2018 – Violet Isle
Records
By Phillip Smith; Jan. 05, 2019
Wooden
Nickel Lottery, a four-piece band hailing from eastern Iowa,
continues their tradition of producing a unique blend of rock, country, and
blues with their third and latest release, Long
Time Running. The pairing of Rick
Gallo’s soulful vocals with Rich Toomsen’s high energy guitar sounds
great as bassist Jessica Toomsen, and drummer Delayne Stallman forge the pulse of a groovin’ rhythm section. Of
the nine tracks on the record, eight are notable originals written by Rich.
Steeped in southern rock and paved with a Bob
Seger vibe, title track “Long Time Running” is a badass tune evoking images
of a cowboy on a mission. I love listening
to Rich rip it up on “The Right Man”.
This song is a true showcase for his guitar mastery. A funky rhythm and a groovy contagious riff blows
the doors open on “Drive By Love”, laying out the red carpet for Galllo’s
signature voice. “East to West” is a stellar
favorite. Rick’s smooth vocals
take the reins, as the song energetically gallops in to an amazing listen
featuring more blazing guitar from Rich and a hypnotic bass
and drum backing from Jess and Stallman.
With guest performances from Gerald Estella
on organ and David Arnold on sax, Long
Time Running comes to a spectacular close with a stirring and beautiful cover
of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”. This song is definitely worth checking out,
and so is the album.
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Other PhillyCheeze articles about Wooden Nickel Lottery :
#325 : Tinsley Ellis / Wooden Nickel Lottery live @ The Redstone Room
https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2018/03/325-tinsley-ellis-wooden-nickel-lottery.html
Wooden Nickel Lottery - Down the Line
https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2016/07/wooden-nickel-lottery-down-line.html
For more information about the artist, visit this
website.. https://www.woodennickellottery.com/
