Vegas Strip Kings review…March 25, 2019….

VEGAS STRIP KINGS

JACKPOT

SELECT-O-HITS DISTRIBUTION

ROTGUT RUN–IT AIN’T–JESUS ON THE DASH–LATELY–SCREECHING HALT–TAKE IT EASY–BACK TO YOU–V 8 FORD–HOLD ON–PAWNBROKER–LIFE OF ME–SAME THING–SHARP AS A RAZOR

Back in the day, the group known as Contino rocked out for the Blind Pig label.  They always had a unique sound and a rootsy style, forging an incorporation of rockabilly and zydeco influences, set against a predominantly-blues base.  Well, Contino is no mas, but the band has re-invigorated itself into The Vegas Strip Kings, with Al Ek on vocals, guitar, and harp, Billy Truitt on keys, squeezebox, and vocals, Rob Edwards on the doghouse bass, Justin Truitt on drums, and Jimmy Carpenter on sax.  They’ve just released their latest, “Jackpot,” a clever, butt-rockin mix of originals and covers, playing out like a roller-coaster on the downhill run–fast-paced, exhilarating, and a helluva lot of fun.

This varied and eclectic set is full of highlights.  Leading off, the fellows come bustin’ outta the gate just like Robert Mitchum goin’ down Thunder Road, lookin’ for that “moonshine man, makin’ a Rotgut Run!”  Billy’s piano work is an added attraction to the Fifties’-inspired authenticity of this one!  They all have a lot of fun with the traditional, stop-time blues of Big Boy Hogan and that ol’ “V-8 Ford,” while straight-ahead Chicago blues is the theme of the echo effects and rockin’ groove of “Take It Easy, baby,” serving as one of our three favorites.  Another was a good ol’ “tragedy song,” the Tex-Mex-flavored tale of a hard-working trucker who meets his Fate in a fiery crash, even with “Jesus On The Dashboard.”  Our final favorite closed the set.  In another fine example of this band’s versatility, they run Willie Dixon’s “Sharp As A Razor” straight down to 706 Union with some Sun-splashed rockabilly twang!

With the Vegas Strip Kings, you simply can’t help but have a good time!  On their latest set, blues fans are guaranteed to hit the “Jackpot!”  Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.