Cryin' Out Loud - PLAY LOUD & SMOKE OFTEN
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Cryin' Out Loud - "Play Loud & Smoke Often" - Produced by Paul Nelson / Executive Producer - Paul Williams
Recorded at NESCOM in Bangor,Maine - All songs written by Brandon Stollard - Except - Moonshine Lover - Written by - Scott Stallard and Brandon Stallard
Frank Roszak Radio Promotions - Pilot Light Records
This review is written in memory of Paul Nelson - who produced "Play Loud & Smoke Often" - Paul unexpectedly left the stage in March while on the road , suffering a heart attack . He was a gifted guitarist , a friendly and approachable human being with a good heart . Paul was Johnny Winter's right hand man and Johnny's guitarist for 12 years , helping Johnny overcome his addictions to methadone,cigarettes,and alcohol - " He was like a father to me." (Paul Nelson)"It never ends", Nelson said,"I'm a musician , and I love playing , so that's what I do."
His management posted on FB - " Paul was respected as a Grammy-winning producer,guitarist,songwriter,manager , and member of the Blues Hall of Fame . He had an impressive career spanning decades , but most importantly,he will be remembered as a good man and a good friend."
"Cryin' Out Loud " releases their highly anticipated debut - their first full album - produced by the late Grammy-winning guitarist Paul Nelson , who left the stage unexpectedly on March 10 , suffering a heart attack while on the road . This recording was a very special experience for everyone involved , and "Cryin' Out Loud " will release a video detailing all the fun and excitement that surrounded the recording process of this outstanding debut release .
You may have heard many of these licks before but rarely have you heard music performed with this much intensity , with this much fun , and with so much fiery chemistry between band members . "Cryin' Out Loud" is clearly having a wild time here , and that feverish sense of no-holds-barred, high-energy propels the music forward . Certainly capturing the enthusiasm and impressive relentless drive of their live performances , "Play Loud & Smoke Often" is good time music made for packing dancefloors and exciting the fun-loving music fans out there . Pour yourselves a few friends , stand back , "Play Loud & Smoke Often" , and rave it up, enjoying music that is simply hard to resist and totally intoxicating!
As Brandon Stallard (singer-songwriter , guitarist , and voice behind "Cryin' Out Loud" ) explains , " I Smoke Cigars and I Play the Blues' ' - " ' Play loud and smoke often is my mantra! It's a saying that I have lived by for years. So, of course , that had to be the name of the album . The hook of the song comes from when I first moved to Maine and people would eventually ask me,"What do you do?" I'd say. " I smoke cigars and I play the blues."
Unafraid to leap from the cliff , taking that jump and enjoying the rush , "Cryin' Out Loud" is a band driven by their combined talents , years of experience ,and influences that stretch their musical vision . Straight blues , blues rock , folk-blues , outstanding American roots rock , high-powered Chicago blues , Southern rock , pour from so many rich musical traditions . Once the bottle is uncorked , and the music released , the experience is powerful and deeply satisfying , an enjoyable treat for the senses . With first-rate guitar work , superb harp work , and a first-rate team of solid and multi-talented musicians all working together , this is certainly a band to be reckoned with . Brandon Stollards vocals are dusty and road-weary , drenched in soul , the perfect compliment to the virtuosity surrounding him.Most definitely check out the dynamic vocals of Amy Tellier , an "amazing and versatile voice" , featured on background vocals as well as credited for "High Heel Shoes". With the support of many special guests - Mark "Bluesboy" Kanter , harmonica; Eric Lawrence from "Little Feat" on saxophone;Cara Lauzon , fiddle ; Paul Nelson , guitar , rhythm guitar and mandolin ; Brooks Milgate , keys , from Ana Popovic's band; - "Cryin' Out Loud" urges their listeners to "Play Loud & Smoke Often" , enjoying a collection of well-crafted originals that are impressive in range and versatility . Great fun , with a few surprising twists and turns along the way ("Unconditionally" is a beautifully performed , heart-wrenching tug at the soul, a riveting and authentic slice of folk blues) this is music with a severe kick! "Cryin' Out Loud" has captured the devil's own music , tapped it and corked it , inviting everyone to revel in the joys of this intoxicating libation . "Play Loud & Smoke Often" - the best advice for a recording this good ! Well done !
And Special Thanks to.......
Brandon Stollard - Lead Vocals and Guitar ; Ben Chute - Guitar and Slide Guitar; Bass - Jim Fratini ; Saxophone - Erik Lawrence ; Harmonica - Mark "Bluesboy" Kanter ; All Keyboards by Brooks Milgate and Lincoln Blake ; All Drums by - Jeff Glidden , Tommy Rush , Scott Stallard ; Paul Nelson - Guitar , Rhythm Guitar , Mandolin ; Fiddle - Cara Lauzon ; Background Vocals - Amy Tellier and Jim Fratini ; High Heel Shoes on " You Can Dance To The Blues" - Amy Tellier.
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