The band began as part of a whimsical skit on NBC’s Saturday Night Live back in 1978. Fronted by Dan Akroyd and Jim Belushi as Jake and Elwood, the Original Blues Brothers band generated a renewed interest in big brass rhythm and blues that literally swept the world spawning concerts, movies, and huge increases in the sales of rhythm & blues and soul music.  With the release of The Last Shade of Blue Before Black, they remind us again of just what all the hub bub was about.

The Original Blues Brothers Band featuring Steve Cropper and “Blue Lou” Marini are a talent laden group of musicians that, according to Lou,  like to spread the news about the blues, drink, party, and have fun (in no particular order).  The party atmosphere comes through loud and clear on the new album and they invite former band leader Paul Shaffer, Dr. John, Joe Louis Walker, Eddie Floyd, Matt “Guitar” Murphy, and Joe Morton along for the good times as special guests.

I really enjoyed their rendition of the Jimmy Reed‘s tune Baby What You Want Me To Do.  Blues in My Feet, Itch and Scratch, Sex Machine, and Don’t Forget about Jame Brown are some badass funk.  Joe Louis Walker aces Don’t Go No Further and the band ‘s cranks out a great cover of Got My Mojo Working. I also loved You Left the Water the Running.

With the holiday season upon us, this album makes a great stocking stuffer! And if you have a party, I can’t think of a better ice breaker to get the good times rollin’!!

The Original Blues Brothers Band – The Last Shade of Blue Before Black – Severn Records 2017