Chicago Bob And The Blues Squad
Gonna Hit The Bricks
Retrofit Records
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © Sept. 2024
Bands like Chicago Bob And The Blues Squad are one of the many reasons I love what I do. If it wasn’t for doing these reviews, there are scores of bands I – like many of you – would have missed hearing. This band is one of them.
Chicago Bob And The Blues Squad are a bunch of transplants from both coasts and the mid-west who are now collectively pleasing audiences in Arizona. They are: front man and bandleader “Chicago Bob” Frascone on vocals and harp; Bob Tencer and Pete O’Reilly on guitar; Gordon Jennings on bass; Carlos B. Jones on drums; along with guest vocalist Kristin “Little Ms. Kris” Jennings on “Hound Dog”, the only cover among ten original tracks.
Once Carlos joins in on the drums, following Gordon’s deep bass lines on the intro, it’s immediately obvious the rhythm on “Whatcha Gonna Do” will indeed be a profound one. Once Pete and Bob T. get the sparring session going on lead guitars, the track becomes one heck of a production. Lyrically, because Chicago Bob’s got no money and can’t pay his bills; his woman left him because she had her fill; his cat married a mouse; his chickens they won’t lay; his dog won’t listen no matter what he’ll say; his hog is on a diet; his horsey threw a shoe; and bad luck sticks to him like glue; the poor sap thinks he has no life. After hearing the next verse, I gotta say I agree with him.
“It’s Over” is a toe tappin’ shuffle and from what I’m hearing Chicago Bob say, I’m quickly thinking a pattern is developing here. The abuse he’s taking from his woman culminates when he hears her on the phone saying “c’mon over tonight, he won’t be home”. That’s it, she’s outta here, and as the title of the song clearly states, it is indeed over! Musically, Pete and the Bobs create quite the blues sandwich: Pete starts things off with some spicy guitar leads; followed by Chicago Bob blowing some tasty harp; then Bob T. tops things off with some of his savory guitar licks; which all add up to a delicious mid-song musical interlude.
The fast pace the guys are laying down on this one is perfect traveling music… the kind that’s perfect for when you’re “Gonna Hit The Bricks”. Although that term is usually associated with walking, I’m thinking that’s way too slow for Chicago Bob. He needs to get outta Dodge like really fast, and from that speeding locomotive sound he’s blowing on his harp, a train just might be the ticket.
This one’s called “You’re So Spoiled” and for the life of me, even though it may be true, I cannot understand why Chicago Bob has a problem with it. Ya see, his girlfriend’s daddy has a lot of money and some of the things that bother him include: her driving a Porsche (while he drives a broken-down old truck); her vacationing in Europe (while he spends his on his porch). Get over it, Bob, this song could be called “What The Hell Do I See In You?” and she could be singing it. Musically it’s another rhythm fueled smoker that also features a lot of guitar work… and the way these two smoke, that’s a good thing.
With the word “mid” about to soon be removed from me being in my mid-seventies, I’ve sadly been to my share of funerals, and I can’t begin to tell you how many sentimental, humorous and downright bizarre things I’ve seen be buried with the deceased. However, I gotta think that Mrs. Chicago Bob might not want to fulfill her husband’s request to “Bury My Motorcycle Next To Me”. C’mon, it’s a Harley! She’s either gonna sell it, ride it, or – if she’s like any of the other woman he sings about in his songs – give it to her boyfriend… Musically, Gordon and Carlos are in a solemn rhythm groove; Pete and Bob T. are taking turns laying down some slow and low-down dirty blues licks; and the Harley rider himself is emotionally belting out some slow and soulful blues; this is real deal stuff right here.
My favorite sound to ever come out of a harmonica came from the hands and mouth of Jimmy Reed. For me, there is nothing like hearing that high end, note stretching stuff. Once I heard that sound kicking off “Money Grows On Trees”, I knew I’d be all over this one. Of course, the guys are working their usual magic behind him, but Bob may just be at disc’s best right here. Lyrically, the mirth and merriment continue. As Bob tells it, because his wife spends money like it grows on trees, he decided to call the doctor ’cause she’s got a spending disease. That’s exactly why that Harley will never get buried with you, Bob.
Other interesting (just listen to their titles) tracks on this excellent release include: “You Is A Dirty Rat”; “One Foot In The Grave”; “Two Legged Dogs”; and “Yell, Scream & Holler.”
Should like to find out more about Chicago Bob & The Blues Squad, just go to their website – www.ChicagoBobandtheBluesSquad.com.
Remember, when you contact them, please tell them their new fan the Blewzzman sent you.
“The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy”
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 “Keeping The Blues Alive” Award Recipient
