Big Hank Lionhart and a Fist Full of Blues have a knack for fillin' up St. Albert pubs whenever they play.
The sextet can toss out a lure and reel the patrons in with their polished brand of punchy blues and R&B, and they'll be puttin' on the sizzle at LB's Pub this coming Friday.
These guys are consummate pros starting with vocalist Big Hank Lionhart, who spent years working in bands such as Hot Cottage, Uncle Wiggly's Hot Shoes Blues Band and Vancouver's Kingpins.
And then there's St. Albert's own Duane Smith, a founding member of Tacoy Ryde, a bassman that can pump out the groove with some of the cleanest chops around.
Lionhart attributes their intuitive skill and tight musicianship to experience. “All the band members have played for about 40 years. We're an older group, but we still have the passion and fire.”
But these guys aren't trying to be withered sex symbols in the Mick Jagger mould. Big Hank and a Fist Full of Blues sing original material coined from life's raw experiences and observations. Their act is authentic, believable and audiences hone in.
Lionhart's pliable pipes, the band's well-placed harmonies and the musicians' muscular solos also go a long way in earning audience respect.
It's been about eight months since the band has played in town. As a follow-up to their debut CD Lightning Strike My Boogie, they released a second indie album, Bluesville, back in February.
Drummer Bill Hobson, also a producer/engineer, recorded the 15 tracks at his backyard Crowtown Studios, a converted six-car garage.
A $19,000 Canada Council grant paid for pre-production, recording and mixing by Grammy winner Bill Wolfe. With the extra infusion of cash, the band also added a horn section inviting guest musicians Terry Townsend, trumpet player for Colin James and Wayne Kozak, saxophonist in the Powder Blues Band.
“Our first album was a traditional blues album. Bluesville has more of an R&B flavour.” Lionhart cites the swing tune Little Black Dress, the jazzier Life of the Party and the R&B I'll Just Hold On as products of a funkier style.
At the opposite end is East Side Blues, a tune penned by guitarist Barrie Nightswander. The Vancouverite flies into Edmonton for big gigs and in this song, he wanted to zero in on the plight of Vancouver's homeless.
“It's pure blues tempo. It's poignant. There's so many sad stories. It's good to get the message out there. People should be aware of the downfall and misfortunes of others.”
But the band also likes to have a good laugh in songs such as keyboardist Dennis Meneely's tongue-in-cheek Life of the Party, a peek at a guy in a bar who gets stood up by a girl.
LB's evening of blues will salute a pared down version of the band that includes Lionhart, Smith and Kirkwood. Drummer Mark Ammar is filling in for Bill Hobson who had a scheduling conflict and Kirkwood's son Stu is an invited guest as the second guitar.
The show starts at 9:30 p.m. at 23 Akins Drive. No cover.
