The Saucecats
Havin' Fun
Independent
The Saucecats are Frankenmuth, Michigan’s fun and friendly roots band. The gifted group is comprised of eight extremely talented
multi-instrumentalists. The core cats responsible for the eclectic music include Maureen Lee (accordion/keyboards), Dave McGregor
(fiddle/guitar), Nick Vermis (drums/harmonica), Kim Braeutigam (bass) and Perry English (rubboard/percussion). Since recording their
debut Some Like It Hot, the band has a new brass section. The reedmen are Zucko (sax/guitar) and Kelly Hengy (trombone/percussion)
while Mike Clark adds B-3 organ.
Many of the songs on this 2nd independent release are staples from their live repertoire. The catchy rhythm of "Early In The Mornin’ "
ensures you won’t stand or sit still. On it, the horns are given a chance to blast while the trombone rumbles, the harmonica reverberates
and the congas clank. An agitation that most of us have experienced is expressed on "Mother In Law". Thanks to the rhythm pattern’s
change, honking sax and bellowing trombone, the song becomes romantic and classy. The doo wop background vocals are reminiscent
of Bowser from Sha Na Na. Yet ironically, and perhaps purposefully, the track becomes as annoying as in-laws. With a mix of Zydeco
and rock ‘n’ roll, "On A Night Like This" is totally grooving. The credits aren’t clear on who sings which songs, but they reveal that many
band members contribute vocals. "Oh, What A Day," an original number, doesn’t fit the style of the rest of the songs on the CD. The
melody is a country hoedown combined with a waltz and a polka.
Like the opening original track "Let’s All Go", The Saucecats are drowned in a New Orleans tradition. You won’t be surprised to learn
their motto is, ‘we will play for gumbo’. This sophomore release confirms The Saucecats possess proliferate talent. With more guidance
and originality, The Saucecats will have their recipe perfected.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews
