Union Street Blues A Stroll Down Union Street
Philadelphia's newest local blues heroes, Union Street Blues, are
delighted to announce the release of their debut album By Any Means
Necessary. The band will mark the release with a launch party in West
Chester, PA on October 26, 2007.
By Any Means Necessary fully captures the essence of their powerful live
shows, which have earned a formidable reputation around the Philadelphia
area. In achieving a synergy between high production values and letting
the group's innate sense of soul shine through, Union Street Blues has
constructed a first album of sublime musicianship and classic
songwriting.
Here are twelve examples of contemporary blues at its finest, ranging in
style and tempo from high octane blues rock to laid-back swing, and from
gut-wrenching electric Chicago blues to acoustic Delta magic. Solid
rhythms on every track give way to intense, expertly executed solos from
guitar, keyboard, harmonica and horns.
Union Street Blues formed in the spring of 2007 as several experienced
blues musicians from various area bands got together to record some
original blues compositions. The obvious chemistry in the studio between
this motley band of brothers made it clear this was not going to be
merely a few recording sessions. Soon public performances followed,
gathering a response that further encouraged the band to record this
excellent album.
On
harmonica and lead vocals is Buddy Cleveland. Though a lifelong fan of
the blues, he didn't begin playing harmonica until the mid-nineties. In
1999 he joined the Voodoo DeVille band as a harmonica player and within
a few years became their lead singer. Also working with a few more
ensembles – including the Smokehouse Ramblers and the Dave Mell Blues
Band – he is now fronting Union Street Blues.
On lead guitar is Neil 'Porkroll' Taylor. Crediting Buddy Guy and Luther
Allison as his foremost influences, Neil has been performing in the
Philadelphia area for over 15 years. He was a founding member of blues
stalwarts Mudboy and is head honcho in The Porkroll Project, another
blues phenomenon.
On keyboards, guitar and vocals is Steve Cocchi. A talented musical
journeyman, Steve has dabbled in almost every genre. Also a member of
Voodoo DeVille and, along with Buddy, is part of the Smokehouse Ramblers
– an acoustic blues trio.
Percussion in Union Street Blues is the responsibility of Matt Del Collo.
Also in The Dave Mell Blues Band, his natural timing, rhythm and love of
blues provides the driving force in the band. His partnership with
virtuoso bassist Ted Ryan is something to behold. Completing the band is
tenor saxophonist Paul Cleveland, a gifted and promising young musician
who, though still in college, has performed regularly with blues bands
for the past several years.
Influences on Union Street Blues are many and varied. Muddy Waters,
Howlin' Wolf, Albert Collins and Sonny Boy Williamson are all singled
out for particular veneration. In addition, more modern practitioners
such as the Allman Brothers, Johnny and Edgar Winter and the great
Charlie Musselwhite are also cited. The band's illustrious influences
blend with their own special original ingredients to forge a modern take
on blues that sounds just as good as it should.
By Any Means Necessary
Depression
Blues
Sinking
Down
Killing
Me
Buddy Cleveland
1076 Heartsease Drive
West Chester, PA 19382
(610) 793-4683 home
(610) 761-8588 cell
buddy@unionstreetblues.com
www.unionstreetblues.com
www.cdbaby.com/unionstreetb
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