Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro � November 2009  

 

        Most likely, this will be the first review I have ever done where almost everyone in the country has already heard the band.  Not you, you say?  Well, think again.  If you've ever seen the TV commercial where the owner of Papa John's Pizza knocks on someone's door and says "How about some Papa John's Pizza?", then you've heard Big Papa And The TCB.  That's them playing "Go Big Papa" in the background.

 

    Big Papa And The TCB are Chris "Big Papa" Thayer on vocals & guitars, Quinton "Dr. Q" Hufferd on keyboards & vocals, Steve "Ice Cream Man" Brown on bass & vocals and Ray "Mr. Pittz" Wilson on drums & vocals.  Special guests on "12 Gauge Insurance Plan" include "Jumpin' Jack" Benny Cortez on harmonica, Gabe Hartman on tenor sax and Marianne Keith & Kelly McGuire on vocals.  The disc features sixteen original tracks, totaling well over an hour of music.  Let's go hear some.......

 

    In addition to the musical highlights, which include some great guitar work, outstanding organ, and wonderful vocal harmony between Chris & Kelly, this track also offers some sound advice... you'll definitely be playing with your life when you love "Another Man's Wife".  Take heed! 

 

    I'm only a few tracks into the disc and I believe I may have already found my favorite - "The Fool You Left Behind".  This is one of those tracks that totally transforms you to a different place and time.  Close your eyes, listen carefully and enjoy the nostalgic trip back to wherever it may take you.  This wonderful ballad is highlighted by absolutely beautiful work from Chris on the vocals, Quinton on the piano and Gabe on the saxophone.  Replays are in order for this one.

 

    "Another Ride" is going it be a 'wild ride' as well.  This is one of only three tracks that feature "Jumpin Jack" on harp, and he certainly lives up to his nickname - you will be jumpin' to this one.  The race between Quinton and Ray on the organ and drums sets the smoking rhythm pace.   

 

    You'd better be ready, 'cause your thangs gonna start shakin' when "Ain't No Thang" starts spinning.  It's gotta happen, this one's an all out smoker.  Everyone's in a total jam led by the frantic rhythm coming from the bass and drums.  Steve and Ray are at discs best right here.

 

  The tile of this track - "Dirty Bird Blues" - might indicate you're about to hear some low down dirty blues, and for the next ten minutes, that's exactly what your going to get.  This one's got it all going on - slow and scorching vocals, very slow, smooth and down the alley piano leads, smoking blues guitar riffs and it's all held together with perfectly mellow rhythm lead by steady organ work.  Real good stuff right here.   

 

    As I'm listening to the lyrics, it's easy to understand how "Go Big Papa" became the anthem for the pizza delivery chain.  Of course it's the name of the song, but I'm thinking the part about doing 90 miles an hour in a 20 mile per hr zone had something to do with as well.....doesn't that sound exactly like a pizza delivery guy?  As it's been throughout the disc, Quinton's piano playing is again a highlight on this one. 

 

    Other tracks on "12 Gauge Insurance Plan" include: "Who's Yo Daddy?", "Money", "Hey There Charlie", "All I Need", "Slow Down", "Saved By You", "Easy Does It", "Little Miss Mischief", "It Wasn't Me", and "Lovin' Man".

 

    While you go to www.bptcb.com to check out the band, buy the disc and tell them the Blewzzman sent ya, I'm going back for another listen of "The Fool You Left Behind".

 

    Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com