Golden Gate Grooves reviews From Memphis To Greaseland!
Read Joseph Jordan's excellent review of From Memphis To Greaseland in Issue #12 of Golden Gate Grooves.
Tip of the Top, From Memphis to Greaseland by Joseph Jordan Take four Northern California musicians with an obvious affinity for authentic American roots music, combine them with a stellar ability to sell a song, and you've got Tip of the Top's third terrific CD, "From Memphis to Greaseland." Producer and the group's outstanding bass player Frank DeRose and cohorts insist on getting to the true heart of their songs, 13 tracks that make this 55-minute recording a thrilling addition to their already impressive repertoire. The four hip cats of TOTT [as they're referred to locally] have turned the greater Bay Area on its musical ear, bursting onto the scene just 3 years ago, and ringing with them a love for original-sounding music, and a superb feel for the '50s blues and roots music that inspires them. As much juke joint heroics as classic blues ("The Sportin' Life" and "One Way Out") with more than a little rock and roll (DeRose's "The Night Is Young"). Energetic harpist Akarsha "Aki" Kumar and guitarist "Little" Jonny Lawton take the lead vocals throughout, with a separate strength that combines into a powerful whole. They are both accomplished musicians and play off each other well, whether it be with several call-andresponses heard throughout the album, or in sheer ability. Recording the CD live in the studio helped maintain the intrinsic feel for the music the group abundantly displays. Lawton jumps on his tunes with abandon, traversing a mean slide as well as showing his dexterity in single-note playing prowess. Kumar can take props for tackling Little Walter's instrumental "Rocker" with not only reverence for Jacobs' jumping composition, but a genuine feel for early Chicago Blues harmonica. His vocals are also wonderfully expressive, such on the groover, "She's Fine." Drummer Carlos Velasco holds down the beat with a very minimal kit and is just right for this band's sound. Engineered by creative blues mastermind, and head honcho of Greaseland Studios in Campbell, California, Chris "Kid" Andersen, the CD just bursts out of the speakers good for bawlin', braggin', or boogieing. Bay Area pianist Sid Morris and guitarist Johnny "Cat" Soubrand, as well as Andersen, contribute instrumentation to several tracks. Seven of the cuts are originals and the other six are well chosen for the band's musical sensitivities. Charting all over the place as of this writing, the men have nowhere to go but national at this point, they're that good. (They were TGGBS' entry in The Blues Foundation's 2011 International Blues Challenge, where they reached the semifinals.) Top #30 for 2011 in NY!
Tip of the Top charts in NY! We made WITR 89.7 FM Bad Dog Blues' TOP 30 CD RELEASES FOR 2011. Not bad for a release that's only been on their charts for a month.. :)
All-star TGGBS IBC benefit @ Biscuits & Blues! The Golden Gate Blues Society’s Road to Memphis Revue Sunday, January 8, 2012 – 7 pm to… Biscuits and Blues 401 Mason Street, San Francisco, CA 94102 415-292-2583 $20 advance - $24 at door Reservations: www.tggbs.org Featuring: Wendy DeWitt with Kirk Harwood * Paula Harris & Blu Gruv * Tip of the Top Chris Cain Kenny Neal Tommy Castro All proceeds from the fundraiser will go directly toward airfare and hotel costs for our winning * San Francisco Bay Area acts at the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge in Memphis, February 1-4, 2012. Wendy DeWitt with Kirk Harwood will represent TGGBS in the solo/duo IBC category and Paula Harris & Blu Gruv in the IBC band category. Make your reservations now – this will be the show of the New Year – space is limited. 
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