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I Got Blues For Ya
The Night King Curtis Died, I Got Blues For Ya, I Never Think About You,
Snake Box Boogie, Big Fish, We Got A Party Going On, Good Good Lovin’
Crossroads Avenue, The Devil’s Gone Fishin’, Death Don’t Have No Mercy
Trouble, Let’s Work Together
Michael Falzarano and Extended Family
Featuring
Kerry Kearney, Vassar Clements, Kane Daily, Professor Louie, Josh Colow, Alexis P. Suter, Pete Sears, Jimmy Fleming, Freeman White, Mike Miz, Barry Mitterhoff and Jason Crosby
Music Morsels July 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
Journeyman blues-master Michael Falzarano (Hot Tuna, New Riders of the Purple Sage) is one of those talents who knows how to wring every tiny drop of the blues out of his guitar and voice. This new CD is no exception, I am surprised smoke did not come out of my speakers. He’s not inventing new ground, but he is doing tried and true blues styles extraordinarily well, with slick songwriting and lyrics from the deep reaches of his soul.
Blues Blast Magazine July21 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By John Mitchell
Michael Falzarano is a veteran musician who has played with Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen and still plays with The New Riders of the Purple Sage. This project, however, is centred upon New York where all the material was recorded, across three studio sessions and one live performance. Michael wrote all the material apart from two covers and his gruff vocal is the common thread across all these tracks. The studio sessions were recorded in Brooklyn and Woodstock and feature Michael on guitar and vocals with a wide range of supporting musicians: Kane Daily, Josh Colow or Kerry Kearney on guitar, Chris Matheos, Klyph Black, Frank Campbell, Peter Bennett or Frank Celenza on bass, Ray Grappone, Christian Cassan, Gary Burke or Eileen Murphy on drums, Professor Louie, Jon Marshall Smith, Pete Sears or Harley Fine on keyboards, Vassar Clements on fiddle, Jimmie Fleming on mandolin, Charlie Wolfe on harp, Lisa Bouchelle, Alexis P Suter and Miss Marie on backing vocals. The live track was also recorded in Brooklyn and finds Michael on acoustic guitar and vocals with Jam Stampede: Mike Miz and Tom Circosta, guitar; Freeman White, keys; Klyph Black, bass; Dave Diamond and Johnny Markowski, drums; Barry Mitterhof, mandolin; Jason Crosby, fiddle.
That live track is an extended acoustic version of Rev Gary Davis’ “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” with fiddle and mandolin to the fore. “Crossroads Avenue (Crossroads Revisited)” is remastered from an earlier CD “The King James Sessions” and it’s a good blues with plenty going on: Alexis P Suter’s background vocals brings gospel tones, the piano and mandolin bring some honky tonk feel and the harp and slide combination bring us back to Delta blues. The three tracks recorded in Woodstock offer three very different approaches with the raucous “Snake Box Boogie” being sufficiently extended to allow plenty of dazzling piano work from Professor Louie and flashing leads from Josh Colow. The sardonic lyrics of “I Never Think About You” provide the ultimate putdown: “I know you think I still love you, babe, but nothing could be further from the truth, the truth is I never think about you”. Michael’s voice fits this one like a glove and Josh’s lead guitar is right on the money on one of the highlight tracks here. “We Got A Party Going On” delivers on its title with a very ‘live’ feel though the keyboard sounding like a thin-toned harp did not work well.
The main sessions make up the remaining eight tracks. Opener “The Night King Curtis Died” is a churning blues with Michael’s booming vocal and Kane’s slide work particularly strong. The title track has a Bo Diddley beat and “Big Fish” some jaunty slide work from Kerry which, along with Vassar’s fiddle, gives the tune a country blues feel. Lyrically Michael takes another swipe at someone who has an inflated sense of importance: “Baby, you think you’re such a big fish. I got news for you, honey, you don’t mean that much to me”. “Good Good Lovin’” is a strong cut, a rocker with plenty of slide from Kane and a catchy chorus and “Trouble” follows a similar path, Michael’s vocal reminding us of Dylan in his country blues period. “The Devil’s Gone Fishin’” is a slower blues with Kerry’s lead guitar well supported by Professor Louie’s piano and organ work and the album closes with a decent stab at Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Work Together” with more excellent guitar playing from Kane. Solid playing from a wide range of musicians on some good songs makes this a set worth checking out.
Blues Society of Tulsa July 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Curt Fillmore
Here's some gritty, rockin', guitar driven blues for ya from a Hot Tuna and New Riders of the Purple Sage member that'll slap you in the face and 'make you' like it - from the first track to the last ! This is Michael's third solo album, recorded with friends; Kane Daily; Prof. Louie; Josh Colow; Kerry Kearney; and Josh Colow, that will have you rockin' & dancin' all night !
The UK Review July 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Brian Harman
New York based Michael is a man who can trace his playing days all the way back to the early seventies, when he was an integral member of such bands as; Hot Tuna, The New Riders of The Purple Sage and his New York City based rock’n’roll band The Memphis Pilgrims; more recently he has collaborated with a loose collection of vocalists and musicians who have become The Extended Family who back him here on this, his new album of ten original compositions and two covers. On “The Night King Curtis Died”, a solemn feel emerges from the speakers with a slowburning, dirty screeching slide from Kane Daily, the wailing guitar is equally matched by Michaels rasping and barbed voice, the deliberating drumwork from Ray Grappone almost suggests a funeral dirge. The title number is a pounding belter which races along with guitar and percussion entwined fighting for control, while over the top Michael gravelly imparts his message with urging gusto.”Snake box Boogie”, is most definitely an infectious toe-tapping, piano pounder in the irresistible building style of John Lee Hooker with Professor Louie on piano and Hammond organ duties, the clackety-clack percussion chugs along like a demented train that is more than late. The late Vassar Clements adds a wonderful down-home feel, with almost magical violin on the back porch roller that is “Big Fish”, whilst underneath the sweet slide, courtesy of Kerry Kearney is simply divine. A live rendition of The Reverend Gary Davis sombre “Death Don’t Have No Mercy”, is a fine and chilling reminder that apart from taxes there is nothing else so final and complete; the combination of Barry Mitterhoff on mandolin and Jason Crosby, violin, gives this slow walking acoustic blues due depth and dignity. “Crossroads Avenue”, is a slow purring tale of darkness, demons and the Devil all meeting to do the deal of a lifetime, with rolling piano dragging percussion and jagged bubbling harmonica all underpinned with a medicine show mandolin, sanctified wailing and worried soulful backing vocals. “The Devil’s Gone Fishin’”, mines a melancholic wailing Chicago club fuelled guitar seam, with suitably sympathetic piano and drums underpinning it all. Recommended!
Friday Blues Fix, Blues Bytes June 1 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Graham Clarke
Michael Falzarano has covered a lot of musical ground over his 45+year career. He’s played with Hot Tuna, The Jorma Kaukonen Trio, The New Riders of the Purple Sage, and his own bands The Memphis Pilgrims, and The Extended Family. Falzarano’s latest release, I Got Blues For Ya (Hypnotation/Woodstock Records) offers a dozen excellent tracks of blues and roots, with ten originals from the singer/songwriter/guitarist and two compelling covers.
The originals include the opener, “The Night King Curtis Died,” a grinding rocker about the infamous day the R&B legend was killed that’s driven by Falzarano’s anguished vocals and Kane Daily’s screaming slide guitar. The title track has a crunching Diddley-esque guitar rhythm and an intense vocal from Falzarano. “I Never Think About You” changes tempos a bit, moving to a mellow feel with stinging lead work from guitarist Josh Colow, B3 and piano courtesy of Professor Louie and sweet backing vocals from the good Professor and Miss Marie.
The jumping “Snake Box Boogie” will get the party on their feet in a hurry, with more great work on the keys from Professor Louie and guitar from Colow. The country groover “Big Fish” showcases Kerry Kearney on slide guitar and the late Vassar Clements on fiddle, followed by the rollicking shuffle, “We Got A Party Going On,” and the southern rocker “Good Good Lovin’.” Falzarano takes on a familiar topic, dealing with the devil, on the next two tunes, the hypnotic boogie “Crossroads Avenue” and “The Devil’s Gone Fishin’,” which features some tasty fretwork from Kearney. “Trouble” also cites the devil, this time as a female with black hair, dressed in red.
The covers include a live version of Rev. Gary Davis’ “Death Don’t Have No Mercy,” with Falzarano backed by Jam Stampede. His soulful vocal is backed powerfully by Jason Crosby’s fiddle and Barry Mitterhoff’s mandolin. Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Work Together” closes the disc on an optimistic, and rocking, note.
Falzarano’s warm vocals are ideally suited for his material, giving the tunes a comfortable lived-in feeling. You feel like you know these songs even though you’re hearing them for the first time. A tip of the hat also goes to the numerous backing musicians. The lead guitarists (Daily, Kearney, Colow, Mike Miz) really stand out, as do the keyboards from Professor Louie and Pete Sears.
Falzarano’s intention with I Got Blues For Ya was “to get back to his blues roots and make an album that sounded like a late 60’s/early 70’s blues rock record.” It’s safe to say that he succeeded on both counts, which is great because there’s not nearly enough of this music out there these days. This is an outstanding and diverse release of blues and roots music
Southland Blues News Letter Vol. 8 Number 21 May 21 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Jim Santella
Contemporary songs from veteran bluesman Michael Falzarano give this session an easy-going spirit that comes framed with hot, slide guitar and a motivated band. The leader's gritty voice gives each selection a laid-back ambience to match his intention: to deliver a message that relates to his audience. Topics include everyday elements such as relationships, the Devil, death, and reputations. His tribute to Robert Johnson on "Crossroads Avenue" pours forth age-old blues talk with a spiritual coating. The same is true for Falzarano's slow interpretation of "The Night King Curtis Died," and his jumpin' and jivin' "Snake Box Boogie."
The title track, on the other hand, moves fast and frenetic with little regard for lyrics as Falzarano and his band spread "I Got the Blues For Ya" all over the place with thrumming guitars that keep up a constant drone in a hard rock scenario. Most of the album takes pure blues for what it is. The title track represents an anomaly. His interpretation of the Reverend Gary Davis song "Death Don't Have No Mercy" represents the best of Falzarano's work and remains familiar to any audience.
Smoky Mtn. Blues Society April 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Blue Barry
Michael Falzarano’s new “I got blues for ya” CD is gonna’ make you a happy listener! Singer/songwriter, and guitarist Michael Falzarano has laid a beauty right in our laps! Having shown his acoustic prowess with Hot Tuna and the New Riders of the Purple Sage, Michael unloads on this one with 10 originals, and 2 covers of blues classics. His two classic covers are two of my very most favorite tunes of all time. The Reverend Gary Davis’s “Death Ain’t Got No Mercy,” and Canned Heats “Let’s Work Together.” Michael’s guitar work is on the money, and his vocals fit right in. With an ace band, and a few guests, this is a most excellent offering. Kane Dailey on slide, and Charlie Wolfe on harp just nail it. Pete Sears on keyboards is killer too! Having toured throughout the United States and Europe, well, and, Japan and Scandinavia he is will traveled, and has close to 50 years experience under his blues belt. While you’re hanging around go here MICHAELFALZARANO.COM for more info. When not on the road he teaches at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch. Michael has outdone himself and I am sure he is pleased with this wonderful CD. If you are an acoustic lover or prefer electric, you will find something on here you will like. CD’s are available from CDbaby.com if you can’t locate one in your local store. Michael has the feel, the touch, and great people to play with. So many good musicians here. This is an excellent CD.
The Crossroads Blues Society Newsletter, The Groove May-June 2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By John Mitchell
Michael Falzarano is a veteran musician who has played with Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen and still plays with The New Riders Of The Purple Sage. This project, however, is centered upon New York where all the material was recorded, across three studio sessions and one live performance. Michael wrote all the material apart from two covers and his gruff vocal is the common thread across all these tracks.
The studio sessions were recorded in Brooklyn and Woodstock and feature Michael on guitar and vocals with a wide range of supporting musicians: Kane Daily, Josh Colow or Kerry Kearney on guitar, Chris Matheos, Klyph Black, Frank Campbell, Peter Bennett or Frank Celenza on bass, Ray Grappone, Christian Cassan, Gary Burke or Eileen Murphy on drums, Professor Louie, Jon Marshall Smith, Pete Sears or Harley Fine on keyboards, Vassar Clements on fiddle, Jimmie Fleming on mandolin, Charlie Wolfe on harp, Lisa Bouchelle, Alexis P Suter and Miss Marie on backing vocals. The live track was also recorded in Brooklyn and finds Michael on acoustic guitar and vocals with Jam Stampede: Mike Miz and Tom Circosta, guitar; Freeman White, keys; Klyph Black, bass; Dave Diamond and Johnny Markowski, drums; Barry Mitterhof, mandolin; Jason Crosby, fiddle.
That live track is an extended acoustic version of Rev Gary Davis’ “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” with fiddle and mandolin to the fore. “Crossroads Avenue (Crossroads Revisited)” is re-mastered from an earlier CD “The King James Ses-sions” and it’s a good blues with plenty going on: Alexis P Suter’s background vocals brings gospel tones, the piano and mandolin bring some honky tonk feel and the harp and slide combination bring us back to Delta blues. The three tracks recorded in Woodstock offer three very different approaches with the raucous “Snake Box Boogie” being sufficiently extended to allow plenty of dazzling piano work from Professor Louie and flashing leads from Josh Colow. The sardonic lyrics of “I Never Think About You” provide the ultimate putdown: “I know you think I still love you, babe, but nothing could be further from the truth, the truth is I never think about you”. Michael’s voice fits this one like a glove and Josh’s lead guitar is right on the money on one of the highlight tracks here. “We Got A Party Going On” delivers on its title with a very ‘live’ feel.
The main sessions make up the remaining eight tracks. Opener “The Night King Curtis Died” is a churning blues with Michael’s booming vocal and Kane’s slide work particularly strong. The title track has a Bo Diddley beat and “Big Fish” some jaunty slide work from Kerry which, along with Vassar’s fiddle, gives the tune a country blues feel. Lyrically Michael takes another swipe at someone who has an inflated sense of importance: “Baby, you think you’re such a big fish. I got news for you, honey, you don’t mean that much to me”. “Good Good Lovin’” is a strong cut, a rocker with plenty of slide from Kane and a catchy chorus and “Trouble” follows a similar path, Michael’s vocal reminding us of Dylan in his country blues period. “The Devil’s Gone Fishin’” is a slower blues with Kerry’s lead guitar well supported by Professor Louie’s piano and organ work and the album closest Wilbert Harrison’s “Let’s Work Together” with more excellent guitar playing from Kane. Solid playing from a wide range of musicians on some good songs makes this a set worth checking out.
Reflections In Blue 4/1/2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Bill Wilson
More a roots/rock artist than anything, Michael has been a member of Hot Tuna and New Riders of the Purple Sage and still tours regally with the later. That said, he does not stray far from the blues, which is the underlying current in most bands of that era and style. And, to be quite honest, he's really good at what he does. Michael and "Extended Family", his band, are a real party. This is blues, early roots rock and just about anything folks might call for with the band's unique twist. Like the pretzel bag states, they are "individually twisted." Another juke joint or roadhouse band, Michael Falzarano & Extended Family have unlocked the secret to having a good time after work or on a Saturday night. This is largely music people can dance to...and if you are planning on seeing the band live, take a spare pair of shoes...The ones you wear on will likely be worn out by night's end. elements from all of his diverse influences can be heard in his unique style. Is he a bluesman? Absolutely! But he is also a great country player and more. I defy anyone to put this cat in a box. You'd need a box big enough to hold the Taj Mahal...and I would feel confident in saying he has played with Taj as well. If you leave a Michael Falzarano show feeling down in the dumps, you have a serious problem. Blues purist may scoff as many purveyors of other genres but this guy has found something he loves and he does it extremely well. This band is tight and it should be mentioned as well that with the exception of Rev. Gary Davis' "Death Don't Have No Mercy" and "Let's Work Together" by Wilbert Harrison, all tunes were written by Michael Falzarano. When it comes to genre, this album is about as pure as the last dog I picked up at the S.P.C.A. but one thing I can say is this album is 100% pure fun.
WTJU Blues News 4/28/2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
Singer/guitarist Falzarano has been around for quite a while and, in addition to his teaching blues workshops at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch, he has performed with Hot Tuna, Jorma and New Riders of the Purple Sage. The mostly original music is solid, journeyman, blues-based rock & roll. There’s no pyrotechnic display here, there is a steady groove and musical support from Kane Daily (g), Professor Louie (keys), Kerry Kearney (g) and guest spots from Vassar Clements (fiddle) and a host of others, many of whom are associated with the Woodstock area. It's like having your own jam right there in your own back yard and the party could last all night. The live performance of “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” is especially nice
PBS 106.7- MelBourne, Australia 4/17/2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Peter Merrett
Wow, wow, wow what an album, one that l savored from start to finish. I could lay down a thousand platitudes about it but that would not be enough. From Falzarano's singing, guitar and songwriting to what would have to be one of the finest Blues bands going around!!!! There is not one instance on this album that you could call weak or just plain filler, thankfully it is all killer. Blues is certainly in good hands here. Congratulations Michael Falzarano and your cast of thousands you certainly have upped the anti for everybody else!
l really got into this one, what a killer of an album!. I don't know how else to say it but man l was in Blues heaven listening to this modern take on traditional Blues that never once insulted or belittled the past masters but displayed a wonderful grasp on what came before and a look into the future and that looks just fine.
Track 1. - "The Night King Curtis Died." A powerful down and dirty grinding Blues certainly sets a high standard to this album. A fitting tribute to saxophone maestro King Curtis. Falzarano's guitar is menacing and sensual biting into the soul of the listener as he plays with his trademark take no prisoners style. Daily provides the biting slide. The band is simply stunning. Such a high standard to kick off the album, but will he be able to continue to match it or even better it.
Track 2. - "I Got Blues For Ya". A full on guitar assault has Falzarano's guitar and Daily's slide sitting side by side as Cassan's drums are impeccable as is all of the rhythm section. Why was l worried about whether or not they could maintain the powerful standard. They simply knock it out of the park!
Track 3. - "I Never Think About You". On this one we are introduced to the piano and Hammond playing of one Professor Louie and lead guitar from Colow. Backing vocals add a tantalizing addition to Falzarano's plaintive vocals. Powerful and all conquering sound that oozes pathos and angst. This is one that holds you in a web of slow powerful beautifully structured Blues.
Track 4. - "Snake Box Boogie". Man if you are gonna play the Blues you have to be able to play a bit of "Boogie Chillun"! With a band this good it is a given that they will boogie harder than any band. Professor Louie lays down some solid 88's played with abandon and gusto. Burke's drums are a real statement. Tell ya what l want as much of this boogie as l can get as these guys rock it so much so you can't sit still. It is already after four songs written by Falzarano this guy knows his way around strong powerful Blues. "Boogie Chillun"!!!!!!!
Track 5. - "Big Fish". Country Blues with Kearney laying down some mouth watering slide. Falzarano tells that gal that she is just not that good, blunt and to the point. To keep the feel authentic Clemments's fiddle adds the right feel. Again the band shine through with a flawless performance.
Track 6. - "We Got A Party Going On". Party time with Louie's piano and Wolfe showing his mastery of the reeds within his harmonica. This could well be the ultimate party song. So much to enjoy with the call and response with the vocals. Louie's Hammond is solid and tantalizing as it is subtle but oh so good. Hey let me know when you guys are having your next party as l am there and a cast of thousands after they hear this one!
Track 7. - "Good Good Lovin' ". Another full on attack on the listeners senses as they try to absorb all that is coming from their speakers. So many elements and nuances abound. Daily leaves nothing to the imagination as his slide is supreme. The inter action with the vocals of Falzarano and Bouchelle is simply stunning and a match made at the crossroads. This is how you get your message across!
Track 8. - "Crossroads Avenue" A more traditional look at the Blues incorporating the mystical and mythical Crossroads. The band is of the highest caliber with everybody proving a wall of Blues that most certainly have a mojo hand. Again Falzarano provides perfect vocals with impeccable phrasing. Wolfe again lays down his stunning harmonica. Traditional Blues played with due reverence to the past masters.
Track 9. - "The Devil's Gone Fishin' ". Back into a Chicago feel as Kearney provides face shredding guitar in his take no prisoners style. Falzarano is certainly in a fight to keep his lady and his vocals convey that powerfully. Louie lays down some solid 88's that give a smokey Blues Bar feel, maybe at Buddy Guy's! One thing for certain about this album is that it has a live feel about it and that adds to the pleasure of listening. Murphy takes the drumming duties and she has a mighty fine feel with her style.
Track 10. - "Death Don't Have No Mercy". A wonderful interpretation of a Rev. Gary Davis classic. Given a more vintage feel with the orchestration adds a whole new element to it. Crosby shines with his expressive emotive fiddle that is downright decadent. The acoustic guitars of Stampede, Miz and Circosta shine on this live track recorded at the Brooklyn Bowl. Mitterhoff is stunning on the mandolin. Falzarano has the right feel and angst in his voice, so much so you could easily be excused for thinking he had written this one himself. What a show this must have been. Man that is some mighty fine Blues.
Track 11. - "Trouble". A almost spoken word shuffle with Falzarano lamenting about just how much trouble this she devil is. Louie is certainly the keyboard master of the 88's and assisting here on this one is the keyboards of Fine. Texas Blues played with gusto that is pure enjoyment!
Track 12. - "Lets Work Together". The second cover on the album is this reworking of Wilbert Harrison's rocking R&B from 1962 on the Sue Label. Later to be famously covered by Canned Heat and later by Bryan Ferry. I absolutely love this version that is vibrant and grooves along at a hundred miles per hour. Daily delivers the lead guitar with gusto that is infectious as is Wilbert's plea for peace and good will. This is certainly a full on assault from all of the band and if loving this is wrong then l no longer want to be right.
Blues Festival Guide 2015 4/17/2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
Singer/songwriter/guitarist Michel Falzarano has been up and down and all around for the better part of five decades and his tough, soulful music confirms it. Stints with Hot Tuna and the New Riders of the Purple Sage among others, add depth and substance to his art. His original song, “Where There’s Two, There’s Trouble” appeared in the feature film Blue Caprice in 2013 and on Jorma Kaukonen’s 2015 Red House release Ain’t In No Hurry while his rollicking forth solo release blasts him to the top.
Ten rousing originals and two creative covers are backed by Kane Dailey, Josh Colow, Kerry Kearney, Mike Miz, (guitar) Professor Louie, Pete Sears, (keyboards) Jimmie Fleming, Barry Mitterhoff (mandolin), Vassar Clements, Jason Crosby (fiddle), Charlie Wolfe, (harmonica) and Alexis P. Suter (backup vocals) among others. The grinding blues “The Night King Curtis Died” is a worthy tribute, Falzarano growling emotionally “I took a ride on the D train the night King Curtis died. Senseless and cold blooded, I was hoping it was a lie,” Daily’s slide guitar screaming in anguish. Roaring guitars intensify the heavy title track and Falzarano’s vehement “I got blues for ya honey, I got ‘em every day… I can’t find no shade…got them day and night.” The gently swaying “I Never Think About You” features the conversational poetry “I know you think I still love you babe, but the truth is I never think about you” and a stinging, six-string rebuke from Colow.
Every noted bluesman kicks the boogie and the dangerous “Snake Box Boogie” strikes with the “Professor’s” driving piano and the call to get down. Guitar hero Kearney contributes slippery slide to “Big Fish” as Falzarano drawls sarcastically “You’re just a big fish ‘cause you’re in a little stream. I got news for you, honey, you don’t mean that much to me.” Believe the boss singer on the rousing shuffle “We Got a Party Going On” when he exhorts “We got the whole joint rocking, champagne corks popping, everybody’s having a ball…”
On “Good, Good Lovin’” Falzarano declares lustily “Out on this highway got my wheels on fire. I’m rolling towards you with a burning desire for some good lovin’” while Daily adds heat on slide guitar. The hypnotic, insinuating “Crossroads Avenue” re-imagines blues mythology with “If you go down, see that hoodoo man. Son, you’d be wise, bring along a mojo hand. Yeah, he’s still living down there on Crossroads Avenue, and he’s got a deal, custom made for you.” Kearney rips hellish licks on “The Devil’s Gone Fishin’” with Falzarano’s passionate testimony “Well, the devil’s gone fishing and got my baby on the hook, with his wicked grin, one look is all it took.”
A live version of Rev. Gary Davis’ haunting minor key classic “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” proves Falzarano’s uncontested bonafides, while Crosby saws his fiddle near in half and Mitterhoff spanks his mandolin. The pumping “Trouble” finds Falzarano lamenting “Looking out my window and man, I can’t believe my eyes. I see the devil, all dressed in red with her black hair piled high. Only one thing comes to mind… trouble.” Wilbert Harrison’s optimistic sixties’ classic “Let’s Get Together” ends the show as Falzarano easily “sells” the upbeat message.
His unsurpassed passion and bottomless reserve of musicality belies the seemingly effortless delivery Michael Falzarano serves up with every note he sings and plays. Blues this exhilarating and deeply moving are to be enthusiastically embraced.
Bman’s Blues Report 4/1/2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Bman
I just received a copy of the newest release, I Got Blues For Ya, from Michael Falzarano and it's a riot. Opening with The Night King Curtis Died, a lumbering 12 bar number, features strong vocals, lead and rhythm guitar from Falzarano, bass by Chris Matheos on bass, Ray Grappone on drums and excellent slide work from Kane Daily who has a lot of the feel of slide master Rod Price. Title track, I Got Blues For Ya, is structured along the Bo Diddley beat with a swampy feel and guitar not unlike Peter Green. Klyph Black joins on bass and Christian Cassan joins on drums. Josh Colow takes the lead guitar on I Never Think About You, a bluesy ballad. Professor Louie adds a cool piano runs and Miss Marie gives the track a warm texture on backing vocals. Colow lays out a few really nice compact solos on this track and the Professor rides the B3 high. A hot riding boogie, Snake Box Boogie, has a super beat and Falzarano really grinds this one out with the Professor and Colow for one of my favorite tracks on the release. Big Fish is one of those great laid back tracks with the Elvin Bishop saunter. Vasser Clements' unmistakable sound on fiddle joined by Kerry Kearney on slide and super chops gives this track a real authentic country blues rock feel. Very cool. Shuffle track, We Got A Party Going On, has really hot rolling piano work by the Professor and cheering backing vocals. Colow lays in a pinched guitar solo backed nicely by Frank Campbell on bass and Gary Burke on drums. Good Good Lovin has a cocky beer chugging Lynyrd Skynyrd feel. Daily lays on a slick melodic "Lindley" style slide solo with Jon Marshall Smith on organ and Lisa Bouchelle on backing vocals. Very nice! One of my favorite blues vocalists, Alexis P. Suter joins Falzarano on vocals for a darker, Hooker style boogie, Crossroads Avenue. Jimmie Fleming on mandolin, Pete Sears on piano, Charlie Wolfe on harp, Frank Celenza on bass and Eileen Murphy provide instrumental texture behind this boogie jam track. Slick blues strut, The Devil's Gone Fishin', featuring Kerry Kearney on lead guitar and the Professor on Hammond and piano has a really nice groove. Kearney smokes the strings up pretty good on this one... enjoy! One of my favorite Rev. Gary tracks caught live, Death Don't Have No Mercy, has a life of it's own here with Falzarano on vocal and acoustic guitar, Mike Miz and Tom Circista on acoustic guitar, Freeman White on keys, Klyph Black on bass, Dave Diamond on drums and featuring Barry Mitterhoff and Jason Crosby with excellent mandolin and fiddle work, respectively. Upbeat shuffle, Trouble, is a cool blues number with rolling piano by the Professor, Farfisa organ by Harley Fine, and fine guitar and slide solos by Falzarano, Daily and Kearney. Wrapping the release is a rocking cover of Wilbert Harrison's Let's Work Together. A nicely blended cover featuring concluding solos by Daily and Falzarano and vocals by Falzarano and Miss Marie make this a super closer.
The Nashville Blues Society/Blues Blog 3/30/2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Sheryl and Don Crow
Michael Falzarano is a veteran of Hot Tuna and New Riders Of The Purple Sage, having contributed guitar and vocals for both bands. His current backing band, The Extended Family, features many well-known players, and they combine their myriad of talents for Michael’s latest, “I Got Blues For Ya,” ten very well-conceived originals and two covers that show why Michael has been an in-demand player for some 45 years down the blues highway.
His bluesy, gravelly vocal is a perfect match with the call-and-response of Kane Dailey’s crying slide on the leadoff “The Night King Curtis Died.” Snake Box Boogie” fuses dynamite piano from Professor Louie with that good ole “endless boogie” a la John Lee Hooker. A cool story about a lover who thinks she’s all that is just a “Big Fish,” and features slide from Kerry Kearney on slide guitar and Vassar Clements on the fiddle.
There are a couple of good “party anthems,” as well. “We Got A Party Goin’ On” has those “champagne corks poppin” while a woman with that ‘red dress on and black hair piled high” can’t be nothin’ but “Trouble!” This one has fine piano again from the Professor and Farfisa organ from Harley Fine. The set closes with a rousing read of Wilbert Harrison’s clarion call for peace, “Let’s Work Together.”
We had two favorites, too. A haunting, live version of Rev. Gary Davis’ “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” takes on a true country-blues feel with Barry Mitterhoff on mandolin and Jason Crosby on fiddle. And, a downright devilish look at that place where the deal goes down is “Crossroads Avenue,” complete with a “hoodoo man and a mojo hand!” Alexis P. Suter is right on time with backing vocals, too.
Michael Falzarano has an unbridled passion for the blues that hasn’t waned throughout his career. “I Got Blues For Ya” continues to add kudos to his impessive resume’! Until next time…
Midwest Record 3/27/2015
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Chris Spector, Editor and Publisher
So when is a Crowmatix record not a Crowmatix record? How about when NRPS
fellow traveler tells the rest of the Woodstock Records gang that it’s time to
put on a show with him out front doing his white boy blues shredding and
growling on tracks that are of mostly recent vintage and of special meaning to
him? If this don’t take you back to the Fillmore, nothing will---and Falzarano
was actually there. With pot getting more and more legal, the young ‘uns are
probably about to really discover classic rock, underground style. Hot stuff.
The Daily Freeman SOUND ADVICE: 1/01/15
Michael Falzarano’s ‘I Got Blues For Ya’ / Hynotation /Woodstock Records
By David Malachowski
Michael Falzarano’s ‘I Got Blues For Ya’ hits hard
With ties to the Hudson Valley that include work with Woodstock’s beloved Professor Louie & The Crowmatix (who also appear on this release) New York City-based artist Michael Falzarano is a well-loved and well-respected singer and guitarist.
That said, many people that know of Falzarano’s storied career, with long tenures with Hot Tuna and New Riders Of The Purple Sage, as well as his solo outings, may raise an eyebrow hearing the first track of “I Got Blues For Ya,” “The Night King Curtis Died.” And that’s a good thing.
Next to his past work, this collection hits hard, gets down and dirty, gritty and nasty, and often packs quite a visceral wallop. There’s a searing slide guitar (Kane Daily) and a huge, mysterious, even sinister sound. Next up, the title track is epic, in an expansive, “Ghost Riders In The Sky” way, with a live feel. He releases his inner Elvis Costello in “I Never Think About You” (with fine backing by the aforementioned Crowmatix).
“Big Fish” features the late, great Vassar Clements on fiddle, as well as ace guitarist Kerry Kearney and sounds more like the Falzarano of old.
Deep blues “Crossroads Avenue” hits the spot, as does bar-room blues “The Devil’s Gone Fishing,” and the spare acoustic classic “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” (from his Hot Tuna days) gets a fine reading. “Trouble” is actually big fun, (with a Randy Newman-like delivery) while unity anthem “Lets Work Together” brings it all home (though it’s more play than work).
Seemingly without effort, Falzarano finds the heart of the song, the center, and with his warm, welcoming, no frills voice, gets right to the point, a true, timeless artist.
No Depression Magazine 1/25/15
Also in East Coast Entertainment
Michael Falzarano - I Got Blue For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By by Keith Gorgas
I was familiar with Michael Falzarano’s work since 2005 as the rhythm guitarist of the reformed Country Rock band, The New Riders of The Purple Sage. I was also aware that he’d performed in a similar role with Hot Tuna. I’d also heard through the grapevine that he had a credible solo career as a bluesman. All things considered, I wasn’t really prepared for what I’d hear on his latest CD, I Got Blues for Ya. I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a late comer to the blues. Up until a decade ago, I was totally ignorant of the gendre. I knew that the Stones and the Gratefull Dead incorporated elements of the blues into their music, but folk and country rock seemed much more interesting to me. Exposure to various forms of the blues has made me into a fan, but not an expert.
What makes the blues so fascinating is that it mostly involves 5 notes and 3 chords. An occasional flat note makes things a little interesting. But with those limited notes, the story of every human emotion can be told. Hurt, pain, joy, lust, abandonment, are told with just a slight variation of tempo. There’s Slow Blues, Boogies, Walking Blues, Country Blues, Delta Blues, Piedmont Blues, Chicago Blues, and Shuffles. The Blues have influenced much of Rock & Roll, from the Beatles to Zeppelin to the Mephis Rockabilly Sound. Even Bluegrass music draws from the Blues. And the influence of those pioneers of Rock has trickled down and blossomed throughout popular music. It’s DNA is everywhere.
On I Got Blues for Ya, Michael Falzarano takes us back to the roots. He’s a white man playing black men’s music, beneath lyrics that are strictly his own. He fluidly covers all the bases. He does have the blues for us, and he delivers them in a concise manner; joyfully, I might add. Falzarano sounds like he’s having a good time and it’s infectious. A stellar backing crew brings out the best in the music. Falzarano is no Sinatra. He’s got a raspy voice… in fact he sounds a lot like Dylan at times, but the overall product is good, good music.
Falzarano jumps right in with The Night King Curtis Died. Kane Dailey provides some nice slide guitar work. The title track, I Got Blues for Ya, comes next. Zen Trickters bassist Klyph Black joins the mix.
The artist gets personal with I Never Think About You. Professor Louie graces the song with his piano line. The up-tempoSnake Box Boogie will get you rocking. It was a wonderful surprise to hear the late, great Vassar Clements’ signature jazz fiddle sound embellish Big Fish. This alone is worth the purchase price of the CD.
Falzarano takes us out for a night on the town with We Got A Party Going On. Good Good Lovin tugs at the heart strings. Like any real bluesman, Michael Falzarano pays his tribute to Robert Johnson with Crossroads Avenue. Alexis P. Suter lends her passionate voice in harmony to the song.. it’s real, folks.
Devil’s Gone Fishing drags us through the dark valleys of the blues. It has an oppressive tone. It creates a longing; a need for resolution. We just have to climb out of the hole.
One of the real treats of this CD is the next cut, the Reverend Gary Davis’ classic Death Don’t Have No Mercy. Falzarano takes up his acoustic guitar and is joined by members of Jam Stampede and Barry Mitteroff. Mike “Miz” Mizwinski really shines on lead guitar. All around it is a stellar performance. The next to last cut, and the last song written by Michael Falzarno, is Trouble. It’s a fun, frolicking number, and would fit nicely in the New Riders’ set list. The same could be said for the final track, the anthemic Let’s Work Together. You just want to sing along with this song, written by Wilburt Harrison.
All in all, this CD is worthy of a spot in any Blue affectionato’s collection. It’s also a must for NRPS freaks. Honestly, any fan of American roots style music should thoroughly enjoy Michael’s most recent offering
Relix Magazine 9/1/2014
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Brain Robbins
Guitarist/vocalist Michael Falzarano has always brought out the best in the players around him, including stints as Jorma Kaukonen’s wingman in Hot Tuna and his present-day role as psychedelicized rhythm cop in the New Riders. When Falzarano’s name is on the label—as it is for his new solo album I Got Blues for Ya—things aren’t any different. A revolving cast of talent (including Crowmatix’ Professor Louie, Kane Daily and Kerry Kearney) assist Falzarano in bluesy greasiness. There are raunch-fests galore, including “The Night King Curtis Died” and “Crossroads Avenue.” Elsewhere, there are gritty hip-grinds like “Death Don’t Have No Mercy” and “I Never Think About You,” and there’s even some playfully brilliant fiddling by the late Vassar Clements (“Big Fish”). Hold on tight: The gloriously jammed-out “Snake Box Boogie” feels like Slim Harpo barrel-assing ZZ Top’s Ford coupe down a dirt road.
Hittin' The Note Magazine 10/1/2014
Michael Falzarano - I Got Blue For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
While he may be best known for his role as the guitar-wielding traffic cop for the New Riders of the Purple Sage or Jorma Kaukonen’s wingman in past editions of Hot Tuna, Michael Falzarano is also a masterful bandleader in his own right. A blues-fueled rocker blessed with rootsy soul, Falzarano has a knack for infusing whatever scene he’s a part of with a “let’s-play-the-hell-out-of-this-thing” enthusiasm that brings out the best in those alongside him.
I Got Blues For Ya is Falzarano’s latest solo release – a crash course in what makes the man tick. You may be surprised when reading the liner notes to find out that ten of the album’s dozen tracks are originals penned by Michael; they are loaded with a marrow-warming familiarity that makes them feel like old faves on the first spin.
I Got Blues For Ya kicks off with “The Night King Curtis Died” – a tribute to the legendary hornman that does its hat-tipping with swagger and raunch rather than hearts and flowers – and never looks back. The title track is a mix of Bo Diddley butt-bump and full-throttle roar; tunes like “The Devil’s Gone Fishing” and “I Never Think About You” are classic, slow blues burners; and “Big Fish” features some sweet fiddle by the late, great Vassar Clements. When it comes to the sheer joy of locking in on a groove, however, it’s hard to beat “Snake Box Boogie” – over seven minutes worth of grinning greasiness. This is a guaranteed good time, fo’ sho’.
Fab Radio (Italy) 9/2/2014
Michael Falzarano – I Got Blues For Ya / Hypnotation/Woodstock Records
By Fabrizio Poggi
A fantastic CD! Michael Falzarano famous for his work with Hot Tuna and the Riders of the Purple Sage. Has released a new CD called I Got Blues For Ya with a bunch of his friends, all excellent musicians. The CD features twelve tracks that lead the way through southern blues with electric, electro-acoustic folk blues, rock 'n' roll and much more. Among the musicians involved are Kane Daily , kerry keareny on slide guitar, Professor Louie on keyboards, Barry Mitteroff the mandolin and the voice of Alexis P. Suter.
On this release I set out to get back to my blues roots and try to make a late 60's early 70's style blues/rock sounding album. In the vein of bands like Savoy Brown, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, John Mayall’s Blues Breakers, The Electric Flag, Pig Pen era Grateful Dead, The Faces, Canned Heat and such. In my own way pay homage to the greats like Elmore James, Reverend Gary Davis, Muddy Waters, BB, Freddie, and Albert King among others. The stuff I cut my teeth on. Not an easy task in this modern digital world. First off you have the digital vs. tape thing. I prefer tape, but these days it’s very expensive to record that way and I didn't have the budget for that. So we forged ahead in the digital world. Then there’s the whole ”fix it because you can” thing. Hard to resist, but it’s a slippery slope; you can fix the life right out of a song pretty quickly. So I did my best to leave things as recorded. Most of the songs were recorded live in the studio with all the guys playing at the same time. On a few of the songs I did have to overdub some parts when players weren't available for the tracking session. In many cases the take on the CD is not only the first take, but it's the only take. I’ve always felt that’s the way to catch the true energy and spirit of a song. Play it a few time and lay it down. A snap shot in time. Also I’m real happy to be able to include one last studio cut (Big Fish) with the late Vassar Clements playing his fiddle like only he can and Jamming with great slide master Kerry Kearney. Well, there you have it. I hope you enjoy it when it comes out. MF
The Night King Curtis Died (4:12)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Kane Daily-slide guitar;
Chris Matheos-bass; Ray Grappone-drums
I Got Blues For Ya (5:14)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Kane Daily-slide/lead guitar;
Klyph Black-bass; Christian Cassan-drums
I Never Think About You (5:29)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Professor Louie-piano; Hammond organ and backup vocals; Josh Colow-lead guitar; Miss Marie-backup vocals and percussion; Frank Campbell-bass; Gary Burke-drums
Snake Box Boogie (7:45)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Professor Louie-piano, Hammond organ and backup vocals; Josh Colow-lead guitar; Miss Marie-backup vocals and percussion; Frank Campbell-bass; Gary Burke-drums
Big Fish (3:59)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Vassar Clements-fiddle; Kerry Kearney-slide guitar;
Peter Bennett-bass; Christian Cassan-drums
We Got A Party Going On (4:43)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Professor Louie-piano, Hammond organ and backup vocals; Josh Colow-lead guitar; Miss Marie-backup vocals and percussion; Frank Campbell-bass; Gary Burke-drums
Good Good Lovin’ (4:06)
Michael Falzarano-guitar
and vocals; Kane Daily-slide/lead guitar; Jon Marshall Smith-organ; Lisa
Bouchelle-backup vocals; Klyph Black-bass; Christian Cassan-drums
Crossroads Avenue (Crossroads Revisited) (6:53)
(Re-mastered from The King James Sessions)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Alexis P. Suter-backup vocals; Kerry Kearney-slide guitar; Jimmie Fleming-mandolin; Pete Sears-piano; Charlie Wolfe-harmonica; Frank Celenza-bass; Eileen Murphy-drums
The Devil’s Gone Fishin’ (4:54)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocal; Kerry Kearney-lead guitar; Professor Louie-piano;
Frank Celenza-bass; Eileen Murphy-drums
Death Don’t Have No Mercy (Live with Jam Stampede and friends at Brooklyn Bowl) (7:57)
Michael Falzarano-acoustic guitar and vocals with Jam Stampede - Mike Miz-acoustic-guitar;
Tom Circosta-acoustic-guitar; Freeman White-keyboards; Klyph Black-bass; Dave Diamond-drums; Johnny Markowski-drums; featuring Mike Miz-guitar; Barry Mitterhoff-mandolin; Jason Crosby-fiddle
Trouble (3:34)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Kane Daily-slide/lead guitar; Professor Louie-piano; Kerry Kearney-second guitar; Harley Fine-Farfisa organ; Lisa Bouchelle-backup vocals; Frank Celenza-bass; Eileen Murphy-drums
Let’s Work Together (3:25)
Michael Falzarano-guitar and vocals; Kane Daily-lead guitar; Jon Marshall Smith-organ;
Professor Louie and Miss Marie-backup vocals; Chris Matheos-bass; Ray Grappone-drums
Tracks 3, 4 and 6 recorded at LRS Studio in Woodstock NY by Professor Louie
Track 10 recorded live at Brooklyn Bowl by Scarekrow
Track 8 recorded by Danny Sheehan for The King James Sessions
All others recorded at Hipbone Studio in Red Hook Brooklyn by Vicki Bell
Mixed at Skylab by Michael Falzarano and Dan Skye
Mastered by Jon Marshall Smith
Produced by Michael Falzarano
All songs written by Michael Falzarano
Except tracks 10 - Reverend Gary Davis and 12 - Wilbert Harrison
I'll tell ya this last Year was a wild ride. Special thanks to all the musicians who helped make this project possible. Thanks also to all the master engineers: Jon Marshall Smith for his patience throughout, Christian Cassan, Professor Louie, Dan Skye, Danny Sheehan and Vicki Bell. Thanks also to Kevin Morgan and Woodstock Records for their help in making it happen.… Lou Carotenuto, thanks for flying me out to Skylab in the Red Rocket and helping move the process along. To the whole gang over at Blue Mountain Artist booking, thanks for keeping me on the road and working for close to 10 years now with The New Riders of the Purple Sage. Also I’d like to thank Alexandre Moors for putting one of my songs “When Where’s Two There’s Trouble” in his film Blue Caprice. I didn’t see that one coming. Hope to see ya all down the road before too long. MF