Blues Alliance
Grooveyard, 2020
9/10
The duo of Rocco Calipari Sr. and Rocco Calipari Jr. are accompanied by Mike Boyle’s bass and Will Wyatt’s inimitable drumming on the 11 vibrant and modern blues tracks of the appropriately titled Blues Alliance, the sophomore album from Head Honchos.
“Stuck Between The Middle” starts the fun with roaring, bluesy guitars as soulful vocals guide the raw yet tuneful setting that’s friendly with solos, and “Mr. Bad” keeps the pace lively with a sturdy rock’n’roll approach to occasionally dips into calmer ebbs of grit and beauty while also not shying away from funk.
Sitting in 4th is the playful and highly melodic New Orleans nods of “She Got That Thang”, while “Find Me A Woman” recruits plenty of rhythm into the anthemic delivery. “Evil”, one of the album’s best, then adds some grungy elements to the dynamic and busyness of the more abrasive atmosphere.
Near the end, the aptly titled “Rock N’ Roll” bounces with a highly danceable spirit of the ‘60s, and “I’m A Ram”, an Al Green tune, exits the listen percussively strong and much more subdued, illustrating that Head Honchos excel in quieter climates, too.
A blues experience unlike most others out there today, Blues Alliance will make you head for the dance floor, just as the would a mosh-pit, and their keen attention to rhythm, groove and melody put them in a league with the best of the genre.
Travels well with: Jeff Fetterman- Southern Son; Shawn Pittman- Make it Right!