THE HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES "DEEP IN AMERICA" Source: Chicago Blues Guide.com Date: 02/2010 Writer: Scott Hammer

This is a two CD set. The first CD is a newly recorded set by West Coast band the Hollywood Blue Flames that features members of the old Hollywood Fats Band along with new additions Kirk Fletcher and Jr. Watson on guitars. The musicianship is first-rate and the song list is top-notch.

The second CD, entitled Larger Than Life, Vol. 2, was recorded live at Laguna Beach in 1980 by Michael “Hollywood Fats” Mann and his band.  Fats died in 1986 and the ADAT tape of this live performance was stored and forgotten in the garage of bassist Larry Taylor. He recently found the tape and pressed this excellent live CD.  It truly captures the free spirit and fretwork of Hollywood Fats.