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Blues CD Reviews 59
Line Divide
Red Wagons
The Red Wagons Blues Band
“Jumpin With Friends”
By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © April 2013
The Red Wagons are a blues band from Rome, Italy and “Jumpin With Friends” is their second release. The CD, which was recorded in various studios and took several years to complete, is a compilation of jam sessions with some of their special “friends”. Ovviamente, gli azzurri sono vivi e vegeti in Italia.
The core members of The Red Wagons include: Marco Meucci on piano; Simone Crinelli on baritone sax; Roberto Marocchini on tenor sax; Riccardo Boni on alto, tenor & baritone sax; Alessandro Angelucci on guitar; Lucio Villani on upright bass; and Carlo Del Carlo on drums. And those friends they’re jumpin’ with are: Mitch Woods on piano & vocals; Junior Watson on guitar & vocals; “Sax” Gordon Beadle on tenor sax; Lynwood Slim on vocals; “Sugar” Ray Norcia on vocals & harp; Igor Prado on guitar; and Mario Caporilli on trumpet.
It didn’t take long at all to get things “Jumpin”. “Huckleboogie” – the discs opening track – is a swingin’ instrumental, and I do mean swingin’. It features all the regular members of The Red Wagons along with Igor Prado on guitar and Mario Caporilli on trumpet. As for passing out the compliments I’m clueless as to where to start. The rhythm – led by Lucio on the upright bass – is beyond phenomenal, the horn section – led by Mario on the trumpet – is ridiculously good and Igor is an absolute monster on guitar. Without exaggeration – I’ve listened to this track a dozen times before completing the paragraph and I may go back for a few more. WOW!
When the next track – “Big Mamou” – came on, I thought to myself that this was one of the songs that featured Sugar Ray…..until I looked at the track’s credits. It’s actually Marco, with the beautiful singing voice so reminiscent of Mr. Norcia. This time it’s Junior mastering the guitar and Gordon leading the horn section on tenor on another very impressive number which also features harmonious full band backup vocals.
OK, now this IS Sugar Ray singing “My Baby’s Quit Me”. By far one of the smoothest and coolest vocalists ever to sing a song, and he’s living up to it right here. Another great track highlighted by Marco killing it on piano. There are still thirteen tracks to go and I’m already thinking I’m listening to the best CD I’ve heard in years.
“Blue Light Boogie” features Mitch Woods on piano and infamous ad-libs. Leave it to Mitch to sneak words like Mama Mia, Ruffino Chianti, Lasagna, Limoncello, etc into a song he’s performing in Italy. Mitch takes the expression “When in Rome…………..” to new heights. Oh yeah – the track did feature his signature exceptional piano playing as well.
“Girl From Idaho” is another track with Sugar Ray on vocals and it’s the only track that features the harp. That right there makes it one of the discs highlights.
“I Want A Little Girl” is one of only two tracks that feature just the members of The Red Wagons and inasmuch as it’s fun having “friends” perform with them this is one hell of a band without them as well. Listening to Marco sing and play piano on the same song makes it impossible to decide which he’s more talented at and ditto for Riccardo on the tenor and baritone saxes. Another beautiful song.
Put this one on at a party and everyone will “Jump With You Baby”. Another of many great dance songs on “Jumpin’ With Friends”. This one features excellent guitar leads from Alessandro, deep rhythm from Lucio and Carlo on the bass and drums and suave vocals from Lynwood Slim.
Some of the discs best guitar work can be heard right here on “I Want To Love Somebody”. Flip flopping lead solos, Igor and Alessandro create one hell of a guitar shoot out.
Other songs on “Jumpin’ With Friends” include: “Let’s Get High”, “All Of My Life”, “Party Girl”, “Congo Mombo”, “Mess Around”, “Kidney Stew”, “Hey Bartender” and “Chicago Cha Cha”.
Short of offering to pay for it if I should be wrong, I’m guaranteeing any blues fan will love this disc. As a matter of fact let me just say it’s “must have music”. Right now, go to www.redwagons.it and buy it. While you’re there, Please tell my Amici Italiani che vi ha mandato il Blewzzman.
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 Keeping The Blues Alive Award Recipient LINK ALLA PAGINA