STLBlues Reviews

By Cornbread

Los Lonely Boys – Live at Blue Cat Blues
{2004 | Blue Cat Records}

Prior to winning a Grammy in 2004 the Garza Brothers; Henry (guitar), Jojo (bass) & Ringo (drums) recorded Live at Blue Cat Blues on November 30, 2000 in a small Dallas, Texas blues club which has since closed its doors. The first three songs are from the SRV Birthday Jam (October 5, 2000) and the first three songs LLB played in Dallas.

Tracks:

1. Scuttle Buttin' – (2:20) The LLB’s take on the Stevie Ray Vaughn song features Henry’s shredding guitar.

2. Friday Night (3:28) – takes us back to that sweet rockabilly sound that I can’t get enough of.

3. I Don’t Want To Lose Your Love (4:33) – this is one of the first recordings of this original LLB song.

4. Heaven (4:40) – awesome doesn’t even describe this. The evening was dedicated to their grandmother who passed away earlier that day. We’ve heard this song 1,000,000 times, it’s overplayed on the radio, used in every concert and I’m still far from tiring of it. This would be an example of “if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it.”

5. Friday Night (3:48) – also included in the first three tracks.

6. Dime Mi Amor (3:00) – it’s hard to describe the LLB’s sound, this is it. Spanish, English, perfect harmonizing vocals, the opportunity for Henry to rip into a guitar solo and three tight musicians who play very well together. It’s blues, it’s rock, it’s Texican, it’s great.

7. Baby You’re Gonna See (5:03) – Ringo keeps the beat as Henry and Jojo each take a turn at soloing. Jojo takes time to introduce his youngest brother Ringo and oldest brother Henry.

8. I want You To Feel The Same Way I Do (3:13) – an upbeat blues shuffle.

9. I'm The Man To Beat (4:01) – three thumbs up! This song is served up Texas style with slow harmonica added (probably by Henry).

10. I Dont Want To Lose Your Love (4:16) – also included in the first three tracks.

11. Cottonfields and Crossroads (11:13) – over eleven minutes of the bluest blues, it’s perfect homage to their home state of Texas. If you don’t like this you’ve got a hole in your sole.

12. Senorita (6:22) – Texican blues with a vengeance, Henry tears up the guitar, distortion and all. There’s no lack of energy on this one.

13. I'm Gone (4:34) – another blues shuffle in perfect twelve bar form.

14. My Sweet Sweet Kiss (4:38) – this song kind of reminded me of Jimmy Reed, great vocals, slow well delivered guitar playin’ throughout with some intensity.

15. Pride & Joy (5:40) – a Stevie Ray Vaughn classic blues standard. The blues legend was smiling down on the boys as they did an excellent soulful rendition.

16. The End of A New Beginning (6:53) – this instrumental jam is three songs in one. Jojo provides a jazz-like bass solo.

Hearing a live recording before the Los Lonely Boys “got big” is a treat for a fan. It ranks right up there with hearing the Beatles early pre-1964 recordings from the Cavern Club. As far as drumming goes this Ringo is much more consistent and creative over the other.

Wow! 79 minutes of music to my ears!!! I like that every song is the opportunity to jam. My guess is the folks attending either of the above shows were instantly sucked into LLB fan base feeding on their raw energy, harmonizing vocals and musical abilities. The rest as they is history.