By Phillip Smith; Jan. 31, 2026
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
I’ve been digging the music
of GA-20 since first hearing their Crackdown album. That record landed in my ‘Favorites of
2022’ list at the end of that year. The very next year, their Live in Loveland
record made my ‘Favorites of 2023’ list. That being said, I was really
excited to hear their new album, Orphans. The new record consists of
eight vintage covers which previously had only been made available as a digital
single, an unrecorded fan favorite, or a song which was held in high regard by
one of the members of the band. They all fit perfectly in the pocket of this
power-trio’s signature sound obtained by using vintage instruments and
recording live with Cody Nilsen on vocals/guitar/lap steel, Matthew
Stubbs on guitar/baritone guitar, and Josh Kiggans on drums.
I’m quickly tucked tightly in to the hypnotic groove of Billy Boy Arnold’s “Cryin’ & Pleadin’”. Stubbs’ retro rockabilly tone sounds fabulous as ever. GA-20 keeps the momentum going with James Brown’s 1961 single “I Don’t Mind” which later landed on the Who’s debut album My Generation. From the opening of those six song-defining chord strums, Nilsen suavely steps into crooner-mode and soulfully delivers this wonderful classic. I really like their cover of Elmore James’ 1962 single “Stranger Blues”. This was James’ last release before his passing in 1963 of a heart attack at the age of 45. GA-20 plays this one tight-as-hell as they masterfully place the listener smack dab in the middle of their amazing performance featuring Nilsen’s growly vocals, Stubbs’ riveting guitar, and Kiggans’ intoxicating beat. Hearing their take on the Sam and Dave classic “Hold On, I’m Coming” played with lap steel guitar is totally mind-blowing. This heavy-hitting song features Brooks Milgate on organ and Nate Edgar on bass. Another brilliant cover that I want to put the spotlight on is the 1959 Little Walter song “My Baby is Sweeter”. From the walking bassline and introductory drumroll to the closing notes, this is a great song.
I love what GA-20 is doing music-wise and appreciate that they continue to release terrific albums such as Orphans.
---
Photo By Elizabeth Ellenwood 
Photo By Fancey Pansen
For more information about GA-20, visit their website at https://ga20band.com/
For other PhillyCheeze reviews featuring GA-20 => https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/?q=GA-20