ROD PIAZZA & MFBQ "THRILLVILLE" Source: Maine Blues Society Date: 08/2007 Writer: Phil Whipple

The newest release from harp master Road Piazza and the band on Delta Groove Records just might be his best yet. Loaded with 14 tracks of pure, unadulterated West Coast Blues, Thrillville delivers the good from start to finish.

We open with ‘Hate To See You Go/Shake Your Hips,’ an old Little Walter tune popularized by Slim Harpo. Piazza talks about the song’s history and really wails on harmonica as the Mighty Flyers carry things along. From there, we launch into “WestCoaster,” a fabulous instrumental that will have you dancing and snapping your fingers. I’ve always felt Piazza and this band are the kings of jump or swing-type West Coast Blues, and this tune redefines that unique sound. I used to love this band when Rick Holmstrom first replaced Alex Schultz on guitar, but current guitarist Henry Carvajal is a world-class musician, as well. In fact, listen to “Honey Bee,” on this album and tell me he can’t hold his own against any slinger out there.

Among the many highlights on the CD are; “Sugar,” featuring the work of world-class sax players Jonny Viau and Allen Ortiz; “MFBQ,” where the Mighty Flyers get a little funky and mix things up real good, striking a groove unmatched on the album; the above mentioned “Honey Bee,” which thanks to Carvajal and Piazza’s harp work (and smooth piano from the beautiful Honey Piazza) is my favorite song on the recording; and “The Civilian,” another instrumental where Carvajal lets loose and the band keeps things groovin’ throughout. To be truthful, there isn’t a bad song on this album, I’ve just referenced one that stand out to my ears.

If you enjoy boogie-woogie blues piano, solid harmonica and inspiring guitar, this recording combines them all into a delightful mix of authentic West Coast Blues. When the Mighty Flyers won a Blues Music Award for Best Blues Band in 2006, it was the fourth time they have received the genre’s highest honor. This new studio recording reflects the 40 years Piazza has been making music, and just might garner the band another award next May in Memphis.