Rick Estrin & the Nightcats - Nov 11, 2009
Rick Estrin & the Nightcats Celebrate Debut Release with a Performance in Portland!
-San Francisco Chronicle
Blues harmonica master /singer/songwriter Rick Estrin & The Nightcats celebrate the release of their debut CD, Twisted, with a live performance in Portland at Jimmy Mak’s (221 NW 10th Ave) on Wednesday, November 11th. For more than 30 years and nine albums, Estrin fronted the jumping, swinging Little Charlie & The Nightcats, featuring guitarist Little Charlie Baty. With Baty's recent retirement from touring, Estrin-along with the Nightcats' longtime rhythm section of J. Hansen and Lorenzo Farrell and a new member, fiery guitarist Kid Andersen-takes the lead on his own.
The band's debut album, Twisted, while still swinging the blues, is a rocking, guitar-fueled rave-up showcasing Rick's seemingly effortless command of the harmonica, his streetwise vocals and his remarkable original songs. Jimmy Mak’s is a wonderful venue for this show to take place in, with it’s elevated stage right within feet of the audiences’ tables giving a very intimate atmosphere. A room built to deliver exceptional sound, it is one of the finest music rooms on the West Coast. Be sure to arrive early as Rick Estrin & The Nightcats have long been favorites of the blues fans of Portland and this show will certainly sell-out. Showtime is 7:00 pm. Tickets available at Jimmy Mak’s, call at 503-295-6542 or through their website at www.jimmymaks.com.
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J.C. Rico had a voice that just oozed soulful blues. His album First Offense clearly showcased that. Raised in Mississippi and spending time in Chicago prior to moving to Oregon gave him the exposure on just how this music should sound right. Opening with the funky backbeat behind his deep, serious voice on “Sign Of The Times” tells you right away that Rico meant business, which also offers a killer bluesy guitar solo. That is followed up by “Old Catfish Song” where he tells a nice story about a catfish who wishes he could travel on the train he hears go by every day. Other outstanding tracks include a cover of Solomon Burke’s “Cry To Me,” the deeply soulful “Never Gonna Change,” punchy horns on “Long Time Gone” and the slow blues piece “I Know Her Too.” At the time of this release J.C. Rico was commanding stages in the area with his band Armed & Dangerous. First Offense featured guest guitarists Lloyd Jones and Jim Mesi into the mix and the disc was a nominee for the Cascade Blues Association’s Muddy Awards for Album of the Year. Unfortunately, J.C. Rico passed away this last year, so having First Offense available again will bring back fond memories of such an outstanding vocalist and entertainer.
Also Reissued by Criminal Records Northwest is the compilation disc of the label’s founder Paul Jones playing drums behind a virtual who’s who of the local scene at the time and many of the label’s premier artists. It opens very strongly with a jumping rockabilly “Baby Let’s Play House” performed by guitarist Steve Bradley. There are so many variations of styles profiled on the disc that it creates such a great dimension that shows the diversity of each vocalist. Curtis Salgado’s reading of “My Soul’s Got A Hole In It” is so smooth it’ll send chills down your back. Jon Koonce takes a somewhat reggae approach on “Island, Island,” while Norman Sylvester gives his traditional funky knowledge on “Criminal Groove,” D.K. Stewart takes us to the bayou on his cover of “Congo Square,” and Joe Dobroe’s stellar guitar playing and deep gravelly voice make “Sitting On Top Of The World” a fun-paced quirky offering. The album closes with the soul-stirring vocals of J.C. Rico on “Walk On Water,” so well done it may bring tears to your eyes. Other fantastic numbers are presented by Lloyd Jones, Mark Dufresne and Lily Wilde. Not a bad track on the disc. Worthy of checking out again to relive those good times.
