MP3 West Side Wayne & The Boulevard Band - Jump Smooth
West Coast Blues
13 MP3 Songs
BLUES: Jazzy Blues, BLUES: Rockin'' Blues
Details:
Los Angeles based West Side Wayne and The Boulevard Band, is comprised of members who began their blues journey together in high school, in the sixties.
"On L.A. radio at that time, we were getting our southern American roots music by way of England," says singer, harmonica player Wayne Berwick.
Led by Berwick, the band played through the L.A. blues scene of the late sixties and early seventies - appearing at the Troubadour, Gazzari''s, PJ''s, and the original Ash Grove; where they shared the stage with Lightnin'' Hopkins, Willie Dixon, Charlie Musselwhite, and Hollywood Fats.
After their stint as house band, at the legendary Rick''s Blues Bar in Venice, an "offer" came their way.
"By then, there was no place left in L.A. to play blues," adds drummer Joel Hurwit, who has continued a close personal and musical relationship with Berwick. The proposal involved a commitment some members were unwilling to make, and with the band in turmoil, things cooled off quickly. Rising responsibilities caused Berwick to change priorities and professions, but his passion for playing blues never diminished, and he continued - mostly jam nights at local clubs, or sitting in with friends.
Fifteen years later, Berwick decided to become a full time blues musician once again; and with Hurwit on board, they called upon some of L.A.''s finest blues swingers, from the former bands of Big Joe Turner, Freddie King, and Bo Diddley; and became the solid, blues groovin "Boulevard Band."
Their latest release, "Jump Smooth", is the outcome of what happens when Blues, Jazz, and Boogie Woogie get together for a good time. Try sitting still while this one''s spinning.