THE INSOMNIACS "AT LEAST I'M NOT WITH YOU"

W hen Jeff Scott from Delta Groove called and asked me to write some thoughts on the new Insomniacs CD, I said GREAT! No problem at all. Because I know them, have played on the same bill as them, and think that they are a TOUGH sounding band.

When I first heard this latest release, I was immediately impressed with the band’s tightness. I guess that’s what happens when a band tours day and night for two years straight (hence their name - The Insomniacs). Vyasa really is a triple threat: guitar player, singer and songwriter. No doubt he is one hell of a guitar player, but it is his singing on this that really knocks me out.

I am truly impressed by the title track “At Least I’m Not With You” – catchy melody, cool singing and a great hook. If you could have a hit in the blues world today, this should be a contender.

“Lonesome” – very cool…and nice touch having Big Al Blake guest on harp! I heard Vyasa used my old guitar, a 1950 Gibson ES-150. Well, not really my guitar…I mean I bought it from my dear friend Marco Savo, one of the best guitar players I know and a great person too. I acquired it from him around ’96 and played it on several cuts on Kim Wilson’s “My Blues” CD in ’97. It later came into the possession of Al Blake after passing hands once again through Fred Kaplan. I sold it to Fred in ’98. He refinished it blonde and then sold it to Al. Well, it sounds great! I recognized the sound right off the bat. Shouldn’t have gotten rid of that one, and about 60 others!

“Broke And Lonely” – by one of my heroes, the late great Johnny “G” Watson. It has kind of a country meets New Orleans feel to it. Nice combo and the addition of Joel Paterson on steel, brilliant choice!

“Directly From My Heart To You” – real nice atmosphere to it, really has the feeling.

“She Can Talk” – another sharp effort with a real inventive and unique guitar solo.

These are just a few of the highlights for me personally. What can I say? You guys sound great! It’s that young energy! Thanks for playing this music with verve, conviction and attitude. Oh, and by the way, congratulations on your 2008 Blues Music Award nomination for Best New Artist Debut and winning the 2007 Muddy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Act. After hearing this doozy, I think you better clear off some more space on your mantle for another one.

So to you; Vyasa, Dean, Dave and Alex: I wish you guys the best, and hope to see you soon. ATTN: Dave – Marco says he’s got some sort of “sandwich” for you…knuckle?

Your friend, Junior Watson

I was honored to be asked to play the harmonica for the INSOMNIACS on their latest project for Delta Groove Music. It is rare these days to see young blues musicians come along who have the kind of vision and commitments to play this music and make a go of it like these guys are. I am impressed by their talents and their humility, as well as their ability to come up with a full album’s worth of great material in less than two days in the recording studio. In today’s world of music that is saying a lot.

It is a true joy to hear the influence the Hollywood Fats Band has had on these young blues musicians. And to that, I say, keep on rock’n – keep on keep’n on!

My blessings to you, Al Blake

We wish to thank Rand Chortkoff for getting us back in the studio, Jeff Scott for putting everything together, Josh for making it look cool, Preston for making it look easy, and everyone at Delta Groove for their continued support. We sincerely appreciate the musical contributions of Al Blake (for the beautiful Gibson and for sitting in on one of our all-time favorite songs), Mitch Kashmar, Joel Paterson, and Jeff Turmes. We would also like to thank Junior Watson Rob Elliott, Pennie Trumbull, Brenda & John Enyart, Jim Wallace, and A.C. Porter. A special "thank-you" to everyone who offered their homes, couches, spare bedrooms and floors, and for their hospitality while we were on the road. (That means you Farren, Scott, Judi, Dave, Greg, Joe, Andy, John, Andrew, Alain and Betty, Vicky and Matt, and many others.) Thanks to Dave "Possum" Stephens at Stephens Design (www.sdpickups.com) for his pickups and photographer Ian Bondi at Studio 3 Inc. (www.studio3.com) for being so good at herding cats. We would also like to thank our fans for your continued support that makes all of this possible. See you down the road... - The Insomniacs