TERESA JAMES AND THE RHYTHM TRAMPS
LIVE!
JESI-LU MUSIC
IN THE PINK–I LIKE IT LIKE THAT–PUT THE SQUEEZE ON ME–EASIER SAID THAN DONE–FORGETTING YOU–SHE’S GOT A WAY WITH MEN–DON’T MAKE A HABIT OF IT–IF I CAN’T HAVE YOU–SHOORAH SHOORAH–THE DAY THE BLUES CAME TO CALL-EVERYDAY WILL BE LIKE A HOLIDAY–I WANT IT ALL–LONG WAY FROM TEXAS
Houston-born Teresa James and her band, The Rhythm Tramps, know a thing or two about laying down some fine grooves. Witness their last album, “Here In Babylon,” which was nominated for a Grammy in 2019. Still riding that high, she has just released the band’s first live album, aptly-entitled “LIVE!,” six originals and seven favorite band covers laid down at Bogie’s, one of the band’s favorite haunts. The performances were culled from four nights, with, uniquely, four incarnations of the Rhythm Tramps, providing a truly amazing representation of what this band is all about. The core of the band, with Teresa on vocals and keys, has her hubby Terry Wilson on bass, and Billy Watts on guitar. The other players involved are all well-respected members of the blues community, including sax men Ron Dzuibla and Paulie Cerra, and three drummers, one of which was Tony Braunagel. The varied lineups give a different vibe to the whole set.
There are a tremendous number of highlights. The party starts with one of our favorites, as Teresa calls out some of her blues heroes who led her down this musical path, “since I found the blues, I’m In The Pink!” A shout-out to a lover is the Fifties-inspired “baby, please Put The Squeeze On Me,” giving way to the Motown romp, “She’s Got A Way With Men, but she isn’t gonna get away with mine!” Billy Watts duets with Teresa, who’s on piano, on the smoldering, “I can’t love nobody, If I Can’t Have You.”
Another of our favorites came from her Grammy-nominated album, the deeply-moving ode to “The Day The Blues Came To Call,” marking the passing of Gregg Allman. The set closes with our final favorite. It’s a roadhouse-rockin’ tale of life on the road, with Teresa again on the 88’s, tellin’ everybody not to worry, “I’m a Long Way From Texas, but I’m gonna make it home tonight!”
Teresa James And The Rhythm Tramps glide easily from blues, roadhouse rock, Big Easy grooves, and powerful ballads. Please enjoy “LIVE!,” from this Grammy-nominated group of premier players! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.
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