Known Dave Keyes for quite some time now . It has always been great fun to watch Dave work those 88's , tearing into a set that would rock you and have you running for the dance floor - from rollicking boogie-woogie , to butt thumpin' rhythm and blues , gleeful second-line , and show-stopping soul . Dave has always been a remarkable piano player , his easy-going manner slips easily into blistering rockin' blues and , with a split-second turnaround , can have you crying out " hallelujah " as he digs deep into an emotional and driving gospel groove . Dave is one of those performers who easily has his fingers on the pulse of American music , a versatility that has no boundaries: blues , soul , rhythm and blues , zydeco , western swing , country , boogie woogie , jazz , and a whole lot more. . I have been lucky enough to have seen Dave perform solo , with his own band , and as an important sideman .
Dave Keyes is always in demand , one of the finest keyboard guys out there , seemingly always performing somewhere with his own band or with countless American musicians and their bands . Dave has headlined festivals in front of 10,00 people across Europe , worked as a band leader and conductor for both Broadway shows and TV . His 2014 release , " Right Here Right Now " , earned Dave a 2014 Blues Music Award nomination for Pinetop Perkins Player of the year . Dave can be found playing with Popa Chubby , Alexis P. Suter , Arthur Neilson , and Slam Allen , to name a few .Dave loves to perform , and gigs can range from solo to 12 pieces depending on the type of event .
Rhythm Blues and Boogie is Dave's sixth album , and his first for Blue Heart Records ; " It is inspiring to add an artist of Dave's caliber to our roster" , says Blue Heart Records label partner , Sallie Bengston . " His music reflects the breadth of his expertise , not only within the American roots genres , but to Broadway and beyond ''. And since Blue Heart has also signed Veronica Lewis ,collaborations between both piano virtuosos would certainly be extraordinary.....hint......hint.....
The sessions were recorded in New York , New Jersey , and in Memphis , with guitarist John Putnam and drummer Frank Pagano joining Jeff Anderson on bass . The horn section of Chris Eminizer on sax and trumpeter Tim Ouimette add just the right layers . Special Guests include the notorious Popa Chubby ; legendary drummer Bernard " Pretty " Purdie ; and widely respected and much admired guitarist Doug Macleod , multi-Blues Music Award winner ; and the finely dexterous guitarist Early Times , a NYC-based guitarist specializing in rock and rhythm and blues, host of a nationally-broadcasted show on B. B. Kings Bluesville on Sirius XM Radio. Tim Ouimette spent years with Dave Keyes in the pit orchestra of the Grammy-winning Broadway show , Smokey Joe's Cafe.
Rhythm Blues and Boogie showcases Dave at the top of his performing peak on the solo track " WBGO Boogie " , a moving tribute to Newark , New jersey based WBGO radio station , a longtime supporter of jazz and blues. Other standouts include the bonus track , " 7 O' Clock Somewhere " , a tour-de-force attention grabber dedicated to the frontline workers who selflessly carry us through so many troubled times ; " Shake Shake Shake " is a classic foot-stompin' rhythm and blues rocker that features Bernard Purdies bumpin' beats and sizzling sax work from Chris Eminizer ; check out the fun on the acoustic blues collaboration between Dave and Doug MacLeod, "Invisible Man " ; and your heart will break as you tear up on Daves emotionally charged take on Willie Nelson's " Funny How Time Slips Away" . " Blues and Boogie " brings the horns front and center , a party-ready , finger-poppin' , anthem that deserves to be turned Way , Way Up - screw the neighbors ; and the soulful " Ain't Going Down " is simply - irresistible ; and if all of this isn't enough to get your ass movin' try the driving second-line beat of " Ain't Doing That No More " , Bernard Purdie leading the parade down Rampart Street with a full chorus of horns , slide guitar , a rousing singalong chorus , Dave's fiery keys, all joining the boisterous cavalcade.
Rhythm Blues and Boogie brings all the elements of American Music front and center . Dave's passion for the music , his sense of fun , the teamwork with his fellow musicians , are all on display here . Excellent music from an outstanding roster of musicians having a good time . There's something here for everyone to enjoy . I had a great time listening to this worthy tribute to the mash-up of blues , soul , jazz , gospel , zydeco , rhythm and blues , rock and roll that is the musical landscape of America . Well Done ! Can't wait for more to come !
