© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2009

Rick Estrin & The Nightcats
Twisted
Alligator Records ALCD4930

Yes, it’s Twisted blues, but don’t be afraid. Rick Estrin takes the center stage with the Nightcats (now that Little Charlie Baty’s retired from touring) and brings his own wacky, hipster take on the blues to this release for Alligator Records.

Fronting the band with his often humorous and street-wise vocals and meaty harmonica playing, Estrin keeps the party going with the addition of Norwegian guitar wildman Chris “Kid” Anderson. The rhythm section of Lorenzo Farrell on bass and J. Hansen on drums keep the groove swinging and locked to the ground like a sharply painted West Coast lowrider. Bob Welch pumps up the swag with piano and organ.

Before you know it, you’ll be snapping your fingers and tapping your toes – this CD is fun and infectious! The lyrics are rich with a sly, nodding, tongue-in-cheek irony – the guitar work tight and tasty. From the sharply suited shot of the band on the cover to the 60’s retro graphics, the CD screams “Party at Rick’s Place!” and what a party it is! The Kid Anderson penned instrumental “Earthquake” rocks the house to the foundation with its pounding drumbeat and Kid’s lightning fast riffs. “Cool Breeze” is exactly that – so cool – cat – cool! Where’s my black beret? I feel the need to head for a lounge and a cocktail, shaken, not stirred. Dig that stand-up bass solo!

Rick himself takes you on a joyful journey with tales colored by his formative years as a musician amongst the lowlifes, pimps and hustlers of San Francisco’s Fillmore District and Hunters Point neighborhoods. Those experiences make for some delightful yarns about life on the seedy side of town. Where, of course, all the real fun happens, and happens after dark.

J. Hansen wrote and takes on lead vocal duties on “I’m Takin’ Out My In-Laws,” a song for everyone who’s ever smiled through their gritted teeth at their annoying and impossibly obnoxious in-laws. Come on all you not-quite-so happily married people – don’t pretend you haven’t thought the same thing. You’ll get the biggest laugh of all out of the tune. And for those of you who find that offensive, the song ends with J’s mother-in-law coming after him with a shotgun before he can put his plan in action, so for the record, nobody’s a saint here.

So all you hipsters and cool kitties - get out of your chair, put on your high-heeled sneakers and get your Twisted groove on with Rick Estrin and the Nightcats. The party’s just begun!

- Blue Lisa -


Southwest Blues CD Review - August 2009

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