BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO
© JULY 2007
Naming his newest release "SIDE
STREET BOOGIE", is TOMMY KEYS' way of paying tribute to all of the so
called "off the beaten path" nightclubs, juke joints, barrelhouses and
theaters. The ones you find down the side streets and alleyways of
the inner city. There, is where TOMMY feels art and music are at
their raw best.
Interestingly enough, I was able to
relate to TOMMY'S thoughts on that matter as I listened to the boogie
woogie music on the opening track. I was immediately reminded of a day,
many years ago, when I was exploring the side streets in New Orleans.
It was down one of those alleyways where I discovered an obscure "hole in the
wall" where the Legendary "Al Broussard" was working his magic on no more
than a hand full of very happy listeners. That afternoon turned out to be
one of the highlights of my trip, and recalling it makes me understand
exactly how TOMMY feels.
On "SIDE STREET BOOGIE", TOMMY
KEYS plays the piano, harmonica, bass, drums and percussion, and he sings all
the songs, of which half of them are TOMMY KEYS originals. Damn Tommy,
make a guy envious - why dontcha? On three tracks he's joined by KEN
"THE ROCKET" KORB on harmonica, AL HENNEBORN on drums, MIRANDA GATEWOOD on
bass, and MIKE DE LUCA on pedal steel.
On "RUM BOOGIE WOOGIE",
you can forget about all those other things TOMMY'S playin' - this one's all
about him and his piano. If large doses of robust barrelhouse blues get
you moving, then clear the dance floor 'cause here you come. On this
track, TOMMY'S puttin' out some of his best stuff.....vocally and
instrumentally.
TOMMY'S expertise on the harp has
"SINGING THE BLUES" sounding like some good ole Chicago Blues.
One of TOMMY'S inspirations - Pinetop Perkins - is clearly in his thoughts on
this one. This is the one and only track that features AL
HENNEBORN and MIRANDA GATEWOOD, and they provide an excellent groove on
rhythm.
"LAZY DAY BLUES", and
"BLUE MOON RIVER" are two tracks that are pure listening
pleasure. The first one being an instrumental which just kinda pushes
you back in your chair, makes you close your eyes and before you know it, you're
seeing TOMMY'S hands softly and precisely pressing every key. The second
one has a very similar effect with the extra added pleasure of hearing TOMMY'S
exceptional voice perfectly sing this song.
A disc of this nature just couldn't have
been produced without including "WHEN THE SAINT'S COME MARCHING
IN". You can actually hear the fun you know TOMMY's having playing
this one.
Another very well done ballad is "A
SONG FOR YOU" which once again features TOMMY'S amazing voice. Adding
to this one's highlights are the wonderful sound that MIKE DE LUCA produces on
the pedal steel. Hearing more of MIKE could make me a fan of an instrument
I've never quite been all that fond of. This is good stuff.
Other tracks on "SIDE STREET
BOOGIE" include "HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE", "OH MARIE", "BOOGIE MAN", "ALL
MY LIFE", "FOUR UNTIL LATE" and "EARLY IN THE MORNING".
New Yorkers and Long
Islanders - or as those of us from there may say, "Nu Yawkers and
Lawng Eyelanders" - are more likely to see TOMMY than the rest of the
world, but you can all check him out at www.tommykeys.com. While you're
there, make yourself happy and pick up a copy of "SIDE
STREET BOOGIE". Make me happy as well by telling TOMMY that Pete
the Blewzzman - from Hicksville L. I. sent ya.
This review has been complimentary written
for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for
BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many
more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an
abundance of blues material. I can be reached at
Blewzzman@aol.com