THE INSOMNIACS "AT LEAST I'M NOT WITH YOU" Source: Blues Notes Date: 04/2009 Writer: Greg Johnson

It is simply amazing how quickly things can move in the right direction. In such a short time a group of good friends formed The Insomniacs, began playing around the Portland area, recorded a self-produced CD, had it picked up by one of the blues industry’s premier labels, received a Muddy Award from The Cascade Blues Association for best contemporary band, started touring around the country and then received a nomination for a prestigious Blues Music Award as best new artist debut. As groundkeeper Carl Spackler from “Caddyshack” would say, “It’s a Cinderella story!”

Well, after such a wild ride as a new act, just how do The Insomniacs follow up on this success? By releasing another exceptionally strong second CD! And that is exactly what “At Least I’m Not With You” proves to be.

Delta Groove placed the guys into the studio this past October and as is common with the label’s masterminds, they hooked up some incredibly talented sidemen to help out, such as bassist Jeff Turmes, pedal steel player Joel Paterson and harmonica aces Mitch Kashmar and The Hollywood Blue Flames’ Al Blake. The latter two really cooking on “Hoodoo Man Blues” and “Lonesome” respectively. The side guys are great. But what really makes this disc soar is The Insomniacs themselves. One of the finest rhythm sections to be found anywhere, Dean Mueller and Dave Melyan lay down the backbeat to perfection. Alex Shakeri tears things up on the keys and proves to be a natural on the Hammond, which captures the a superb driving sound for the selections. Front and center, young Vyasa Dodson continues to showcase his vocal abilities and guitar prowess with its bite that will make you a believer that the swinging West Coast blues sound is here to stay. Not a weak track on the disc, how can you choose a favorite? Would it be the jumpy “Insomniacs Boogie?” The fun numbers “Broke And Hungry” or the title track? “Or the slow burn “Description Blues?” Makes no difference, they are all wonderful and worth spending hours hearing over and over.

No need for flash and stage antics. When done right, the music delivers the quality that make people want to listen. And The Insomniacs are certainly doing it right. A Cinderella story? Well, with “At Least I’m Not With You” no need to worry about your glass slippers disappearing at midnight. This one will keep you up and dancing all night long!