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Rhythmtown Jive
As individuals their credentials also include engagements performing with (not opening for): Dr. John, La Vern Baker, Queen Ida, Rockin Sydney, Al Rapone, Ernie K-Doe, Gary U. S. Bonds, Herb Hardesty, Otis Clay, Allen Tousaint, Richard Berry, Leo Nocentelli, Syl Johnson, Big Jay McNeely, Jesse Colin Young, Boz Scaggs, Amos Garrett, Don & Dewey, the Temptations, Elvin Bishop, the Coasters, T-Bone Walker, Roy Rogers, Joe "Louis" Walker, The Coasters, Little Anthony, Mary Wells, and The Drifters. Newest member of the band, Susie Davis on vocals and occasional piano & accordion hails from Sheila E, Pat Benetar, and The Mick Jagger Band.
Following a fascination with the era of transition from '40s & '50s rhythm & blues to rock & roll, Rhythmtown-Jive is the Bay Area's leading proponent of American roots dance music, featuring driving and syncopated counter-rhythms the feet cannot deny. The "RJ"s, Formerly Five Guys Named Mo, have a refreshing repertoire which goes beyond the typical rehashed "top 40" music of yesterday usually associated with R&B dance bands. In addition to their original numbers, the members of the group draw from a well of obscure and unusual post-world war II saturday night rave-ups and moody relief numbers that offer something different for the dance-inclined public: Louis Jordan & his Tympani Five, Big Joe Turner, Hank Ballard & the Midnighters, Big Jay McNeely, Clyde McPhatter, Freddie King, Lee Allen, Clifton Chenier, Maceo Parker, Jimmy Reed, Louis Armstrong, Huey "Piano" Smith & the Clowns, Roy Brown, Thurston Harris, Ray Charles, the Meters, Smiley Lewis, Paul Gayten, King Curtis, Sonny Thompson, James "Wee" Willie Wayne, Ella Mae Morse, Lil Millet, Will Bradley, Ray McKinley & Bill Doggett.
Tags
--Derk Richardson (Bay Guardian)
"A huge breath of fresh air. Very different and original. Great vocals & instrumentation."
-- Phil Caudill, KOCV-FM, Midland, TX
"(One of) THE TOP 12 INDEPENDENT BANDS IN THE U.S... bouncing with piano licks, sax solos and a foot-stomping rhythm section.... the drum work is nothing short of a piece of art! The control, the rhythmic variations, it's all there... this is pure mood music, baby... very talented musicians with a true sense of the music they play
Music
Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson