THE HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES "ROAD TO RIO" Source: Southland Blues Magazine Date: 12/2006 Writer: Jim Santella

This double disc collection features both the traditional roots and Chicago blues of Hollywood Fats and the reunion sound that his band has achieved in recent years. Singer/guitarist Hollywood Fats passed away in 1986 and the band disappeared. But, the Hollywood Fats Band was resurrected last year as the Hollywood Blue Flames with its original members; Kirk "Eli" Fletcher replacing Fats. They create a fiery storm on disc one through a program of originals and several classic songs that feature the band's traditional sound coupled with hot solo voices. Al Blake sings, plays guitar and harmonica in the spirit of roots blues, while Fletcher jumps in with the fiery spirit of Chicago's electric bands. Several guests ensure that the lengthy session will surprise us all. Junior Watson sits in for three tracks, Kim Wilson assists admirably on "Gone Away," and saxophonist Tom Fabre sits in for "Sharpest Man in Town." Through their rockin' program of straight up blues, the Hollywood Blue Flames may just be the sharpest band in town. Disc two features Hollywood Fats with his band in recorded dates from 1979-80 at Laguna Beach, Solano Beach, Palo Alto and the Monterey Jazz Festival. His fiery guitar and unique vocals never failed to make an impression on a live audience. Fats sings "Nasty Boogie Woogie" with the band in a fun-filled segment that includes Larry Taylor's powerful slap bass solo and John Boudreaux's smooth drum solo with wire brushes. His band knew how to make its audience feel right at home. At each venue, Fats had his guitar in fine form as he led the band through boogie woogie, rock & roll, and traditional Chicago blues. His technique on the instrument came with fingers flying through crisp cascades that rocked the house every time out.