CBA REVIEWS HOLLER OUT for MORE
November 06, 2005
| This article is a reprint from the September 2005 CBA Blues Notes. “Holler Out for More” Rose City Kings Self-Produced Total Time 61:40 By: Greg Johnson Quick! Somebody run up to North Portland and check on Mississippi Studios. Is it still there? Listening to this CD of Rose City Kings, they were definitely burning the house down when this was recorded. This is a party on a disc, completely carrying over all the live excitement of an incendiary RCK performance. Both of their previous CDs are well worth purchasing, but if you had to make a decision on only one that you could select to best represent the band, then this new live recording fits the bill quite nicely. Collecting the next of their catalog, it builds in pace throughout with jumping dance numbers, low-down Delta derived licks and a couple of rather suggestive turns, completely tongue in cheek of course. The Rose City Kings are all masterful musicians. Their blend creates one of the most powerful forces on stage in Portland today. Dan Berkery is a triple threat as a guitarist, vocalist songwriter, not to mention his superb ability to enliven a crowd with his frenetic stage presence. Equally as commanding is the endless breath of Joe “Super” Powers on harmonica how one person can blow so much music continuously and sustain consciousness at the same time is beyond me. If Jeff Simonson were living in New Orleans he’d be referred to as “Professor,” a title deemed for only the very best piano players. These three are the focal forces behind Rose City Kings, but their true drive comes from a rhythm section that runs like the best-times pistons on a musical machine. Roger E. and Ron Camacho could propel an audience even if the rest of the band decided to take a coffee break mid-set. Together the band gets better every time the step onto a stage. When all of the stories of tequila, biscuits and the “Love Compass” have brought the night to ecstasy, Dan ends the album by taking everybody to church on the beautiful “Reckless Sinner,” with superb accompaniment from Jeff on the keys. The perfect way to cap a stellar performance. “Holler Out for More” brings the band to life in all their rowdiness and crowd captivating best. Rose City Kings are a force on the rise, and this CD will keep the momentum moving in the right direction. |
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