"Killer" Joe Delia (who doubles on piano and organ) covers a lot of musical ground on this intriguing release. Whether it be rock, R&B, boogie-woogie or a bit of swing, Delia plays each style with spirit. Most of the performances are quite concise; all but two of the dozen selections are under four minutes. Delia is joined by guitarist Jimmy Vivino, bassist David Keyes, drummer Max Weinberg, singer Haywood Gregory, Jerry Vivino on tenor and a small horn section. In addition, there are several guest performers including ...
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"Killer" Joe Delia (who doubles on piano and organ) covers a lot of musical ground on this intriguing release. Whether it be rock, R&B, boogie-woogie or a bit of swing, Delia plays each style with spirit. Most of the performances are quite concise; all but two of the dozen selections are under four minutes. Delia is joined by guitarist Jimmy Vivino, bassist David Keyes, drummer Max Weinberg, singer Haywood Gregory, Jerry Vivino on tenor and a small horn section. In addition, there are several guest performers including tenor saxophonist Branford Marsalis, singer Phoebe Snow and, on a rather adventurous production number (Bruce Springsteen's "Summer on Signal Hill"), the group is joined by the Orchestra of St. Luke's plus a cameo by the Beach Boys. The repertoire also includes some originals plus "Peter Gunn," Albert King's "Let's Have a Natural Ball," Lieber & Stoller's "Down in Mexico" and Amos Milburn's "Chicken Shack Boogie." Quite a mixed bag, making one wish that in spots the eclectic group would really cut loose and extend themselves. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi
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