Professor Louie & The Crowmatix - Strike Up The Band

CONTEMPORARY BLUES/ROOTS/AMERICANA/ROOTS ROCK

LABEL: WOODSTOCK RECORDS

RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 25, 2022 

“Strike Up The Band,” the new album by Professor Louie & The Crowmatix on Woodstock Records, has nine of ten biographical and creative original songs written by Professor Louie, Miss Marie and one co-write with John Platania. This legacy all-star roots band continues to grow and these talented musicians, singers and songwriters wrote these songs that reflect a unique vision of relationships and thoughts about this tumultuous world and the times we live in. The ninth song, ‘End Of The Show,’ (unknown writer) is a tune originally recorded by Richard

Manuel of Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame group, The Band, which was never released. Louie came across this song on a poorly recorded cassette when he was working as producer for a box set by The Band.
The Crowmatix: Professor Louie (The Band) Miss Marie (Rick Danko) Gary Burke (Bob Dylan, Joe Jackson) John Platania (Van Morrison) Frank Campbell (Levon Helm) The Woodstock Horns with arrangements by Gary Burke on three songs gives “Strike Up The Band” a special twist. Bob Ludwig, mastering genius of all time, makes the recordings come to life.

Line-up: Professor Louie – Keys-Accordion,Vocals | John Platania – Guitar-Vocals | Gary Burke – Drums Miss Marie – Vocals-Percussionist-Keys | Frank Campbell – Bass-Vocals

PL&C wrote songs for “Strike Up The Band” to be upbeat and uplifting. The album gets off to a blistering start with the strong opening acapella vocal by Professor Louie on ‘A Thousand Ways To Freedom.’ Next is the driving groove of ‘Work It Out’ with The Woodstock Horns, arranged by drummer Gary Burke, and then the bluesy vocal stylings of Miss Marie on the tune ‘Fall Back On Me.’ The crew rolls down to the bayou on the ‘Golden Eagle,’ a mythical Mardi Gras railroad to heaven.
Hear the magic riffs of guitarist extraordinaire John Platania throughout and on his collaborative writing for the song ‘Good To Be Grateful.’ On ‘Chain Shot Cannonball,’ Gary Burke one of the greatest drummers of all time and Frank Campbell on bass make the songs rock. Tracks & vocals were recorded live in the studio capturing the true nature of this legacy band. The driving roots rocker ‘Livin’ In This Country,’ pays tribute to the ideals of a united America, punctuated with a ‘Can’t Turn You Loose’ tag ending. The gospel flavored ‘Tick Tock,’ tells the tale of a lovestruck man running out of time to win over his sweetheart.

Platania drops in ice pick lead guitar over Louie’s greasy Hammond B3 on another blues of heartbreak ‘Chain Shot Cannon Ball.’ Louie digs deep for the emotional ballad ‘End Of The Show,’ bolstered by an expansive arrangement of the lover’s lament. Miss Marie and Louie co-wrote the album’s final hymn ‘Flaming Ray,’ and join together on the angelic chorus of the devotional benediction as a final prayer for peace.
With their remarkable 16th release “Strike Up The Band,” the prolific songwriters and indefatigable musicians Professor Louie & The Crowmatix once again show the world why they are truly Roots Music Royalty. Rick J Bowen

WEBLINKS
OS: www.professorlouie.com
Label: www.woodstockrecords.com

Radio Single: 6. Livin’ In This Country
Additional recommended radio tracks: 1. A Thousand Ways To Freedom, 3. Fall Back On Me

Tracklist:

01. A Thousand Ways to Freedom

02. Work It Out

03. Fall Back on Me

04. Golden Eagle

05. Good To Be Grateful

06. Livin‘ In The Country

07. Tick Tock

08. Chain Shot Cannon Ball

09. End Of The Show

10. Flaming Ray

More information: Blind Raccoon, betsie@blindraccoon.com

Recensie Album ►►