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Bob E. Rock's association with rockabilly began with his earliest attempts in show business. He is a rock 'n roll natural and hit almost full tilt the first time he took the stage. His influences are the usual suspects and they are apparent when you hear his new CD. The music of Gene Vincent, Buddy Holly, Johnny Horton, Ron Holden, and the Delmore Brothers beat in his heart. Beside his well-chosen covers there are 6 originals penned by Angel, Rock, and Rubinowitz that show that Bob E. takes command of a song old or new. And the band! Bob E. assembled some blazing combos for the series of 80's sessions that make up the album. Eddie Angel on guitar is a revelation. 12 tracks feature his top class rockabilly style. This is the only extensive documentation of his early hot guitar work. Bob Newscaster, guitar on 2 tracks, continues the same perfect rocking drive he's shown on the recordings he made with Billy Hancock's Tennessee Rockets. Tex Rubinowitz is on acoustic guitar. String bass in slap form is shared on different tracks by Evan Johns, Jeff Sarley, and on the 2 multitracks, Bob E. (12 of the 14 selections were recorded direct to master.) Scotty Flowers, long time Bad Boy, and Robby Magruder share the drum backing. Little Red Corridino plays tear drop accordian on one track. Eddie Angel contributes some striking backing vocals and there is a guest vocalist, too. The great Martha Hull, in a rare appearance, sings hillbilly blues along side Bob E. Add the smooth vocal trio of John Jennings, Mike Auldridge, and Mike Cotter to a couple tracks and you have the full ingredients for the recipe of Bob E. Rock's bop sessions. |
