The South Side of Chicago may be famous for it's blues bands, however, there's another south side that's rapidly becoming synonymous with that claim as well. That would be the South Side of Florida. When it comes to very good blues bands, the South Florida blues scene is brimming with them. As a matter of fact, the area is the home of two recent IBC winners and it's this writers opinion that number three will one day be delivered through the talents of Blues Dragon. Remember where you heard that.

Blues Dragon, the band, is made up of: Mark Telesca on Lead Vocals, Electric & Acoustic Bass; Mike "Big Dog" Hundley on Electric Guitar & Dr. Sample; Tony "The Reverend" Monaco on Hammond B3, Piano & Background Vocals; John Boyle on Harmonica, Alto Sax, Flute & Background Vocals; Fred Weng on Acoustic Drums, Percussion & Trumpet; Rico Geragi on Congas, Bongos, Roland V-Drums & Handsonic, Muse "The Freddy" Receptor, Percussion & Background Vocals. The Violinists on "Living On Death Row" are Pat Monaco and Lyndsey Brown. An interesting array of instruments played by an equally interesting ensemble of musicians.

"Blues Dragon", the disc, is the bands second self titled release. It's contains twelve very well performed tracks of which eleven are very well written band originals.

The opening track is about a place that may sound familiar to some of us - the bottom of a "Bottle Of Gin". It's a great track to open with in that it features, and introduces the listener to, everyone in the band. The rhythm's intense, with great B3, guitar and sax highlights. This one's a sure sign that there's lots more good stuff ahead.

The "Electric Chair" or a long stretch in prison? Tough choice? Not for Blues Dragon. The title tells you their take. No pun intended, this one sizzles. It's a lightning fast track featuring some of Mike's best guitar work, John blowin' smoke outta the harp, and a lot of attitude from Mark on vocals.

Although untraditional for them, Blues Dragon gets a bit traditional on "The Kiss That Said Goodbye". As it usually is the case with these slow and low down blues songs, the emotional and soulful vocals and scorching guitar leads tend to be the highlights and Mark and Mike nail those roles on this one.

"I'd Do Anything" to see someone sit still for the two minute length of this track. As short a time as that is, it just won't happen. Tony and Fred, on the B3 and drums, will see to that. This one's real hot stuff.

"Don't Get Me Wrong" is a musical masterpiece. It's a blend of blues, jazz and funk that makes several interesting changes. It features Mark at discs best on bass, beautifully rhythmic percussion from Rico, mellifluous flute from John and very steady organ from Tony.

"Living On Death Row" has to be eerie and that's the perfect word to describe this track - eerie. It's lyrics paint a very dark picture, that when combined with the intensity and emotion that Mark puts into the vocals, will send chills through your body. It's almost easy to overlook the level of force that the rest of the band is playing at, while their music translates the pain this story tells. It's disappointing for me to think how many people may never get to hear this amazing piece of work.

Other tracks on "Blues Dragon" include: "Loves Fool", "I Got The Blues For You", "This Train", "Blackest Woman", I Just Want You To Understand" and "Crocodile Shoes".

Do yourself a favor by going to www.bluesdragon.com and getting your hands on a copy of this disc. While there, do me a favor and tell the guys the Blewzzman sent ya.