Although it's been some time since we've heard from them, members of The Porkroll Project, individually and collectively, are seasoned veterans here at www.Mary4Music.com.  One way or another, searching our archives will find many of these fellows names, and it's certainly a pleasure to be hearing from them again.  

 

    The 2009 version of the band consists of: Paul Matecki on piano and lead vocals; Neil Taylor on guitar and lead & background vocals; Joey Stout on organ and lead & background vocals; Ed Young on bass; Chad Edstrom, J. T. Thomas and Matt DelCollo on drums; Buddy Cleveland on harp; Doc White on bass and lead vocals; and the Union Street Horns, which include: Joe Anderson and Paul Giess on trumpet; Steven Sharp on trombone; and Dave Renz and Paul Cleveland on tenor sax. 

 

    "Shake It Twice", the bands latest effort, contains six original tracks and four familiar covers.  On the opening track, "My Daddy Was The Postman", I get the impression a lot of "male" may have been being delivered by this mailman.  This one's a smoker on which the hot rhythm, fiery guitar and keyboard leads, and rippin' harp are definitely going to have you shaking it..........a lot more than twice.

 

    In blues songs, some very profound lyrics have been used when paying a compliment to someone, or emphasizing the love one may feel for another.  "I'd Rather Go Blind" (than to see you walk away) is one example and "I'll Drink Your Bathwater" (just to prove my love for you) is another.  Having said that, is it just me - or does the latter of those two sound worse than the first?  Oh, what the heck.....all that matters is that this track kicked some blues butt.  It's nearly eight minutes of slow scorching blues, highlighted by sharp and piercing harp from Buddy, orgasmic organ leads from Joey and scorching blues guitar leads from Neil.  And by the way, as enthusiastic and heartfelt as his vocals were, I believe he'd drink it. 

 

     "I Can't Turn My Back" (On The Blues) is another of the discs best.  With fierce rhythm going on behind them, Paul, Joey and Neil heat it up while passing the lead around from the organ, to the piano, to the guitar and back around again.  This is some real hot stuff, especially with the heat comin' outta those Union Street Horns. 

 

    In spite of Neil tearing it up on guitar and vocals and a few nice harp leads, "Dance Monkey Dance" is highlighted by the wicked percussion.  Joey, Doc and Matt are all over the organ, bass and drums on yet another smoker. 

 

    With so many clubs closing and festivals being canceled, I sure wish I could hear more people saying "The Blues Is My Business" (And Business Is Good).  In any event, The Porkroll Project certainly do this cover justice and obviously, from what I just heard on "Shake It Twice", the blues is their business and business is good. 

 

    Other tracks on "Shake It Twice" include: "Evil Woman Blues", "Shake It Twice", "Walking The Dog", "Two Weeks Notice" and "Vehicle".

 

    You can check out The Porkroll Project by going to www.porkroll-blues.com.  Once you're there, I suggest you: wish the band good luck at the 2010 IBC's as the Diamond States representatives; buy the CD, of course; and tell them the Blewzzman sent ya.

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com