If you use the terms "High Energy", "Rocking", "R&B" and "Funky" in front of the word "Blues", to describe the style of blues that gets you going, then you need to get hip to the D C RIDERS.  They'll give you exactly what whets your appetite.  

 

    The band consists of DENNIS CALLANTA, who wrote all 8 of the original tracks on "GOOD AT BEIN' BAD", on guitar and vocals; VINCE CADENA JR on drums; and RON PITCHFORD JR on bass.  Additional musical contributors to this album are NICK MITROFANOFF on keyboards; KAREN HOLTEMANN on bass; and DAVID BROCK on saxophone.  

 

    The title track, "GOOD AT BEIN' BAD", is an excellent, as well as fun, track.  It's all about a cat whose not good at much of anything which essentially makes him good at being bad.  The comical lyrics, the good vocals and the whole band being very tight surely makes this one of the disc highlights.  The "Doo Wop" sounding background vocals are an additional treat.

 

    The very funky sounding "NASTY HABITS" (Tommy Castro), is only one two covers on the disc.  With Tommy listed as one of the bands influences, and the perfect job they do of it, it seemed like a logical pick. 

Of course, along with more good vocals and lots of great lead guitar, the bass playing clearly highlight this one.

 

    "BE IT AS IT MAY" is by far the bluesiest track on the disc, obviously making it one the Blewzzman's personal favorites.  The song is phenomenal! This very smoothly done, soft and slow ballad makes you just want to get up and start slow dancing around the room.  The blues guitar riffs, as mellow as they are, are outstanding, as well as are the constant, yet varying sounds of the organ.  Anyone familiar with my past reviews is probably wondering how many times I hit the replay button on this one. 

 

    Now that I've got you up and dancing - stay there - you'll never be able to sit still listening to "SOMETHING WICKED".  Although this one's short, it's fast and funky.  It's a basic all out jam featuring a smoking rhythm section. 

 

    "WATCHIN' ALL THE GIRLS GO BY", was probably placed last on the disc in order to make you play it again.  This hard rockin' track should have you in a total frenzy by the time it ends.  Y' know you can't stop now.

 

    Other tracks appearing on "GOOD AT BEIN' BAD" are "LIKE A CAT", "LITTLE BY LITTLE", "GOT TO BREAK AWAY", "RIDE OR PALY THE BLUES" and "STICKS AND STONES".

 

    

    When you read this review, let the D C RIDERS know about it.  You can do that by going to http://www.dcridersband.com and telling them the Blewzzman sent ya'.