Lil' Red and the Rooster-with Bobby Floyd - "7"
Lil' Red & the Rooster - with Bobby Floyd - "7" -
executive producer - Lil' Red Records
2025 lil red records
"Imagine Rickie Lee Jones singing a Tom Waits' song with Ray Charles and Kenny Burrell as the theme song to an episode of The Avengers,"says Lil' Red. "Well,that's kinda the vibe!"
I've been a HUGE fan of Lil' Red & The Rooster since finding their outstanding live feeds - check them out on YouTube and FaceBook - that are so much fun , unpredictable, and wildly entertaining. The musicianoship , the vocals , all shared with us,filled with passion , love , and limitless energy, well crafted, original songs that speak loudly to every one of us in so many ways. Pascal Fouqet,guitar, brings a French sophistication and European musical viewpoint that blends wonderfully with the uniquely expressive vocals of Jen "Lil' Red" Milligan,two very special souls intertwined within the blues.Sharing their love for musical genres - a wildly eclectic blend of jazz,funk,R&B,swinging blues,retro soul,Gospel and the kitchen sink - becomes a wonderfully delicious cocktail that is served up with layers of top-notch musicianship,lyricism,and buoyant energy.
The band was formed after Jennifer and Pascal met in Paris,where she was drawn to his blues guitar playing . They then decided to collaborate musically. Pascal Fouquet is well known,admired,and respected for his tasteful guitar playing,a tone and style uniquely his own , a guitarist's guitar player , playing more like he was born and raised in Chicago than in France.Jen Milligan is well known , loved and admired for her excellent vocals , a sassy and fresh style that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.Let's not leave out her impressive work on the washboard, Jen has personalized the instrument, experimenting with different techniques , finding a unique sound.
Bobby Floyd - Grammy nominee (Featured on the Grammy-nominated album "All About That Basie",2018) - From 1984-1985 Floyd played piano and organ across Europe and the United States in Ray Charles band,where he opened shows before Ray took the stage.He left the band when his daughter was born.In 2012 Floyd joined the Count Basie Orchestra.His current touring schedule includes performances as featured soloist with orchestras throughout the US and Canada. He is also a frequent soloist with the Columbus Jazz Orchestra where his soulful sound has backed artists such as Chuck Mangione,Branford Marsalis,Mavis Staples,Roy Hargrove,and countless others. His appearances in Japan and Europe have gained high praise as he continues to accompany the top jazz,blues,and gospel artists throughout the United States.
The latest from lil' red & the rooster is an ambitious project , feel-good blues with a retro charm , a fun-filled flashback that takes us back into retro modern blues. "7" - With material this good that is all you need - "7" solid tracks that are masterfully performed and wonderfully written. Check out the extraordinary timeline of a new song being released every three weeks until August 22 , every song a distinctive blend of vintage blues,gospel soul,jazz,and rhythm & blues. Every track takes risks , is daringly different , sonic odysseys that transport the listeners to places far and wide and everywhere in between.
* May 9 - "Stack 'Em Up Baby"- a refreshingly enjoyable slice of vintage fun , a groovy 60's vibe that is shaken.not stirred , not your typical blues but a hipsters martini , Bobby Floyds B-3 the perfect ingredient, soul and blues getting jiggy in the back room , while that jazzy piano is smoky and inviting . More velvet-draped cocktail lounge than ramshackle roadhouse this track is a delight!! Enjoy - "You Only Live twice" !!
* May 30 - "Is This Heart Taken" - James Brown meets David Lynch , sultry,up-tempo soul-blues with a funked up groove and a sweeping cinematic grandeur - got all that?? - Co-written with Terry Abrahamson (Muddy Waters,Prince) this is a particularly tasteful gumbo , mixed well with Lil' Reds sexy and sultry vocals; Bobby Floyds soulful B-3; and those very cool guitar licks from Pascal - it's bold, it's retro , it's far out!!
* June 20 - "Melancholy Mood" - A love letter to classic blues , a slow-blues triumph , inspired by artists like T-Bone Walker and Dinah Washington; Bobby Floyd's slow-burn work on the 88's stands out alongside Pascals vintage-cool fret work; and Jennifer's vocals that inhabit the emotion of the song , a performance that is genuine and heartfelt , sweeping away both heart and soul ; and check out the extraordinary rhythm section of Jean Marc Despeigness,bass, and Pascal Mucci,drums, who keep the groove steady enough to give everyone a chance to breathe and show their stuff. A song that is timeless,borderless,and global in spirit.
* July 11 -"Mr. Saboteur(aka Do The Donut)"- James Bond swings with Austin Powers on a 1960's blues-meets-spys retro soul that sweeps us up with a cinematic flair , a lost soundtrack number that has been found , featuring guest vocalist Jeff Morrow taking on the role of the elusive Saboteur . Jennifer "Lil' Red" Milligan and Jeff create an irresistible call-and-response together , sweeping us along with an infectious swingin' vibe that you'll dig from start to finish.Such a unique track,such a fun song - Groovy,baby!!
* August 1 - "Wild's Rising" - So much going on here with this creative gem that shows no boundaries with its lush gospel vibes , Memphis soul , and even a heavenly choir - The pulse of the Hammond B-3 organ,played by the legendary Bobby Floyd , beats with the soul of Memphis gospel blues . Jennifer "Lil' Red" Milligan takes us to church with a spoken-word hymnal , moving and dynamic,conjuring the spirits of Sister Rosetta Tharpe;as well as Jonathan Butler and Juanita Bynum; this is clap along , sway in your seat , jump up and cry out music , overflowing with reflection and jubilation . The choir was layered in the studio over ten takes , a wall of soulful harmony , arranged by Bobby Floyd, and brought to glorious life by Quan Howell,Kara Brooks,and Bobby's daughter Bobbi Townes , joining in with spirited tambourine and claps. Performing with electrifying soul , the entire band , and Jennifer on vocals , summon the spirit of community , calling everyone to gather round and come together , discard differences , and seek out common ground . This track is a unique and uplifting experience that is deeply passionate and irresistibly energetic , sharing that classic soul sound alongside the gospel ministry.
* "Between the Lines" - A smoky jazz club,dimly lit,a sexy singer,bathed in a spotlight,the rest of the club in a soft,mysterious glow . The space feels intimate,cozy and inviting,perhaps with plush,velvet seating . The singer connects with the audience on a personal level,making each listener feel like she's singing just for them . Needless to say , despite the fantastic instrumentation that weaves its way throughout this track,Lil' Red OWNS this song!!
* "Midnight On The Rocks" - A jazzy,blues shuffle- with some surprising percussion breaks- that speaks so highly of these musicians and their limitless talents,taking the raw energy and rhythmic drive of the blues with the swing beat of jazz , everyone working together to create a dynamic and exciting sound.You're gonna' dig this one , music so soulful and deep that it has a certain warmth to it , much like a good glass of whiskey. Filled with catchy licks , smooth chords, and keys filled with spirit and joy , music made to move you and groove you!!
Lil' Red & The Rooster - with Bobby Floyd - and this remarkably creative A-List of supporting players - and those irresistible vocalists- have created something brilliantly unique and ecstatically creative on this latest release,"7". The variety and unexpectedness here is a delight! If you have never heard of "Lil' Red & The Rooster",listening to this outstanding album will undoubtedly convince you to be a fan.
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And We Thunderously Applaud.....
lil' red - Vocals 7 Washboard / pascal fouquet - Guitars / bobby floyd - Piano,B-3 Organ,Tambourine,Claps / jean-marc despeignes - Bass / pascal mucci - Drums / colin john - Lap Steel - Mr Saboteur(aka Do the Donut) / the governor - Percussion -Between theLines,Mr. Saboteur/ jeff morrow - vocals - Mr. Saboteur / bobbi townes - Vocals,Tambourine,Claps - Wild's Rising / quan howell - Vocals - Wild's Rising / Kara brooks - Vocals - Wild's Rising
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Review Written -With Wild Enthusiasm and Enormous Appreciation - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1
