ROD PIAZZA & MFBQ "THRILLVILLE" Source: Blues Art Jornal Date: 09/2007 Writer: Brian Harman

Well here we are with Rods’ second album for Delta Groove, with his newly renamed band; a highly talented and versatile combo, which includes Rod himself on vocals & harmonica, Henry Carvajal; guitar, Honey Piazza; piano & thunder bass, Dave Kida; drums, Jonny Viau & Allen Ortiz; saxophones. Where does one start? Well, of the fourteen numbers available for our delectation seven are covers and obviously seven are originals; but, the great thing is that they all mine the same rich musical vein and that the quality is such that one is forced to reach for the track listing to avoid confusing old with new. All the numbers are wonderfully arranged; Rods warm affectionate playing displays accurately the laid back, mouth-watering, harmonica of Slim Harpo and the urban grittiness of Chicago, with the sharp harp style of “Little Walter” Jacobs, all the while incorporating, where required, his contemporary, hard edged playing. The music is further underpinned and expanded by a classic relaxed New Orleans piano led approach to Jump, Jive and Swing. In the more relaxed, sanguine moments on the album, there are lovely groovin’ piano led shuffles to boot! This inventive and hugely enjoyable album seems to be have been created in a relaxed, almost playful mood; For after listening to it several times I was seriously comfortable and relaxed. One for the collection I feel!