I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Down Below, from Ted Hefko & the Thousandaires and it's strong. Opening with alt country track, Lay Your Problems On My Knee, Ted Hefko really comes out hard with a terrific track, sounding like a new formation of The Band. The writing is powerful, the vocals very good and with his own guitar work, Matt Galloway on guitar, Justin Carlo Davi on bass and Isaac Eady on drums, this is a great opener. Another track with strong country threads but in this case more of a rocker (think Dead Flowers), Hurtin' Too, Hefko is hitting on all cylinders. With Lynn Drury on backing vocals, this is quickly becoming a go to release. With a funky blues feel, Please Don't Refuse, is a total change of pace. Solid vocals, smooth organ backing by Beck Burger and solid guitar lines by Alex Mallet over rhythmic percussion by Michael Skinkus and horn work by Kevin Louis on turmpet this track is a sure bullseye. Ella Speed is a great New Orleans blues rag with Hefko not only singing but wailing on clarinet, with Kevin Loius on trumpet, Craig Klein on trombone and great falling down drum work by Chris Davis. Excellent! Another track with a rich alt country flavor (think Black Francis or Jimbo Mathus) is Big Thing with cool vocal backing by Jamey Saint Pierre and firm country footing. Excellent! Wrapping the release is soulful ballad, One More Picture of You with insightful lyrics and an easy instrumental backing. This is a potent new release and although not a "real" blues release, I love it!
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