"RATHER HAVE THE GREEN THAN THE BLUES" is full of smokin' hot, jumpin' and funky blues, that will surely get you moving.  This well produced disc contains twelve originals by The Barron of the Blues - RICHIE BARRON.  For this particular project RICHIE assembled enough people to create a good size orchestra.  Joining him, on vocals and guitars are: MARK "JELLYROLL" BURGSTAHLER, JEROME FLETCHER and BOBBY JORDAN on guitars; RANDY FORRESTER, MICHAEL "SPIDERMAN" MARTIN, RICH SMITH, RICH SCHAFFER and DAVID KESNER on keyboards; STUART VIETS on saxophones; RICH ARMSTRONG on trumpet; ED BARLEY on trombone; EVAN PALMERSTON, DAVID MORENO and JOHNNY YO on bass; DONNY BALDWIN, GREG ELMORE and JEFF CREGG on drums; RICHARD "BANDITO" SEGOVIA on timbales and conga; BILL NOTEMAN on harmonica; and MICHELE and LAURA on wonderfully melodic and harmonic backup vocals.

 

    The disc doesn't start - it rips open with a flaming hot track called "TAHOE BOOGIE".  The whole band - whoever they may be on this track - is in an all out, full blown jam.  Led by the fierce rhythm - and I do mean fierce, everyone is a highlight on what I'm already calling one of the discs best tracks.  I just couldn't get enough of the smoking horns, the hot sax solos, the great guitar riffs and the vibrant vocals.  It took me about a dozen replays just to get through this paragraph.  Wow! What a hell of a first impression.

 

    The title track, "I'D RATHER HAVE THE GREEN THAN THE BLUES", could probably be called "THE BLUES MAN'S ANTHEM".  I'm sure most of them would gladly trade in the blues for the green.  RICHIE makes it quite clear that he'd rather drive a Cadillac than his beat up Chevrolet, eat steak and lobster over his red beans and rice and he'd rather see patent leather or alligator when he looks down at his old beat up shoes.......yes, he'd rather have the green than blues.  More great guitar work and lots of hot piano on this one.

 

    Funk fans will certainly favor "NO TROUBLE TONIGHT".  Unfortunately, with so many different players on the different instruments, and no indication on the liner notes as to who is on what track, all I can say is whoever it is on bass and drums is doing a hell of a job.  Add more rippin' guitar and lots of hot horns and this is another smoker.  The chorus will definitely "funk you up".

 

    As this very mellow and low down blues track indicates, things are a bit slower down on "GRANDPA'S FARM".  One of the highlights on this track is the mixing.  The sound, clearness and volume of all the instruments and vocals are absolutely perfect.  Great vocals, harp and sax by RICHIE, BILL and STEWART make this another of the discs best.

 

    If I gave out awards for rhythm, the players on "RATHER HAVE THE GREEN THAN THE BLUES" would be a lock to win it.  Once again, on "SOMEBODY'S GOT TO GO", the rhythm section has me in total awe.  More good vocals, guitar and some killer piano highlight this one as well.

 

    Excellent vocals and lyrics make this next track.  It seems that no matter what RICHIE is behind on, and it sounds like quit a bit, he can still address a certain class of people by claiming "I'M STILL AHEAD OF YOU".  Great horn work adds to this soulful, funky number.

 

    If you'd like to check out RICHIE BARRON on line, since he doesn't have his own website, you'll have to do it through http://www.soundclick.com/pro/view/01/default.cfm?BandID=107189.  If you go, shoot him and email and tell him the Blewzzman is braggin' 'bout the Barron of the Blues.