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Andy Grigg, editor - Real Blues .. The Backsters are one of the most pleasant surprises I've heard in some time...a quartet of veteran musicians .....who all hail from the Los Angeles area, they are the epitome of tight, and their blues really swings. Peskin has to be one of the greatest living tenor sax men on the planet. He is actually the lead instrumentalist with the band, which is a refreshing change from the guitar/harp mania. He plays the sax like it shoud be played, fat and melodic (not the Clarence Clemons school of overblown racket) and every solo is a treat. John Marx is a classy west coast-type picker, with T-Bone/ Lowell Fulson influence, and the rhythm section is right on. An intimate "live" set in front of a small club crowd, but the performances are superb as the sound qualty is on this set.... When I first saw the song selection I thought "Oh no, anything but those too familiar tunes," but I was in for a surprise. The arrangements are fresh and give them a whole new life. If you love your blues with a swing and have a weakness for great tenor sax, this is definitely going to give you lots of thrills and satisfaction... Rated: Four bottles |
evidently agrees..."The concept is from the old R & B honkers who get on their backs and played with their legs kicking in the air." |
Al Handa, the editor of DELTA SNAKE BLUES NEWS writes |
"I'll move the table against the wall, while you put on your dancing shoes, and We'll let the BACKSTERS play jump blues 'til way past dawn, "invites the BLUES ACCESS review of "BACKSTERS LIVE." |
If you like your blues laced with a good hit of jazz, a wailing sax and energy to burn, then go no further than this great debut from Stateside band, THE BACKSTERS. Fuelled by sax man Joel C. Peskin, who has played sessions with Albert Collins, Marvin Gaye, and Natalie Cole, the band also features Beach Boys drummer, Mike Kowalski, Domenic Genova (bass), and John Marx (vocals, guitar). This album is loaded with groovy feels and raunchy rhythms including the swingin' "Later Than You Think" which fills you with an irresistible desire to dance, not to mention the Sax which is pure filth! Take it down a bit with the melancholy yet sensual, Years Go Passing By, then press repeat on your CD player and do it all again. The album features 10 tracks, all covers and comes in at just over 50 mins. This album is pure class all the way and should satisfy a range of discerning musical palettes. Be sure to put this in your shopping trolley. Helen Farley |
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