Album Review: Roomful of Blues — In a Roomful of Blues
There are a handful of retro (or, if you prefer, classic-minded) acts that transcend nostalgia, doing something special. They trade in forms that had some great popularity in the past, but they continue, making new music in the style, adding their own personal spin. NRBQ is one. Los Straitjackets are another. And Roomful of Blues belongs in that rarefied category as well.
Like an orchestra, the Chicago (oops) Rhode Island-based ensemble has had a revolving door approach to personnel. More than four dozen players have come and gone, and only saxophonist Rich Lataiile remains form the earliest (1970) lineup. But Roomful of Blues has remained constant. Their first release – from ’77 – was titled Roomful of Blues (it was reissued years later as The First Album). Their latest – something like the band’s 20th studio release – attempts to bring things full circle with the title In a Roomful of Blues.
Longtime guitarist Chris Vachon and singer Phil Pemberton (who came on board a decade ago) lead the band through 13 songs, a set heavy on tasty originals. Ad when the band turns its attention to covers, they dig deep, unearthing shoulda-been-classics. In this case, Don Robey’s “What Can I Do” gets the Roomful treatment. This is a no-nonsense, soulful set long on feeling, long on intensity, and totally absent of artifice. The horn charts are top-notch, the grooves are tight, the solos are memorable. It’s a fun set, one that holds up admirably next to the band’s essential debut.
About the Author
Bill Kopp
With a background in marketing and advertising, Bill Kopp got his professional start writing for Trouser Press. After a stint as Editor-in-chief for a national music magazine, Bill launched Musoscribe in 2009, and has published new content every business day since then (and every single day since 2018). The 4500-plus interviews, essays, and reviews on Musoscribe reflect Bill's keen interest in American musical forms, most notably rock, jazz, and soul. His work features a special emphasis on reissues and vinyl. Bill's work also appears in many other outlets both online and in print. He regularly hosts lecture/discussions on artists and albums of historical importance (including monthly events Music to Your Ears and Music Movie Mondays), and is a frequent guest on music-focused radio programs and podcasts. In Spring 2023 he taught a history of Rock 'n' Roll at UNC Asheville's College for Seniors. He also researches and authors liner notes for album reissues -- more than 30 to date -- and co-produced a reissue of jazz legend Julian "Cannonball" Adderley's final album. His first book, Reinventing Pink Floyd: From Syd Barrett to The Dark Side of the Moon was published by Rowman & Littlefield in 2018, and in paperback in 2019. His second book, Disturbing the Peace: 415 Records and the Rise of New Wave, was published in 2021 by HoZac Books. His third book, What's the Big Idea: Great Concept Albums will be published in 2024. Read even more about him here.