THE HOLLYWOOD BLUE FLAMES "ROAD TO RIO" Source: Source Unknown Date: 02/2007 Writer: Pon

Now here is a band with a list of pedigree with members that have played with Rod Piazza and Canned Heat. And so to the music ladies and gents, a double CD set this with 27 tracks in all. I was taken immediately by the infectiousness they set up ‘Long Black Cadillac Gumbo Grinder’ has some great jangling piano. ‘Gone Away’ features Kim Wilson and is out of the old-school whoop and holler, deep and dirty harp easing of in the background, good ol’ porch stuff as the sun goes down. ‘3rd Degree Bum’ sets up a neat groove and great understated guitar from Kirk Fletcher really sets the feet a tappin’ then the Hammond punches in too-lovely stuff. Al Blake on vocal and harp has a neat ‘lazy’ delivery that really works well. The second album here is one of live maternal when the band was Hollywood Fats Band prior to the passing of the original guitar man and leader Michael Mann. Titled “Larger Than Life” this set includes appearances by Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson on ‘Kidney Stew/ and ‘Cleanhead Blues’ and Roy Brown on ‘Love For Sale’ (sheer magic!) and ‘Boogie Woogie Blues’. The opening track ‘Fats Fries One’ is an instrumental showing Mann’s skill and dexterity on the fret board. Overall, so basic yet so good!