"Forty-Four", "44 Blues" or "The Forty-Fours". Three different titles for one same song - a blues standard with nearly as many versions as people that have performed it. However, it was Howlin' Wolf that took the song to a higher level and maybe by taking on the song's name, The 44's can do the same for the band.

The 44's are Johnny Main on vocals and guitar, Tex Makamura on harmonica, Mike Turturro on upright bass, and J. R. Lozano on drums. "Boogie Disease" also features it's producer - Kid Ramos, on guitar on several tracks.

Although the band's style of play quickly identifies itself to it's roots - that ever so cool and sophisticated SOCAL blues sound you'll hear on many of the tracks - make no bones about it, as you'll hear on covers of Willie and Wolf, they've got the down and dirty thing down pat as well.

On the opening track, a band original titled "Pull My Strings", The 44's immediately slip into one of those everybody's got it going on grooves and there's no looking back. Perfect rhythm, strong vocals, a few guitar lead exchanges between Johnny and Kid, and I'm lovin' every second of this six minute performance.

Although they made it sound easy, the guys did not "Take it Easy" on this one. Paraphrasing a quote from Kid Ramos, "The guys are playing like their lives depend on it". Midway through the track there's a scorching ninety second guitar solo by Johnny that will attest to that.

One thing I hope the medical world never finds a cure for is the "Boogie Disease". As a matter of fact, this doctor's wishing for a worldwide epidemic. Fueled by relentless rhythm from Mike and J. R. - both at disc's best on the bass and drums and rippin' harp by Tex, this original's a real hell raiser.

I truly feel that anyone who's ever heard and seen him would have the late William Clarke on their list of top five (or less) harmonica players. And after hearing this great version of his instrumental, "Blowin' Like Hell", I'm thinking the members of The 44's agree. With the rhythm guys fanning them, this one's all about Tex blowin' flames through the harp. Great stuff.

The disc closes with "Johnny Cochino", an instrumental written by producer, and blues guitar aficionado, Kid Ramos. After opening with a hot harp highlight from Tex, it's basically the band settling into a relaxed groove with Kid performing his usual mastery on the guitar. And when you think about it, there's nothing basic about that. Very good stuff.

Other tracks on "Boogie Disease" include: "So Low Down", "Commit A Crime", "Goin' to The Church", and "Automatic".

Please check The 44's out by going to their website at http://www.the44sband.com. There you'll be able to do all the usual stuff.....including buying the disc and telling them the Blewzzman's damn happy he's got the boogie disease.