You Gotta Be

The latest recording from the Nighthawks, All You Gotta Do, is about as close to perfection as you would want from a blues and American roots band. Of course those terms and descriptions, blues rock, soul blues, roots rock, roots music, Americana, hadn t even been coined yet when this band started mixing it all up. And created their own magic gumbo of rock and roll. Inspired and encouraged by their hero s and mentors, that created the genres, they learned the language and feel of this great music. And that s what makes the difference. Founding member Mark Wenner has always had a sound he was after. From the deep blues of Muddy Waters, early rock & roll of Elvis and Buddy with some great four part harmonies was the formula. He has the band now that can do just that and more.

THIS MONTH’S COVERMOUNT CD tips the wink to Sticky Fingers, and celebrates the R&B and roots nuggets spawned by little old Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Stars: Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Gregg Allman, Bettye Lavette, Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell and more!

THIS MONTH’S COVERMOUNT CD tips the wink to Sticky Fingers, and celebrates the R&B and roots nuggets spawned by little old Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Stars: Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Gregg Allman, Bettye Lavette, Drive-By Truckers, Jason Isbell and more!

If you're looking for a more modern recording of downhome blues, then 'You Gotta Move' could be just what you need. Born in Arkansas in 1927, Hosea Leavy spent most of his life playing the kind of music that he loved. He worshipped Muddy Waters and this album bears his idol's imprint. 'You Gotta Move' features good old-fashioned blues played extremely well by a very able band of musicians. Jeff Levine tickles the ivories tastefully and Jay Van Horn provides some fine harmonica playing. The music is well paced with up-tempo songs interspersed with slower numbers. It all rolls along just nicely. This is certainly one the most satisfying albums recorded after the classic blues period.