BOOGIE BONE
''PRO-BONE-O''
2011
46:23
1. Deep Black Water/4:07
2. Got It Made/4:45
3. The Preacher/3:25
4. Stranded/4:02
5. Why/3:50
6. How Blue Are You/3:55
7. Too Old To Die Young/3:07
8. Good Times/4:06
9. Inside Out/3:20
10. Serves Me Right/4:37
11. It Don't Matter/4:00
12. One Day/3:06
Howlin’ Jake Johnson - vocals
Steven Dee Williams - guitar, keyboards
Steve Snyder - Sax, harp, flute, keys
Todd "Spud" Stevens - Drums
Henry "Groove Master" Gavaldon - Bass
REVIEW
By Greg Johnson
Recently while talking to Boogie Bone's Steven Dee Williams and Howlin' Jake Johnson, they explained to me that their new CD Pro-Bone-O was going to be a bit toned down, aiming to appease the more traditional blues lovers. Well, before all of you die-hard Bone Heads start to bemoan what will befall your beloved band, let me tell you that there is no need to worry. Boogie Bone may have taken what they term as a toned down approach, but this new album still kicks things out in high gear.
I do have to say that the band is certainly all over the map with musical approaches for what has to be their most eclectic release to date. But though it may take a variety of paths, it all sounds great. These guys write exceptional lyrics and Johnson is the perfect front man to deliver those words. They're all splendid musicians that have a feel as if they were hand-crafted to fit together. Henry Gavaldon and Todd "Spud" Stevens are a solid rhythm section, putting the spark behind whatever direction that Williams' guitar and the hodge-podge of instrumentation offered by Steve Snyder travel. And those two travel extensively, playing off from one another brilliantly throughout the disc..
Right off the get-go, you have the two Steves open with a train-like rhythm of guitar and harmonica on "Deep Black Water," that paces its way right into a rocker number on "Got It Made." That second track is more of the type of song you may be used to from Boogie Bone, but they quickly change pace into perhaps the most traditional sounding acoustic blues piece they've done to date on "The Preacher," as the basic acoustic guitar and harp are highlighted with handclaps and footstomps holding the beat.
The album continues with its diverse patterns with funky-paced "Stranded" that offers a bit of a James Brown feel on Snyder's sax work; a little psychedelic break between guitar and keys midway through "How Blue Are You"; and even bringing on an Eastern flavor with Williams' guitar achieving a little sitar-like tone on "Too Old To Die Young" (now if that isn't your expected Boogie Bone title for a song, what is?). Plus there's the feel-good number recalling hanging out with your buddies on "Good Times" where you spend the night drinking, possibly getting into a little fight, while "making jokes about your sisters and mothers."
Pro-Bone-O may not be the type of fare that you've heard from them before, but this album works. It offers new directions for the band and they have what it takes to bring them all across in the grandest manner. Another winning release from Boogie Bone. Can they do no wrong? Not with material like they've given us so far. Pro-Bone-O follows suit!
OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
Boogie Bone has emerged as influential contributors to the fertile blues scene in Portland, Oregon, but not without ruffling some feathers along the way. In four years they have released three critically acclaimed self-produced records and shared the stage with blues legends: Coco Montoya, Rick Estrin and the Night Cats, Tab Benoit, and Duke Robillard. In 2010 they were added to the bill for prestigious Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival (largest blues festival west of the Mississippi). They have received Muddy nominations for: Best New Act, Best Contemporary Blues Band, Performance of the Year (twice), Male Vocalist of the year (twice), and
Northwest Album of the Year (Bone-A-Fied). The latest release “Pro-Bone-O” already considered their best effort is receiving world wide airplay since it’s release mid January 2011.
The blues purists may be put off by there aggressive style and imaginative interpretations, but the devotion of their passionate fans (The Boneheads) can’t be questioned. The song writing duo of guitarist Steven Dee Williams and vocalist Jake Johnson have matured into a creative force, with genre defying craftings that keep the listener on their toes, while weaving clever lyrics with deft musical offerings. Their style has brought comparisons from Lead Belly to Led Zeppelin and many influential artists in between. But be warned: If you like your blues in a can, this band may not be for you.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame multi-instrumentalist Steve Snyder brings a swiss army knife approach to musicianship, playing three saxophones, harmonica, flute, and keyboards. This versatility enables the band to easily shape shift from traditional blues to
rockers, and from jump blues to funk masters. The rhythm section of Randy Herbert and Ben Laing provide the foundation that allows the band to spring in whichever direction the composition demands.
The band formed in 2006 when Williams, Johnson, and original drummer Todd Stevens got together to put on a show for a local beer brewers club. All three were long time friends that had played in various bands together in the past, but never in the same
band at the same time. The gig was a hit, and it felt good enough to see “where it would lead”. They tried a couple of bass players before they called upon another old band mate Henry Gavaldon. At this point all four guys had known each other for over 20 years
and were really a “band of brothers”. In 2007 while playing a gig on the Oregon coast another friend (Steve Snyder) was by chance spending the weekend with some friends in the same town. He sat in that night, changed the dynamic of the band, and has
never left. In 2012 Stevens and Gavaldon were replaced by Randy Herbert and Ben Laing.
Preparing for their third release: Pro-Bone-O more friends were called upon to help with the live show. Another Oregon Music Hall of Famer: Ricky O on trumpet, and Louisiana native and piano wizard Steve Kerin. Encores ensued.
Discography
Boogie Bone - Bone Daddy Records - 2007
Bone-A-Fied - Bone Daddy Records - 2009
Pro-Bone-O - Bone Daddy Records - 2011
''PRO-BONE-O''
2011
46:23
1. Deep Black Water/4:07
2. Got It Made/4:45
3. The Preacher/3:25
4. Stranded/4:02
5. Why/3:50
6. How Blue Are You/3:55
7. Too Old To Die Young/3:07
8. Good Times/4:06
9. Inside Out/3:20
10. Serves Me Right/4:37
11. It Don't Matter/4:00
12. One Day/3:06
Howlin’ Jake Johnson - vocals
Steven Dee Williams - guitar, keyboards
Steve Snyder - Sax, harp, flute, keys
Todd "Spud" Stevens - Drums
Henry "Groove Master" Gavaldon - Bass
REVIEW
By Greg Johnson
Recently while talking to Boogie Bone's Steven Dee Williams and Howlin' Jake Johnson, they explained to me that their new CD Pro-Bone-O was going to be a bit toned down, aiming to appease the more traditional blues lovers. Well, before all of you die-hard Bone Heads start to bemoan what will befall your beloved band, let me tell you that there is no need to worry. Boogie Bone may have taken what they term as a toned down approach, but this new album still kicks things out in high gear.
I do have to say that the band is certainly all over the map with musical approaches for what has to be their most eclectic release to date. But though it may take a variety of paths, it all sounds great. These guys write exceptional lyrics and Johnson is the perfect front man to deliver those words. They're all splendid musicians that have a feel as if they were hand-crafted to fit together. Henry Gavaldon and Todd "Spud" Stevens are a solid rhythm section, putting the spark behind whatever direction that Williams' guitar and the hodge-podge of instrumentation offered by Steve Snyder travel. And those two travel extensively, playing off from one another brilliantly throughout the disc..
Right off the get-go, you have the two Steves open with a train-like rhythm of guitar and harmonica on "Deep Black Water," that paces its way right into a rocker number on "Got It Made." That second track is more of the type of song you may be used to from Boogie Bone, but they quickly change pace into perhaps the most traditional sounding acoustic blues piece they've done to date on "The Preacher," as the basic acoustic guitar and harp are highlighted with handclaps and footstomps holding the beat.
The album continues with its diverse patterns with funky-paced "Stranded" that offers a bit of a James Brown feel on Snyder's sax work; a little psychedelic break between guitar and keys midway through "How Blue Are You"; and even bringing on an Eastern flavor with Williams' guitar achieving a little sitar-like tone on "Too Old To Die Young" (now if that isn't your expected Boogie Bone title for a song, what is?). Plus there's the feel-good number recalling hanging out with your buddies on "Good Times" where you spend the night drinking, possibly getting into a little fight, while "making jokes about your sisters and mothers."
Pro-Bone-O may not be the type of fare that you've heard from them before, but this album works. It offers new directions for the band and they have what it takes to bring them all across in the grandest manner. Another winning release from Boogie Bone. Can they do no wrong? Not with material like they've given us so far. Pro-Bone-O follows suit!
OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY
Boogie Bone has emerged as influential contributors to the fertile blues scene in Portland, Oregon, but not without ruffling some feathers along the way. In four years they have released three critically acclaimed self-produced records and shared the stage with blues legends: Coco Montoya, Rick Estrin and the Night Cats, Tab Benoit, and Duke Robillard. In 2010 they were added to the bill for prestigious Safeway Waterfront Blues Festival (largest blues festival west of the Mississippi). They have received Muddy nominations for: Best New Act, Best Contemporary Blues Band, Performance of the Year (twice), Male Vocalist of the year (twice), and
Northwest Album of the Year (Bone-A-Fied). The latest release “Pro-Bone-O” already considered their best effort is receiving world wide airplay since it’s release mid January 2011.
The blues purists may be put off by there aggressive style and imaginative interpretations, but the devotion of their passionate fans (The Boneheads) can’t be questioned. The song writing duo of guitarist Steven Dee Williams and vocalist Jake Johnson have matured into a creative force, with genre defying craftings that keep the listener on their toes, while weaving clever lyrics with deft musical offerings. Their style has brought comparisons from Lead Belly to Led Zeppelin and many influential artists in between. But be warned: If you like your blues in a can, this band may not be for you.
Oregon Music Hall of Fame multi-instrumentalist Steve Snyder brings a swiss army knife approach to musicianship, playing three saxophones, harmonica, flute, and keyboards. This versatility enables the band to easily shape shift from traditional blues to
rockers, and from jump blues to funk masters. The rhythm section of Randy Herbert and Ben Laing provide the foundation that allows the band to spring in whichever direction the composition demands.
The band formed in 2006 when Williams, Johnson, and original drummer Todd Stevens got together to put on a show for a local beer brewers club. All three were long time friends that had played in various bands together in the past, but never in the same
band at the same time. The gig was a hit, and it felt good enough to see “where it would lead”. They tried a couple of bass players before they called upon another old band mate Henry Gavaldon. At this point all four guys had known each other for over 20 years
and were really a “band of brothers”. In 2007 while playing a gig on the Oregon coast another friend (Steve Snyder) was by chance spending the weekend with some friends in the same town. He sat in that night, changed the dynamic of the band, and has
never left. In 2012 Stevens and Gavaldon were replaced by Randy Herbert and Ben Laing.
Preparing for their third release: Pro-Bone-O more friends were called upon to help with the live show. Another Oregon Music Hall of Famer: Ricky O on trumpet, and Louisiana native and piano wizard Steve Kerin. Encores ensued.
Discography
Boogie Bone - Bone Daddy Records - 2007
Bone-A-Fied - Bone Daddy Records - 2009
Pro-Bone-O - Bone Daddy Records - 2011
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