At his live shows, I'm sure the introduction might sound something like this... "Ladies and Gentlemen, please put your hands together and welcome to the stage Mr. Tommy Dudley, the Blues Buddha .  However, looking at this strapping, statuesque being, I can't help but think it should sound something like this......"Ladies and Gentlemen, in this corner, standing 6'6" an weighing in at a very muscular 297 lbs, the reigning World Wrestling champion, Tommy 'The Blues Buddha" Dudley".  However, that's not how it goes, and thankfully it's his fans he's giving the blues - not his opponents. 

 

    The musicians appearing on "I Like It A Lot", which I indeed did, are nearly enough to fill a Zip Code.  Being a firm believer of giving credit where it's due, I'll now do my best to mention them all.  Joe Piteo, Eddie "Sticky" Crucy, Howie Lucero, Larry Alexander and Alan Childs, although never simultaneously - all play drums;  Likewise for Al Payson, Mike Garner, Jeff Ganz and Scott Stanton on bass, and Gil Parris, Chip Larison, Denny Leroux, John "Johnny Feds" Federico, Scott Stanton, Ronnie Mirro and Matt Rae on guitar.  Slide guitar is played by Stefan Wildman , Keyboards are played by Scott Stanton, Sax and harmonica are played by Hank Logan, and the background vocals are sung by Scott Stanton, Nicole Hart, Gail Newman, Susan McMahon and the Blues Buddha Band.  

 

    Because of the wonderfully written lyrics, and the intensity at which they're sung, Blues Buddha just runs away with this one.  Who would have figured that "Better At Hello", a melancholy ballad, would be his strong suit.  This is my interpretation of what "songs of the year" sound like.     

 

    Sometimes all you gotta do is just say the name of a song.  "Buddha Boogie" - need I say more?  Now I know that got ya thinking swiftly sung vocals, frantic rhythm, rocking piano, and lots of hip shaking, right?  There ya go!        

 

    I'm having fun just thinking of the fun it sounded like they were having while recording this one.  There's a party going on in the background with lot's of very melodic, in time, hand clapping and the musicians are nailing a groove.  I'm probably on my eight or ninth replay right now with several more very likely coming up.  With the help of strong background vocals, the big guy sings his heart out on this one.  Add several smoking sax interludes and some frolicking at the keyboards and you've got the disc's best track right here.  "Don't Worry", once you listen, you'll have a good time as well.

 

      I had no "Trouble" liking this track, a duet featuring Tommy and Scott.  It reminded me of a place I strolled by on Bourbon Street about 25 years ago.  It was midday and I heard some great barrelhouse piano being played inside.  I walked in and wound up spending the day there.  That piano player happened to be none other than the great Allen Toussaint and on this track, Scott Stanton sounds just as great.  

 

    I doubt anyone could listen to this track and not want to say "I Like It A Lot".  This one's a virtual runaway train fueled by some of the disc's best - and fastest - rhythm provided by Alan & Jeff.  With Denny, John and Scott wailing on guitars and keyboard and the background babes giving Tommy a push on vocals, the train just gets faster and faster.  This one's gotta pack the dance floor at live shows.

 

    Other tracks on "I Like It A Lot" include: "Like I Do", "Break My Heart", "Give And Take", "Morning Song" and "Low Cotton".

 

    For more on the Blues Buddha, and to pick up a copy of the disc, check him out at  www.bluesbuddha.com.  While you're there, tell him that if he ever needs a tag team partner that the Blewzzman is available.  I can hear it now......"In this corner weighing in at a combined weight of 650 lbs, the "Bearers Of The Blues".

 

    Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com