGSAW". 

 

    Most people, as the saying goes, prefer quality over quantity.  With nearly eighty minutes of absolutely excellent music on "BIG FUN TONIGHT", you enjoy the pleasure of both.  Give DANNY DRAHER a shout and tell him the Blewzzman said your record collection should include this disc.