Roomful of Blues - The First Album (1988) {Varrick LP} 24-bit/96kHz Vinyl Rip plus Redbook CD Version

"The hottest blues band I've ever heard." - Count Basie It's for good reason that Roomful of Blues has been declared "America's Best Little Big Band." For over 25 years, the seven-piece tour de force has delivered its house rockin'/roof raisin' brand of jump and swing blues to every corner of the country. Finishing No. 2 in Down Beat's "Reader's Poll" as "Blues Band of the Year" in 2002, their popularity continues to surge as they quickly approach national treasure status. On , co-produced by Joel Dorn and the legendary Doc Pomus, Roomful features an exquisite, gloriously swinging line-up including guitarist Duke Robillard, pianist Al Copley and tenor saxophonist Greg Piccolo. From the opening bounce of "Red, Hot & Blue" to the sweaty blues grind of "Texas Flood" to the closing rave-up "Honey Hush," Roomful of Blues are the utter definition of "jumpin' & swingin'." As Los Angeles Times critic Tony Lioce once declared: "This is what it sounded like on the ground floor of what became, and probably was even then, American's truly prime rib jump blues band!" Professional ratings allmusic 3/5 stars

LP track listing

Side One

1. "Red, Hot and Blue" (Tab Smith) - 3:14
2. "Love Struck" (Chuck Willis) - 4:20
3. "That's My Life" (Chuck Willis) - 3:45
4. "Duke's Blues" (Duke Robillard) - 4:21
5. "Texas Flood" (Don Robey, Joe Scott) - 2:53

Side Two

6. "Give It Up" (Noble Watts) - 3:16
7. "Stormy Monday" (Aaron Walker) - 4:32
8. "Take It Like a Man" (Chuck Willis) - 2:09
9. "Still in Love with You" (Aaron Walker) - 4:18
10. "Honey Hush" (Lou Willie Turner) - 4:52


Released 1988 [originally released in 1977 or 1978 as "Roomful of Blues"]
Recorded 1977 at Regent Sound Studios, New York
Genre Blues
Length 37:40
Label Varrick
Producers Joel Dorn, Doc Pomus

Personnel

* Duke Robillard - guitar, vocals
* Al Copley - piano
* Preston Hubbard - bass fiddle
* John Rossi - drums
* Richard Lataille - alto saxophone
* Doug James - baritone saxophone
* Greg Piccolo - tenor saxophone
* Scott Hamilton - tenor saxophone on "Still in Love with You"