ROD PIAZZA AND THE MIGHTY FLYERS
EMERGENCY SITUATION
BLIND PIG CD BPCD 5160
NEIGHBOR, NEIGHBOR–EMERGENCY SITUATION–MILK AND WATER–FRANKENBOP–BAD WEATHER BLUES–GAMBLING WOMAN–SLEEPING ON THE GROUND–TRICKY WOMAN–THE CLOCK–YA YA–COLORED SALT
For their latest release for Blind Pig, Rod Piazza And The Mighty Flyers warn us all about the tough times of being on the road as a bluesman in today’s economy. It’s so bad that Rod has declared an “Emergency Situation,” because “I can’t meet my obligations!” All’s not gloom-and-doom, tho, as this clever mix of covers and originals let you know that this group is still one of the longest-tenured, most powerful bands on the scene today.
Rod is on harp and vocals and Miss Honey still rocks the 88’s. Henry Carvajal is on guitar, David Kida is on drums, and Norm Gonzalez is on bass. Saxes are prevalent on just about every cut, courtesy of Jim Jedeikin and Ron Dzuibla.
Rod busts out the big ole chromatic on the leadoff West Coast swing of “Neighbor Neighbor,” who needs to sho’ nuff mind his own business! Miss Honey’s jazzy piano lines drive the melody of “Milk And Water,” where the doc has taken Rod off of “scotch, bourbon, beer, and good good whisky if I wanna stay around here,” severely limiting his drink choices! Honey and the saxes really set a hot tone on “Gambling Woman,” and she gets an extended, rolling solo at the bridge. Rod bends some deep, slow blues on “Sleeping In The Ground,” and even lays his harp down for one cut, the Fifties-inspired doo-wop of “The Clock,” which seems to be this forlorn lover’s only friend. And, it wouldn’t be a Mighty Flyers album without a couple of jaw-breaking instrumentals, “Frankenbop,” and the set-closing “Colored Salt.”
We had two favorites, too. Henry Carvajal takes the vocal on a very authentic read of Lee Dorsey’s “Ya Ya,” with Honey’s keys and the saxes bringin’ that vintage vibe. And, a waay-cool rhumba intro segues’ into the stompin’ groove of “Tricky Woman,” a one-night stand that tries to go a little further than Rod’s willing to bite for!
Rod, PLEASE do not “change your occupation,” even tho it might be an “Emergency Situation.” You would deprive those of us who will always enjoy your music from hearing one of the true modern harp masters! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, Nashville Blues Society.
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