Come Along’, *B.B. & The Blues Shacks*’ sixth album on CrossCut, was recorded late last year at Andy Wingert’s renowned Koka Studios in Vienna, Austria. B.B. & The Blues Shacks were founded more than 20 years ago in the city of Hildesheim in Northern Germany by too young blues enthusiasts, the Arlt siblings, Andreas and Michael. Originally entirely devoted to original rhythm ’n’ blues and early electric blues, the band soon developed a distinctive style of its own, incorporating jump blues and the music of the originators like T-Bone Walker, and Little Walter. It has been a long way from performing the music of the masters to writing an impressive catalog of great tunes, and to constantly expanding the once limited boundaries of the genre. Today, with a recorded legacy of a dozen albums, thousands of live gigs all over Europe, and worldwide touring, the band has found its perfect expression in a modern soul/blues fusion, deeply rooted in African-American music from the South. In a day when blues/rock appears to be state-of-the art, B.B. & The Blues Shacks are notably outplaying their rocking colleagues. Vocalist Michael Arlt ranks amongst the top artists in the small group of ‘real’ soul and blues singers in Europe. He can match with (almost) any American singer. Since the late 1990s, Andreas Arlt is regarded one of Europe’s best blues guitar players. His playing is focused on the essential notes. His style ranks from compact and soulful to playing dynamic solos. “_Please, do not expect any guitar frenzy with nothing more than hot air_”. B.B. & The Blues Shacks are different. Andreas and Michael Arlt are writing all songs recorded by B.B. & The Blues Shacks. Lyrics are re-reprinted in the 20-page booklet. In contrast to the average blues/rock trio, the focus of the B.B.’s music is on vocal style, and lyrics, based on the tradition of Southern soul and blues. To turn a concept like this into reality, it demands top notch players. Next to the Arlt Brothers, Henning Hauerken is one of the longtime members in the band. Along with steady grooving drummer Bernhard Egger from Austria, Henning’s responsible for the rock-solid foundation. He plays upright and electric bass. Bernhard is rather new to the line-up, joining the band in 2006. With his gospel-drenched organ playing, and his classic blues piano style, Dennis Koeckstadt adds bright colors to the sound of the band, perfectly supplementing guitar and vocals. On ‘Come Along’, B.B. & The Blues Shacks are supported by the No Blow No Show Horns, the Shakettes vocal group, and guest singer Bonita Niessen. ‘Come Along’ brings to you brass-driven soul grooves, blues-oriented instrumental parts full of emotion, and expressive vocals. B.B. & The Blues Shacks are a band that loves to play – and it shows!
True Love In Vain Love Like Cash Come Along With Me If I Should Ever Lose Your Love Get My Stuff Together Will You Be There Fool Me Don't Take Your Time The Door Anything You Do Does't Matter Anymore Wait In Line I Don't Get It Whatever You Do You Can Always Depend On Me Raise You Voice
MICHAEL ARLT – vocals & harmonica ANDREAS ARLT – guitar BERNHARD EGGER – drums, percussion DENNIS KOECKSTADT – grand piano, Hammond organ & Fender Rhodes HENNING HAUERKEN – upright & electric bass FRANK “PEPE” PETERS – vocals STEFAN “Q” QUAST – vocals MARTIN QUAST – vocals STEFAN GÖSSINGER – trumpet TOM MÜLLER – alto + baritone saxophone MARTIN GRÜNZWEIG – trombone BONITA NIESSEN – vocals (track 14)