Monday, May 9, 2011

Big Rockin' Boogie reviewed Rick Davis

Big Rockin' Boogie
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies
Underworld Records
13 Tracks

Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies call themselves a "high-energy, low-down, powerhouse, hip-shakin' blues band." After listening to Big Rockin' Boogie, that sounds like an accurate description.  Becki Sue has been compared to the legendary Texas blues singers Angela Strehli and Lou Ann Barton. Hailing from the state of Washington, collectively, the entire band has won numerous regional awards as well as performing as part of The 2007 International Blues Challenge competition in Memphis, Tennessee at The Hard Rock CafĂ©. Becki Sue is backed by seasoned veterans like Tom "T-Boy Neal" Boyle on guitar, backing vocals, and percussion, Jim King on Tenor Sax, blues harp, vocals, and backing vocals, Les "WildChild" White on upright bass and backing vocals, and Jeff Hayes on drums, percussion, and backing vocals.

Big Rockin' Boogie is the third and latest cd from Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies. Get ready to move your feet as you listen to this collection of high-powered blues numbers! Becki Sue's fuse is lit as she belts the blues in the (McAlpin-Logsden) tune "Rocket In My Pocket" along with Jim King wailing on sax and an all-star performance by other members of The Big Rockin' Daddies. If that isn't enough to get your mojo movin', the group's own (Hayes-Boyle) "Mr. Lies" will make you a believer! Becki Sue's desire to own a Harley was inspiration for her gritty vocals on "Fat Boy Blues" penned by the group's bass player Les "WildChild" White. The title track, (Hayes-Boyle) "Big Rockin' Boogie," features the superb guitar licks of famed Tom "T-Boy Neal" Boyle shared with some of the best harp action you will ever hear by Jim King once again backed by this all-star band. They slow things down with a page out of Angela Stehli's songbook with Becki Sue sending chills through your spine on "Can't Stop These Teardrops." Tom Boyle is featured on the guitar instrumental "Meat On Toast" written by Boyle himself. Becki Sue has some good advice and she belts out the lyrics to the Huey Meaux tune "Neighbor Tend To Your Business." Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies are absolutely superb on the Magic Sam song "What Have I Done Wrong" and the Jeff Turmes tune "How Much Longer." The band returns to tunes penned by its members to complete this blues collection soon to be on everyone's shelf. "All My Money," a Jim King tune, features King once again on harp. Becki Sue returns to the spotlight on the Tom Boyle tune "I'd Walk A Mile" as she vows to "walk a mile just for you." The CD concludes just like it began with the foot stompin' Hayes-Boyle tune "Hillbilly Blues Ball," finishing with a short swamp boogie King-Boyle number "Where My Money."
Becki Sue & her Big Rockin' Daddies is one group you'll want to see live and Big Rockin' Boogie is one cd you can't resist. This group takes the blues to a whole different level! It is truly one of best blues groups that I have had the pleasure to review!

Reviewed by Rick Davis

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