The Nighthawks
Still Wild
(Ruf Records 51416 1448 2)
The newest release from The Nighthawks, Still Wild, is exactly what you'd expect from a seasoned band with over twenty albums under their belt. A solid
rockin' blues CD with good clean production, the Nighthawks do on Still Wild what they've always done with their music: have fun and keep it real.
This Maryland based group has been recording albums and playing on the road since 1972 with few changes over the years. Fronted by Mark Wenner on harp and vocals, and back with longtime members Jan Zukowski on bass and Pete Ragusa on drums, the addition of guitarist Pete Kanaras completes a tight unit that plays a number of styles on Still Wild. The Nighthawks have always liked to rock their blues and continue to do so.
Starting with the upbeat roll of Willie Dixon's "Tiger In Your Tank" and moving through the eerie feel of Muddy Water's "Read Way Back," all the twelve songs are given what I call "the Nighthawk treatment." That is, they make it their own, and put an edge to it. Special standout tunes are "Jump Into My Fire," an upbeat minor blues tune, Charlie Rich's "Washed My Hands" and "Illustrated Man." Mark Wenner's tunes "Guard My Heart" and "Slow Dance" are great additions to the material on Still Wild. The last song "Slow Dance" lets Mark Wenner show just how low and slow he can get on his harp. "Nobody But You" another slow tune, is dark blues and reminiscent of "Fever."
Through the whole CD, The Nighthawks keep it rolling. Bassist Jan Zukowski and Drummer Pete Ragusa lay down a great rhythm without ever overbearing the music. They also add good backing vocal touches here and there. You can tell these guys have played countless nights together. Pete Kanaras adds just the right touches of guitar on slide and rhythm. Playing tastefully throughout, he plays as if he has always been a Nighthawk. Mark Wenner has a voice that can be rough and gravely, or slightly sweet for the ballads when he needs to. And Wenner's harmonica playing shows the depth of feel that 27 years of fronting the band will get you. His phrasing is right to the gut and is the signature of the band.
I bought my first Nighthawks record in 1981 and have been a fan ever since. They have always played their music with respect for the roots while taking it for a little ride on a Harley. Let's hope that there are twenty plus more CDs in these guys. Go buy this disc.
- Pete Barbeck -
Southwest Blues CD Review - August 1999
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