#706 > KAT Blue & the True Believers - Start Believin' (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – KAT Blue

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 28, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

KAT Blue & the True Believers, an up-and-coming blues-rock band out of Iowa has a new six-track EP called Start Believin’, and it is definitely worth checking out. KAT Blue fronts this tight-knit band on vocals, with Bob Sulzer on lead guitar, Bill Kiesel on bass, Paul Abodeely on keys, Doug Allemang on drums, and Bob Gleason on harp.

The EP kicks off with a hot take on Susan Tedeschi’s “Rock Me Right”. Sulzer’s guitar performance and Abodeely’s barrelhouse keys punch this up quite nicely.   I dig their rocking cover of 35^th & Taylor’s “Hard Times”.  KAT’s vocals hit with a Pat Benetar vibe. Warren Haynes’ “Soulshine” is a wonderful song, and the band does a great job making this heartfelt tune their own. Gleason’s harp performance absolutely shines.

Start Believin’ is about as solid as a debut EP can get. I have a feeling we’ll be hearing a lot more from KAT Blue & the True Believers.  

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Sam Price and the True Believers (self-titled)

Sam Price and the True Believers

(self-titled)

2017 – Sam Price Music

By Phillip Smith; July 1, 2017

When he’s not immersing himself into his mind-warping bass performances for the critically acclaimed Honey Island Swamp Band, New Orleans Sam Price has a sweet gig fronting his own funk-tified band, Sam Price and the True Believers.  With Price on bass and lead vocals, The True Believers consists of guitarist Matt Galloway, drummer Ethan Shorter, keyboardist Phil Breen, Conga Mike on congas, bongos, and percussion, and singer Whitney Alouisious.  Their first release is a five-track jubilee of infectious songs and note-worthy musical performances. 

Good vibes are abundant in the soulful bouncing rhythm of “Where I Want To Be”.  Featuring guest guitarist John Fohl (Cherry Poppin’ Daddys, Dr. John), this one turns my heart light on full beam.  Price breaks out the treasure chest of old skool funk on “Down To You”.  The whirling sounds of keys set the stage for Price’s funky bassline, Alouisious’ fierce vocals and a blazing saxophone played by Tom Fitzpatrick.  Eric "Benny" Bloom (Lettuce) lends his trumpet mastery to this song leading it to a cosmic climax.  It feels really good to snuggle up inside the relaxed swaying melody of “Keep On Pushing”.  I can’t help but think of Steely Dan when listening to this one.

I look very much forward to hearing what may come next from Sam Price and the True Believers.  They definitely have a good thing going.

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