The Love Light Orchestra - Leave The Light On

THE LOVE LIGHT ORCHESTRA - LEAVE THE LIGHT ON

 LABEL: NOLA BLUE RECORDS

RELEASE DATE: FEBRUARY 18, 2022

DISTRIBUTION: CPI & ORCHARD FCC CLEAN

The Memphis sound of the 1950’s is proudly celebrated by The Love Light Orchestra, a group fronted by acclaimed vocalist John Németh, who is backed by a 9-piece band of the most seasoned musicians from the Home of the Blues.

Guitarist Joe Restivo and arranger/ trumpeter Marc Franklin drew inspiration for the group’s name from Bobby “Blue” Bland’s 1961 hit ‘Turn On Your Love Light,’ and the concept from the orchestral sound of mid-century big band blues found on the singles of Bobby “Blue” Bland, B.B. King, and “Junior” Parker. “Leave The Light On,” the debut studio album from the ensemble, takes their devotion to the sound to the next level on a sophisticated recording of nine original songs and one cover written in tribute to the era of crooners, shouters, and entertainers, who ruled Beale Street in the days before rock ‘n’ roll and soul.

The opening track, ‘Time Is Fading Fast,’ demonstrates the full power of the orchestra on a “Big Joe” Turner style swinger. Restivo’s guitars skills are featured on the dynamic ‘Come On Moon’ and the horns drive the riffing rhumba ‘GiveMe A Break.’ Drummer Earl Lowe delivers a snappy boogaloo beat during ‘I Must Confess,’ while leading us through a call and response dance party. The album’s lone cover ‘3 O’clock Blues,” which became B.B. King's first hit as well as one of the top-selling r&b records of 1952, is placed in the middle of the playlist as testimonial to The King of the Blues. The clever arrangement from Franklin reimagines the twelve-bar classic as an expectant tango that allows Nemeth to push the emotional parameters to new levels. He really croons on the swaying 6/8 bar ‘After All,’ a genuine throwback ballroom ballad full of schmaltz and bravado.

Nemeth borrows from significant standards to craft his own shuffling blues ‘Tricklin’ Down,’ but the result gives the horns a familiar palette to shine in. The bouncing ‘Open Book’ has a doo-wop vibe and could have been found in the early Sam Cooke catalog. The boogie-woogie piano from Gerald Stephens leads us into the title track ‘Leave The Light On’ that revs up to a brisk flat tire shuffle with hot horns jabs, while Nemeth pontificates on several blues euphemisms. The rousing full-force swinger, ‘Follow The Queen,’ delivers advice to the lovelorn and features sizzling yakety sax and soaring brass closing the set with gusto.

Track Listing: 01 Time Is Fading Fast 02 Come On Moon 03 Give Me A Break 04 I Must Confess 05 3 O’clock Blues 06 After All 07 Tricklin’ Down 08 Open Book 09 Leave The Light On 10 Follow The Queen

John Nemeth - vocals Joe Restivo - guitar Gerald Stephens - piano tracks 1-4, 7-9 Al Gamble - piano tracks 5, 6, 10 Tim Goodwin - upright bass tracks 1-3, 5-7, 10 Matthew Wilson - bass guitar tracks 4, 8, 9 Earl Lowe - drums Marc Franklin - trumpet, horn arrangements Scott Thompson - trumpet tracks 1-3, 5-7, 10 Paul McKinney - trumpet tracks 4, 8, 9 Jason Yasinsky - trombone Art Edmaiston - tenor saxophone Kirk Smothers - baritone saxophone, also saxophone, alto saxophone track 1

The Love Light Orchestra’s second full-length effort and its theme of love and perseverance is a brilliant showcase for some of the finest musical creators to be found anywhere, proving why they are regarded as the most in demand players in Memphis. As the rest of the world discovers this supergroup, the next step will be taking the big band ensemble on the road for everyone to experience the amazing sound from the Home of the Blues and the Birthplace of Rock & Roll. Rick J Bowen

Website The Love Light Orchestra

More Info:  Blind Raccoon, betsie@blindraccoon.com