BLUES N'AT

Have you ever been to a Jill West and Blues Attack show? If you haven't, why not? Luckily, the band has released the next best thing: the new CD "Bootleg Blues Live". It was recorded live at Moondog's in Blawnox, PA before the band left to represent the Blues Society of Western PA at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis back in January 2012. When the show opens up, guitarist Gregg Krupa introduces Jill as the "queen of the Pittsburgh blues scene". If you don't know why they call her that, you're about to find out, in spades. The CD opens up with "Big Boss Man" a tune made famous by legendary bluesman Jimmy Reed. This is a rip-roaring version with keyboardist "Sudden" Steve Binsberger (who also produced the CD) setting the tone with a juke-joint worthy solo. Then guitarist Gregg Krupa lights it up with one of his many electrifying solos. Jill sings that she's looking for a big boss man, one that will treat her right. We all know that it's "Big Mama" herself that's the REAL boss. The next song is a JWBA original. "The Other Woman" is a rocking tune off of their "Faceful of Blues" CD. This cut proves why this band is tighter than two coats of paint. Plus, the addition of guest saxophonist Phil Brontz just makes the equation even better. Next up is "Love Her with a Feelin'", a Tampa Red song. Gregg Krupa proves why I call him the " Eric Clapton of Pittsburgh" on this one. Then comes "Perfect Fit" off of their first CD, "Code Blue". "Perfect Fit" is the right title for this one. It proves that Jill West and Blues Attack are, indeed, THE "perfect fit". This rave-up gives Phil a chance to wail on sax, as well. Now it's time for Jill to take a break. She lets Gregg man the mike for "Whiskey", from his Boogie Monster days. This song lets everyone catch their breath by slowing it down with country-soaked blues. When Jill hits the stage again, she starts off by asking the crowd "Is it hot in here?". JWBA fans know that that line is what leads into the original tune "Hotflash" from "Headline Blues". Boy, the Blues Attack make it even hotter with this scorching, red-hot tune.  Next up is Koko Taylor's "Voodoo Woman". On this one, JWBA do that voodoo that they do so well by amping this one up a notch. Jill does Koko proud on this one. While Jill takes five, the band does "Heads Down" an original instrumental that keeps things moving. This song proves why Jill West says she has the best band around. No doubt, Jill. After that comes "Castin' My Spell on You" by Johnny Otis. If JWBA don't have your under their spell by now, what in the world is wrong with you? They really add another layer to this song with their rich, full sound. Next up is the Etta James song "Damn Your Eyes". As a veteran of a few Jill West shows, I've heard her perform this song more than once. I feel this is the best version I've heard. The sax really sizzles on this one. And Jill's singing is a fitting tribue to Etta's original. "Can I Change My Mind" from Tyrone Davis follows. They keep the flow pretty mellow with their take. Sudden Steve shows why he's "Chairman of the Boards". Throughout this song and the entire CD, rhythm section, drummer Nick Crano and bassist Hank Raffetto, are the glue that holds it all together. And Jill West is the straw that stirs the drink that is this wonderful, intoxicating cocktail of blues. They kick it back up a notch with Sonny Landreth's "Congo Square" after that. It's a rollicking rave-up that transports you down to New Awlins. "Talk to Me Baby" brings the party to an end with this down and dirty take on the Elmore James song. Phil Brontz's sax adds a horny dimension to it (pun is always intended). The good news is with "Bootleg Blues Live" you can take the party with you and keep it going. Party on!