"SIMPLY THE BEST RnB, JIVE, BOOGIE WOOGIE BAND AROUND"
Back in the eighties when the jump-jive revival was just gathering momentum, an outfit called Rent Party was one of the leading lights. They broke up in 1988, with vocalist Jackson Sloan moving into the jazz field. Now he is back with the jumping sounds of the late forties and early fifties, and he's also brought along Rent Party's (and many others') drummer Alan Savage. They have assembled a cooking little combo including boogieing pianist James Lunn, a flexible double bassist in Dave Lagnado, ace guitarist Paul Garner who has those Tiny Grimes/T-Bone Walker stylings off to a 't' (listen to the ringing tones of "Just Love Me Baby"), plus the fat horns of Andy Dummett (tenor and baritone saxes) and Jules Webster Greaves on tenor. Oh, and Ray Gelato contributes the sleeve notes and fine tenor on two tracks.
Now these guys know what it's all about - which is perhaps no great surprise as their collective experience includes the Rolling Stones, Van Morrison and Freddie Mercury right through to Solomon Burke, Hubert Sumlin, Otis Grand and Paul Lamb. Jackson has a big voice, reminiscent of Big Joe Turner more often than not (and Joe seems to be a big influence - there are two songs from his repertoire and another dedicated to him) though he also has just that tinge of hipster cool to pull off the blues-meets-bop approach of the two originals that bookend this album. Besides Big Joe, the material - with tempos mainly of the 'up' variety - originates from the likes of Peppermint Harris, Rosco Gordon, Smiley Lewis, Fats Domino, Amos Milburn, and Cleanhead Vinson. Tiny Bradshaw's "Breaking Up The House" is just stupendous, though the other thirteen tracks certainly aren't far behind.
Oo-Bop-Sh'Bam is a name to watch - and a group to hear. O'vouty? Rating: 9
Norman Darwen, Blues In Britain magazine, Issue 57.
OO-BOP-SH’BAM might be a new name on the current scene, but are led by a couple of veteran jazz and r&b musicians of the British circuit, vocalist Jackson Sloan and drummer Alan Savage, both formerly of Rent Party fame, who were well respected on the scene in the early 1980’s.
At first listen, the impression was of just another jump outfit going through their paces, regurgitating a bunch of jump r&b classics, which often works well onstage, but not to often on record. However after a few plays, I realised that we have here some seriously good musicians who have studied the idiom and, seemingly effortlessly, can replicate – or even surpass – the original versions.
Particularly impressive is the tenor playing of Julian Webber Greaves and Andy Dummett, both of whom have respectful track records in various bands.
Newcomer James Lunn plays fine boogie-based piano and another veteran musician Dave Lagnado rounds out the band on bass.
If they come your way, be sure to catch them and pick up a copy of this CD at the same time.
Tony Watson, Blues & Rhythm Magazine.
Produced by Alan Savage and Nick Taylor, this 14 piece offering from erstwhile Rent Party members Jackson Sloan, Alan Savage and friends is slick smooth and enjoyable from sleeve through to track 14.
The content of the album appears to be offered to certain tempo jivers and r’n’b listeners who like their covers done in an inoffensive style, I found the album to be a toe tapper.
All tacks are executed well by good musicians and the big voice of Mr Sloan, with the added bonus of an appearance by the one and only Ray Gelato on tracks 10 & 12.
This is and will be a hit with jive clubs across the lands for sure as the tempos are well suited for the dance market, which is demonstrated by the number of gigs they are getting within this domain.
On the other hand, if you want to listen to some good time r'n'b you’d do no wrong by slipping this onto the Hi Fi.
Mad Rat Magazine.
"Thanks for the cd.
I was very impressed with the quality all the way thru', no let down on great rockin' R&B, Lilie Mae should make a good club jiver."
Bob Thomas, Bim Bam Records.
"I got the CD album thank you and enjoyed it very much. The production is very good and so is the material. I'm a Smiley Lewis fan and it is always good to hear "Big Mamou" and "Lillie Mae". I particulary enjoyed Tiny Bradshaw's "Breaking Up The House" (brilliant boogie woogie piano!), Roscoe Gordon's "Just Love Me Baby" and "Let 'Em Roll... For Big Joe" is a nice touch and I will be playing the latter two tracks at The Jive Ball in Letchworth on Saturday night. "Kidney Stew" is a track on the demo CD you sent me which I have already played in public two or three times. I'm looking forward to hearing Alan's "I Like To Bop" at our live show in September and of course meeting you and the boys then if not before.
Good luck and best wishes to all associated with the Oo-bop-sh'bam project.
Thanks again."
'Strollin' Steve Ashdown, Allways Music, www.strollinsteve.co.uk
"When Jackson asked me to play on his album I was very happy to hear that he was back on the scene. I have known Jackson and Alan for almost 20 years; we have played together many times in our respective bands, Rent Party and The Chevalier Brothers. Way back then I thought that Jackson had a marvellous blues voice. I am happy to say that this opinion still stands today. Welcome back Jackson, this is a great blues album."
Ray Gelato (special guest performer)
"Hey Jackson,
That’s is one gas of a CD you have sent me.
Who would have thought that a British band could sound like this?
Excellent stuff with the all-important vocals even better.
Good enough for Atlantic mid 50s in my opinion."
Paul Barrett, Top Promoter.
"Dear Jackson
This is an absolutely great cd and I really love to play it as loud as possible"
Markus Gygax, Swiss Promoter.
"Hi Jackson
Just a quick line to say how much we've been enjoying your CD. It's PURE CLASS!"
Mark and the team at Planet Jive, www.planetjive.com
|
