Danny Petroni, Frank Lacy

This album bills itself as the “Sound of Asbury Park.” Bingo. Guitarist Danny Petroni has done the Garden State proud. Somewhere “The Boss” is smiling. Somewhere “Miami Steve” is smiling. Somewhere “Southside Johnny” is smiling. And blues-loving jazz heads everywhere will be smiling, too, when they hear this disc. Petroni created this project to provide a little bit of work for the musicians, engineers and studios of Asbury Park that suffered so badly in the wake of Hurricane Sandy. He assembled a star-studded New Jersey cast to perform here—from Gary Oleyar on violin and Gene Boccia on bass to Dave Halpern and John Allen on drums and many more. It’s an eclectic blues stew with a sharp jazz edge. At the centerpiece of this excellent recording is a true surprise for jazz fans. Ku-umba Frank Lacy adds deep, cool vocals—not to mention amazing horn arrangements that compete with the best of the Miami Horns. The result is one of my favorite albums of the year, so far. “I’ve Seen Everything” swings hard as a hysterical opening tune. The next track, “Tastes Like Chicken,” ain’t far behind! “I’ve Changed My Ways” slides in as a beautiful ballad. “Peanut Butter & Jelly” delivers. “Mouse In The House” offers a sad look at the extermination business of love. And Petroni’s beautiful, reverb-filled “Diminishing Returns” offers a touching conclusion to this 10-song set. Sandy couldn’t take these guys out. It just spurred their artistry. They deserve a few minutes of your attention. Check them out.
BY FRANK ALKYER DownBeat Magazine Editors Pick/Review
 

“The whole package, the combination of horns and vocals, reminds me of the vibe of Joe Turner, the Boss of the Blues.”

- Jack Goodstein, Blogcritics (Dec 27, 2013)

 

"Here's APP picks for the best Blues recordings of 2013"

Richard Skelly, For the Asbury Park Press Richard Skelly hosts the “Low-Budget Blues Program,’’ 8-10 p.m. Thursdays on WRSU, 88.7 FM; Rutgers (Jan 3, 2014)

 

“Here's one of those wonderful nutty mash up records that throws Louie Prima and Louie Jordan into the mixmaster with blues, jump blues, primal rock, jazz and who knows what else. Done as a labor of love by a bunch of Jersey cats that weren't going to let the damage from Hurricane Sandy keep them down, this is what you get when pros know how far they can push things and then push a little more. Loaded with well played sounds you love all strung together like you never heard them before, this is must listening for when you finally realize you're not too cool for school. Check it out.”

- CHRIS SPECTOR, Midwest record (Dec 21, 2013)

 

“Any way you describe it this is simply fine down home blues. A more invigorating entry to a new CD could hardly be imagined.”

- Grady Harp, CD Review: Amazon.com (Dec 13, 2013)

 

“The blues is back with this number, and we are all better off for it.”

- ReverbNation

 

Really deep sounding, beautifully soulful tale of modern life, twenty first century blues if you like. The singer has a class voice, mature sounding, beautiful tone, timbre to it. Great lyrics telling the type of story that should be expressed in modern music but rarely is. Absolutely spot on backing, sombre strings, simple strummed guitar. Little plaintive horn sections were great too. Monumental track.”

- Reverbnation

 

“Requiem for a Working Man - intriguing start with interesting choice of instrumentation. It has a country/jaz chill out feel to it maybe a little gospel thrown in there too. Great soulful vocals, superb tones. It reminds me of Otis redding but it has a more modern edge. vintage/ retro revival. This type of piece is currently in style with the trend of skinny jeans and roughed up shoes. It has a great atmosphere”

- Reverbnation

 

“God of War - A electronic disco ramble sounds a little like a blondie song. Bold and big production and sound. Has seventy progressive rock sound. R and b strains. Modern blues stylings. Vocalist are domirnsnant and typical. Nice instrumentation. Blaring horns a la tower of power. Rock on”

- Reverbnation

 

“God of War - Classic rock opus from a set of old school musicians out of the BSW or Chicago mold. A touch of Zappa is included as well with the R&B style singer. Actually there are great horn charts, pro rhythm ensemble plus lots of 'stunt ' guitar taking dives & spins a la Vai or Frank himself.”

- Reverbnation

 

“Mouse in the House - Awesome marriage of masterful blues with fantastic horns!!! There aren't enough songs like this on the radio anymore. Ear candy for any Blues fan!!!!”

- Reverbnation

 

“DAN PETRONI’S ABOUT JAZZ,BLUES & ROCK!”

- Michele Andree, like minds (Sep 17, 2011)