Rod Piazza has been blowing the blues on his harp for some thirty years, and he knows what it takes for longevity in a fickle industry.  Change is inevitable, and one must accept it, and roll with it and keep on playing.  And, with the latest offering from Rod on the Delta Groove label, "Thrillville," he gcomes thru with one of his most diversified albums to date.

     The Mighty Flyers are indeed now a quartet, after the departure of long-time bassist Bill Stuve.  Rod's harp is now capably backed by Dave Rida on drums, Henry Carvajal on guitar, and the irresistible Miss Honey Piazza, who pounds the 88's into absolute submission, her mean left hand now picking up the bass lines without missing a beat.

     The music on this set is varied, too, showing Rod's passion for the things he's learned after four decades of playing everywhere from after-hours jukes to renowned concert halls.  Bookending this album are two tributes to Little Walter, the first cut incorporating a nod to Slim Harpo, with a cool medley of "Hate To See You Go\Shake Your Hips."  Ending with "Sad Hours," Rod's plaintive harp follows Henry Carvajal's loping guitar leads.  In between, there are songs and interpretations not heard on any prior Mighty Flyers CD's.  "MFBQ," an acronym for the band, kicks off with a funky sax-driven intro, courtesy of Jonny Viau and Allen Ortiz, and employs a "Cold Sweat" groove throughout.  "Sugar" employs a jump-blues rhythm pattern with a vintage 50's feel, as does "It Can't Be True." 

     We had two favorites, too.  Rod mentored under the great George "Harmonica" Smith, who often used a chromatic harp, and we've always been fans of Rod's chromatic playing.  The wailing instrumental "Westcoaster" is a great example of Rod's expertise on this harp.  And, Rod's version of "Hoodoo Man Blues" has a fire and a swagger that bests even the Junior Wells original!