Lucky Strike - Trial by Fire

Artiest/Band: Lucky Strike Album:  Trial by Fire Release:  Out Now Label: Independent Format:CD/DL Genre: Blues,Rock The Connecticut Blues Society's best self produced CD for 2024 The Lucky Strikes weave a mix of rock, blues, and classic grooves that’ll make you want to shimmy and shake whether you’re in a honky-tonk bar or cruising down a dusty highway. It's a blend of power, attitude, and musical mastery that’ll leave you with a permanent bounce in your step.  Band:  Fran Drew - Vocalist Gene Donaldson - Lead Guitar, vocals Max Samson - Bass Dennis Cotton - Drums For a Good Time Look No further than Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes.........

The Connecticut Blues Society's - best self produced CD for 2024

The Lucky Strikes weave a mix of rock, blues, and classic grooves that’ll make you want to shimmy and shake whether you’re in a honky-tonk bar or cruising down a dusty highway. It's a blend of power, attitude, and musical mastery that’ll leave you with a permanent bounce in your step. 

For a Good Time Look No further than Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes

‘TRIAL BY FIRE’ Tracks: 01.Neighbor Neighbor [Huey Meaux] – 02.Breaking Up Somebody’s Home [Timothy Matthews, Al Jackson Jr.] – 03.Flamin’ Maimie [Penny Page, Willie Dixon, Paul Whiteman, Fred Rose] - 04.Roll with Me Henry [Etta James, Hank Ballard, Johnny Otis] – 05.Something You Got [Chris Kenner] - 06.Fujiyama Mama [Jack Hammer] – 07.I Look Good in Bad [Dayna Kurtz] – 08.Pretty Good Love [Fred Mendelsohn, Buddy Lucas] – 09.The Hunter [S.Cropper, D.Dunn, A.Jackson Jr., B.T.Jones, C.Wells] – 10.Rock Me Baby [Curtis Jones, Li’l Son Jackson] – 11.You Can Have My Husband [Dorothy LaBostrie] – 12.Chauffer Blues [Memphis Minnie] | Music/Lyrics by as [noted] |  Credits: Fran Drew: vocs / Dennis Cotton: drums / Max “Ce La Vie” Samson: bass / Guitar: Steve Isherwood (1-5,8-12), Gene Donaldson (1-3,11), Brandt Taylor (6,7), Richiman (12) / Horns: Sax Gordon (1,3,8), Matt Parker (5) / Rich Badowski: harmonica (10-12) / Jeff Bousfield: keys (2,7) Discography FRAN DREW and the LUCKY STRIKES: Trial By Fire [2024] |

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Regional winners of the Self-Produced CD division 2024 - Connecticut Blues Society 
Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes — think Peg Bundy meets Lou Ann Barton. Sass collides with raw, Texas style blues power - a perfect mix of attitude and grit.

The Lucky Strikes blend rock, blues, and funk with infectious grooves that’ll have you shimmying whether you're in a dive bar, a smoky juke joint, or cruising down a dusty backroad. It’s a sound that’s equal parts raw power and musical mastery, with enough swagger to keep your feet tapping long after the show is over.

Frontwoman Fran Drew leads the charge with powerhouse vocals that hit hard, demanding attention. Whether she’s wailing through a scorching blues number or taking it down to a slow burn, Fran’s voice cuts deep, rich with soul and all the grit you’d expect from someone who’s seen it all. She’s got the kind of  voice that makes you feel every note, like she’s been around the block a few times—and let’s be real, she probably has.

Backing up Fran are seasoned musicians who know exactly how to lay down a groove. Gene Donaldson slings a guitar with sharp, gritty precision, adding just the right amount of edge to the band’s sound. Dennis Cotton, holding it down on drums, is the kind of player who knows when to keep it tight and when to let loose, laying down beats that will make you move whether you’re ready or not. Then there’s Max Samson on bass, keeping the low end deep and steady, adding that perfect thumping pulse that fills out the band’s already rich sound.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Periodical special guests on saxophone and harmonica bring even more fire to the mix, layering in extra flavor and texture that makes every show feel fresh.

For a Good Time —  Look No further than Fran Drew and the Lucky Strikes.