Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro � August 2009 

 

    Captiva, FL is on a tiny Gulf Coast Island about as wide as my waist.  Unlike the Keys, where everyone heads when they want to go nuts, Captiva is a place where everyone heads when they want to get sane.  The place is renowned for vegging out, searching for seashells and possibly searching for your soul as well.  Yes, it does have a music festival, but part of that festival's mission statement claims ".......the festival is to present classical music of the highest standard..........".  Have I made my point yet?  Not exactly the place you'd want to go to in hopes of hearing a smokin' blues band, right?  Not quite, Marty Stokes and the Captiva Band may have something to say about that.    

 

    The band consists of Marty Stokes on vocals and guitar, Lisa George on vocals and percussion, Todd haut on bass, Jim Burns on drums and percussion, and Donovan Christenson on guitar.  Additional musicians joining the band on the bands debut CD, are Summer Kilgore on vocals, John McLane on piano, keyboards and B-3 organ, Harry Drew on saxophone and Richie Iannuzzi on congas and percussion.  The disc contains thirteen tracks, of which eight are very well done originals.

 

    The opening and title track, "Hear You Callin", immediately impresses.  Marty wastes no time establishing his guitar prowess, Todd, Jim and Richie are rhythmically awesome, John's got all the keyboards lit up and Summer provides great back up to Marty's melodic vocals.  Great start!

 

   When this track comes on, the dance floor's not gonna have to "Wait For Me Baby".  Led by smokin' slide guitar, fierce rhythm, wicked hot piano and perfect harmony from Lisa and Summer, this one's full throttle all the way.  Replays are in order here.

 

    If it's low down scorching blues you're looking for - and I always am - then you can just stop right here.  As he pleads for his hurting to "Stop", the pain Marty's feeling is equally expressed through his emotional vocals and burning guitar licks.  The only thing that can make a song like this better is an intense sax, and Harry did just that.  Absolutely great stuff right here.

 

    Another of the discs best is "Heartbreak School".  In spite of Marty and Summer teaming up for some absolutely beautiful harmony on vocals, it's the guests that highlight this one.  The relentless percussion and smokin' sax from Richie and Harry is awesome.

 

     Your house will start rockin' "When The House Is A Rockin" comes on.  This one's a total free for all.  With everyone wailin' in jam mode, it doesn't get any faster and hotter than this.  Turn up the volume and let your body join the party. 

 

     Contrary to the title of the song, you'll easily want to let go when "Can't Let Go" comes on.  If this one doesn't get you moving, don't even wait for the track to end - call a doctor immediately.  This rockin', country blues track features hot slide guitar, honky-tonk piano and Summer singing her heart out.  Another of the discs best.

 

    Other tracks on "Hear You Callin" include: "Don't Kill The Party", "Little By Little", "Hindsite", "Gotta Get to Work (On The Thing)", "The Thrill Is Gone", "On My Own" and "Captiva Bone". 

 

    You can check out Marty Stokes and the Captiva Band by going to www.captivaband.com.  Of course while you're there, buy the disc and tell him Pete the Blewzzman sent ya.  And one more thing....If you ever happen to make it to Captiva, FL, after you find some sea shells - and your sanity - find where the band is playing. 

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com