Grooveyard Records artists: Head Honchos - Blues Alliance - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Alliance, from Head Honchos, and it's a rocking jam party. Opening with Stuck Between The Middle, Head Honchos had a heavier, rockier sound than on earlier releases with the addition of Mike Boyle on bass and Will Wyatt on drums. Rocco Calipari Sr. and Rocco Calipari Jr manage the guitar leads handily with sr on lead vocal as well. Mr. Bad keeps that driving rock beat and with head snapping drum work milks a scorching guitar tone from the axes. Adding in a little rhythmic funk on She Got That Thang, Sr's vocals add swagger on a southern rock flavored entry. Mark Landes adds keys on this track and guitar soloing it strong. Can't Be Satisfied is another track with a funky underpinning and a "Jimi" like attack on guitar gives it a turbo boost. Wyatt's drumming on Willie Dixon's Evil is intense and overall reminds me of a supercharged Warpigs attack with excellent "metal" fused guitar soloing. Driving boogie, Rock 'n Roll sets up a real nice platform for paired lead vocals by the Caliparis and after a flurry of solid riffs, breaks back into a cool blues jam. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a total acoustic blues rework of Al Green's I'm A Ram. With cool acoustic slide work , paired with simple acoustic guitar, light percussion and soulful vocals, a different take on an often covered track. Nice closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

Grooveyard Records artists: Head Honchos - Bring It On Home - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bring It On Home, by Head Honchos and it's electrified. Opening with Not For Me, Head Honchos with it's dual lead guitar combo of Rocco Calipari Sr. (also on lead vocal) and Rocco Calipari Jr., Roberto Agusto on bass and Scott Schultz on drums hits like a cannonball. Featuring Steve Ball on organ, this opening track is rockin. Work is another high energy track with really crisp drumming by Schultz and hot slide work by Calipari and a hot bass solo by Agusto. Very cool. Funky, Next To You, has a really nice bass line and hot slide tones. Vocal harmonies and overall music composition makes this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Swampy, Fire On The Bayou has a great southern funky party feel. CC Copeland really funks up the bass line and snappy percussion gives it a cool feel under smoking hot guitar riffs. That Driving Beat has more of a contemporary feel with a wall of horns featuring Joe Brown on sax and Mitch Coldman on trumpet. Copeland steps out again with a nice bass solo and Calipari flashes his hot hand as well with a rabid solo of his own. Don Nix's Going Down has been a favorite of mine since Jeff Beck ripped it back in the early 70's. Borrowing the template, Honchos really get things moving and Calipari lays into it with plenty of steam. His vocals are solid and with a driving bottom and Ball's keys, this track sails. Wrapping the release is Soul Free, a solid track melding all of the sounds that are the head Honchos. With it's lightly funky rhythm, harmonies and rich style, a cool closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

HEAD HONCHOS' Rockin The Blues at Leroy's in Porter This Friday

   

HEAD HONCHOS' 

Back From Southern U.S. Tour, Perform Locally At Leroy's in Porter Friday, May 24

                

   (Porter, IN) - Indiana blues-rock heroes  Head Honchos', back from their recent Southern U.S. Tour and about to embark on a Canadian jaunt, bring their high-energy sounds locally to Leroy's "Hot Stuff," 333 W. Highway US 20, Friday, May 24. 8 p.m. $3. Info:  (219) 926-6211  or https://www.facebook.com/leroyshotstuff?fref=ts.
                                   

  In a time when American music is too often characterized by emasculated melodies, narcissistic lyrics, and hyped mediocrity-- Head Honchos' offer up intense body-moving rhythms and emotionally-charged guitar expressions on their debut seven-song, self-titled CD. Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk, Head Honchos' launch their improvisational excursions with an irresistible invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically ENJOY!!! Head Honchos' CD contains some quickly-memorable originals ("Lucky's Train," "Whiskey Devil," "Good Love," "That Driving Beat") as well as sizzling interpretations of classics such as Albert King's "Going Down," "Fire On The Bayou" by Aaron Neville, and Wilson Pickett's "99 1/2 Won't Do." Front person Rocco Calipari's Detroit-schooled vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American identity we all experience. In an artistic celebration of our shared pride and joy, Head Honchos' cover some of our most loved standards, while introducing to an appreciative audience "roots-inspired" new tunes. www.headhonchosband.com. 

"There's a scene in Ghost World where Steve Buscemi ventures to see an acoustic bluesman at a sports bar, and he brushes off a girl hitting on him because she's more into the headliner, Blues Hammer. Head Honchos are like Blues Hammer: as subtle as an uppercut and making Stevie Ray Vaughan sound like Skip James. The band's self-titled debut cannons chunky guitar riffs and cymbal crashes, and turns train songs into party anthems. Buscemi's Seymour would have cringed at how frontman Rocco Calipari Sr. enunciates The Meters' "Fire On The Bayou," but then again Seymour didn't like to have fun and Head Honchos certainly do."

                                  

ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER

"Who are these guys? I have seldom heard a Blues-rock band with so much power...this is hard rockin' blues at its best. I've been waiting for this...it's like getting kicked in the gut and saying thanks...really powerful backup and spine-tingling, terrifying, aggressive guitar playing is the new deal here. You just have to hear it."

       

 BLUES SOURCE

                    

   

 

Blues Source - CD Review
Chicago Examiner - Feature
Bluesrockers - CD Review 

The Swingers Ball 16: The Masquerade Ball - Live Music, Swing Dancing, And More!

      

Big Tyme Presents

The Swingers Ball 16 - The Masquerade Ball

At The Famed Willowbrook Ballroom - Saturday, March 30 

  (Willow Springs, Illinois) - Big Tyme presents The Swingers Ball 16 - The Masquerade Ball, featuring live swing music and ballroom dancing (with Detroit's dynamic Swing Shift Orchestra) along with one of Chicago's finest blues groups  (blues-rock heavies Head Honchos'), at the Willowbrook Ballroom, 8900 S. Archer Ave., Willow Springs, Saturday, March 30. The evening also features a Best Masquerade Mask contest. Doors open 7 p.m. $25. (purchase tickets at the door) Info: http://www.swingersballinfo.com/.

The Swing Shift Orchestra started in 1993 as a result of a stage band comprised of members belonging to The Grosse Pointe Community Concert Band. While the band has had changes in membership, leaders, and rehearsal sites, saxophonist Lynne Henry continues to own and manage the band. Venues include concerts, parties, balls, weddings, and theme shows. Over the years, the band's bookings have increased dramatically. The focus of The Swing Shift Orchestra has always been to keep the nostalgic sounds of the Big Bands alive. The dedicated musicians attend weekly rehearsals to keep improving and recreating the ensemble sound of the Big Band legends.  The goal of the band is to bring the joy, harmonies, and fullness of this wonderful music to people of all ages. The Swing Shift Orchestra aims to make every event happy and fun with live, authentic performances of Big Band music. swingshiftorchestra.org/.

In a time when American music is too often characterized by emasculated melodies, narcissistic lyrics, and hyped mediocrity-- Head Honchos' offer up intense body-moving 

rhythms and emotionally-charged guitar expressions on their debut seven-song, self-titled CD. Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk, Head Honchos' launch their improvisational excursions with an irresistible invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically ENJOY!!! Head Honchos' CD contains some quickly-memorable originals ("Lucky's Train," "Whiskey Devil," "Good Love," "That Driving Beat") as well as sizzling interpretations of classics such as Albert King's "Going Down," "Fire On The Bayou" by Aaron Neville, and Wilson Pickett's "99 1/2 Won't Do." Front person Rocco Calipari's Detroit-schooled vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American identity we all experience. In an artistic celebration of our shared pride and joy, Head Honchos' cover some of our most loved standards, while introducing to an appreciative audience "roots-inspired" new tunes. www.headhonchosband.com. 

"There's a scene in Ghost World where Steve Buscemi ventures to see an acoustic bluesman at a sports bar, and he brushes off a girl hitting on him because she's more into the headliner, Blues Hammer. Head Honchos are like Blues Hammer: as subtle as an uppercut and making Stevie Ray Vaughan sound like Skip James. The band's self-titled debut cannons chunky guitar riffs and cymbal crashes, and turns train songs into party anthems. Buscemi's Seymour would have cringed at how frontman Rocco Calipari Sr. enunciates The Meters' "Fire On The Bayou," but then again Seymour didn't like to have fun and Head Honchos certainly do."                                    ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER

  

Great Music?: Check! Head Honchos' Rock The Blues at Checkerboard Lounge in Chicago

      

Great Music? Check!

HEAD HONCHOS'
Rock the Blues At Checkerboard Lounge In Chicago
- Friday, March 22 -

"There's a scene in Ghost World where Steve Buscemi ventures to see an acoustic bluesman at a sports bar, and he brushes off a girl hitting on him because she's more into the headliner, Blues Hammer. Head Honchos are like Blues Hammer: as subtle as an uppercut and making Stevie Ray Vaughan sound like Skip James. The band's self-titled debut cannons chunky guitar riffs and cymbal crashes, and turns train songs into party anthems. Buscemi's Seymour would have cringed at how frontman Rocco Calipari Sr. enunciates The Meters' "Fire On The Bayou," but then again Seymour didn't like to have fun and Head Honchos certainly do."                                    ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER

   

"Anchored by veteran guitarist Rocco Calipari (Howard and the White Boys), Head Honchos' serves up music layered in blues, rock, soul, and funk...Wilson Pickett's "99 1/2 Won't Do" and the Neville's "Fire On The Bayou" mix with fine originals to serve up what you'd hear at any good rocking bar on a Saturday night."     VINTAGE GUITAR   

            
                                        

   (CHICAGO) -  Great music? Check! - in the form of Chicago's Head Honchos', who rock the blues at popular live music niterey the Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper, Friday, March 22. 9pm-1 am. $10. Info: (773) 684-1472. The evening is also a birthday celebration for the Checkerboard's longtime owner, LC Thurman.

  Head Honchos' play smokin' Chicago-style blues imbued with elements of rock. The band is also a father/son affair - formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys) and his son, Rocco Calipari Jr.
  "With their debut release, the Head Honchos' demonstrate a high level of musical maturity and provide a truly enjoyable album from their cover of the Freddie King standard "Going Down"  until the final note on the seventh and last track, "99 1/2 Won't Do," wrote Blues Rock Review in a recent review of the group's eponymous self-titled debut disc.   

   In just over two years together as a working band, Head Honchos' have garnered positive reviews for their self-titled debut release in publications both far (Blues Matters and Metalliville in the U.K.) and near (Blues Source; Vintage Guitar; Chicago Examiner; Bluesrockers; Barrelhouse Blues; Southland Blues; BMans Blues Report; more).  The band are about to record the follow-up to their debut, tentatively titled "Come Strong."     

      

"Wow! From the opening track, "Goin' Down," this disc had our attention! From there however, things only got better, the next song, "Lucky's Train," had us grooving and enjoying the juicy guitar riffs and righteous vocals - and surprise - it's an original. There are no disappointments on this CD. Every track sparkles with electricity, great guitar, stellar engineering and production, and wonderful vocals. In short, it's a home run...out of the park!"                                                     BARRELHOUSE BLUES         

Head Honchos' CD Review (Blues Rock Review)

Head Honchos' (Media Quotes Sheet)
Head Honchos' - CD Review (Illinois Entertainer) 

             Head Honchos' Cd Review (Vintage Guitar)                

  

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Brews 'N' Blues: Head Honchos' Performing At Oktoberfest 2012

    

     

 Hey Mundelein!! Head Honchos' Bring Their Rockin' Chicago Blues To The...  

                 TIGHTHEAD BREWING COMPANY OKTOBERFEST 2012  

                                               ***Saturday, Sept. 29*** 

    (Mundelein, IL) - Brews and Blues definitely go hand-in-hand, as the good folks of Mundeline and surrounding areas will find out this weekend when popular Chicago blues-rock band  Head Honchos' perform at Oktoberfest 2012 presented by Tighthead Brewing Company this Saturday, September 29. 5-10 p.m. $10. (includes pint glass for beer).  Info: (847) 970-9174 or www.tightheadbrewing.com. Also catch Head Honchos' at Country Line Orchard "Barnyard Jams" Series, 200 S. County Line Rd. in Hobart, Indiana, this Sunday, September 30. 1-4 p.m. Free. Info: (219) 947-4477 or www.countrylineorchard.com. 

  
     Head Honchos' play smokin' Chicago blues imbued with elements of rock. The band is also a father/son affair - formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys) and his son, Rocco Calipari Jr.   
   "With their debut release, the Head Honchos' demonstrate a high level of musical maturity and provide a truly enjoyable album from their cover of the Freddie King standard "Going Down"  until the final note on the seventh and last track, "99 1/2 Won't Do," wrote Blues Rock Review in a recent review of the group's eponymous self-titled debut disc.   

   
   In just over two years together as a working band, Head Honchos' have garnered positive reviews for their self-titled debut release in publications both far (Blues Matters and Metalliville in the U.K.) and near (Blues Source; Vintage Guitar; Chicago Examiner; Bluesrockers; Barrelhouse Blues; Southland Blues; BMans Blues Report; more).  The band are about to record the follow-up to their debut, tentatively titled "Come Strong."     

      

 

                                          Head Honchos': Fiery Chicago Blues-Rock. 

"WHO ARE THESE GUYS? Original and soul-pounding Blues at its best. I have seldom heard a Blues-Rock band with so much power! This is hard rockin' blues at its best...I've been waiting for this...it's like getting kicked in the gut and saying thanks...really powerful backup and spin-tingling, terrifying, aggressive guitar playing is the new deal here. I am not going to compare this CD with anybody's CD. You just have to hear it. This is ground-breaking Blues."                                                                 BLUES SOURCE

   

"Wow! From the opening track, "Goin' Down," this disc had our attention! From there however, things only got better, the next song, "Lucky's Train," had us grooving and enjoying the juicy guitar riffs and righteous vocals - and surprise - it's an original. There are no disappointments on this CD. Every track sparkles with electricity, great guitar, stellar engineering and production, and wonderful vocals. In short, it's a home run...out of the park!"                 BARRELHOUSE BLUES  If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

No Boundaries Blues Fest Features Chicago's Head Honchos,' Others This Weekend

Hey Minnesota! Head Honchos' Bring their Rockin' Chicago Blues To The...

No Boundaries Blues Fest

(PROCTOR, MN) - Get ready for the No Boundaries Blues Festival on Friday, July 20 and Saturday, July 21 at the Proctor Fairgrounds, 800 N. Boundary Ave. Tickets $35. each day. Info: (218) 365-2440 or available online at http://www.elyblues.com/Store-Specials.html.

This years event will feature the same top notch blues artists (over five per day), this time under a large event-sized tent for a little added "Mother Nature Insurance." Friday's lineup includes Virgil Caine, Jimmy Nick and the Judges, Trent Romens, Kevin Burt & The Instigators, and Head Honchos'; Saturday sees Galactic Cowboy (Blues) Orchestra, The Alex Wilson Band, Ken Valdez, Chainsaw Dupont and The Road Warriors, and Rob Blaine onstage.

Head Honchos' play smokin' Chicago blues imbued with elements of rock. The band is also a father/son affair - formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys) and his son, Rocco Calipari Jr. "With their debut release, the Head Honchos' demonstrate a high level of musical maturity and provide a truly enjoyable album from their cover of the Freddie King standard "Going Down" until the final note on the seventh and last track, "99 1/2 Won't Do," wrote Blues Rock Review in a recent writeup.

In just under two years together as a working band, Head Honchos' have garnered positive reviews for their self-titled debut release in publications both far (Blues Matters and Metalliville in the U.K.) and near (Blues Source; Vintage Guitar; Chicago Examiner; Bluesrockers; Barrelhouse Blues; Southland Blues; BMans Blues Report; more). The band are about to record the follow-up to their debut, tentatively titled "Come Strong."

Head Honchos': Fiery Chicago Blues-Rock.

"WHO ARE THESE GUYS? Original and soul-pounding Blues at its best. I have seldom heard a Blues-Rock band with so much power! This is hard rockin' blues at its best...I've been waiting for this...it's like getting kicked in the gut and saying thanks...really powerful backup and spin-tingling, terrifying, aggressive guitar playing is the new deal here. I am not going to compare this CD with anybody's CD. You just have to hear it. This is ground-breaking Blues." BLUES SOURCE

"Wow! From the opening track, "Goin' Down," this disc had our attention! From there however, things only got better, the next song, "Lucky's Train," had us grooving and enjoying the juicy guitar riffs and righteous vocals - and surprise - it's an original. There are no disappointments on this CD. Every track sparkles with electricity, great guitar, stellar engineering and production, and wonderful vocals. In short, it's a home run...out of the park!" BARRELHOUSE BLUES

For Information On No Boundaries Blues Festival or Head Honchos':
Doug Deutsch Publicity Services (213) 924-4901 or dougdeutschpr@gmail.com

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Head Honchos' Bring Their Chicago Blues To Mecca Supper Club

"Ground-Breaking Blues...." BLUES SOURCE

"WHO ARE THESE GUYS? Original and soul-pounding Blues at its best. I have seldom heard a Blues-Rock band with so much power! This is hard rockin' blues at its best...I've been waiting for this...it's like getting kicked in the gut and saying thanks...really powerful backup and spin-tingling, terrifying, aggressive guitar playing is the new deal here. I am not going to compare this CD with anybody's CD. You just have to hear it. This is ground-breaking Blues." BLUES SOURCE

"Wow! From the opening track, "Goin' Down," this disc had our attention! From there however, things only got better, the next song, "Lucky's Train," had us grooving and enjoying the juicy guitar riffs and righteous vocals - and surprise - it's an original. There are no disappointments on this CD. Every track sparkles with electricity, great guitar, stellar engineering and production, and wonderful vocals. In short, it's a home run...out of the park!" BARRELHOUSE BLUES

Head Honchos'

Chicago Blues-Rock Party Band Bringing Their Lively Sounds

To Mecca Supper Club - Thursday, May 31

(EDISON PARK, IL) The Head Honchos' bring their tasty Chicago-style Blues/Rock to Mecca Supper Club, 6666 N. Northwest Parkway, Thursday, May 31. 10 p.m. Free. Info: (773) 775-1077 or www.meccasupperclub.com.

Head Honchos' play smokin' Chicago blues imbued with elements of rock. The band is also a father/son affair - formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys) and his son, Rocco Calipari Jr.

"With their debut release, the Head Honchos' demonstrate a high level of musical maturity and provide a truly enjoyable album from their cover of the Freddie King standard "Going Down" until the final note on the seventh and last track, "99 1/2 Won't Do," wrote Blues Rock Review in a recent writeup.

In just under two years together as a working band, Head Honchos' have garnered positive reviews for their self-titled debut release in publications both far (Blues Matters and Metalliville in the U.K.) and near (Blues Source; Vintage Guitar; Chicago Examiner; Bluesrockers; Barrelhouse Blues; Southland Blues; American Blues Blog; more). The band are about to record the follow-up to their debut, tentatively titled "Come Strong."

Watch a performance by Head Honchos' doing their song "Old & Tired" here:



In a time when American music is too often characterized by emasculated melodies, narcissistic lyrics, and hyped mediocrity - Head Honchos' offer up intense body-moving rhythms and emotionally-charged guitar expressions on their recently-released seven-song self-titled CD. Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk, Head Honchos' launch their improvisational excursions with an irresistable invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically ENJOY!

Head Honchos' CD contains some quickly-memorable originals ("Lucky's Train," "Whiskey Devil," "Good Love," "That Driving Beat") as well as sizzling interpretations of classics such as Albert King's "Going Down," "Fire On The Bayou" by Aaron Neville, and Wilson Pickett's "99 1/2 Won't Do."

Front person Rocco Calipari's Detroit-schooled vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American identity we all experience. In an artistic celebration of our shared pride and joy, Head Honchos' cover some of our most loved standards, while introducing to an appreciative audience "roots-inspired" new tunes. Calipari is a skilled teacher of guitar and since 1995 has been playing lead guitar for well-known Chicago band, Howard and The White Boys" Rocco recorded with Buddy Guy on H&TWB's CD, The Big Score. Additionally, he has performed with Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Carl Weathersby, Son Seals, and many more. As one of Chicago's great contemporary blues guitarists, Rocco has played in 40 states and 12 countries around the world.

Rocco Calipari Jr. first sat in with Howard and the White Boys when he was 15 years old. He attended the Guitar Institute in Hollywood, Calif. where he studied under Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), jazz/blues great Scott Henderson, and famed blues instructor/writer Keith Wyatt. His approach to the guitar, while grounded in rock and blues, is keenly aimed at a post-modern interpretation of American roots music.

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Come Dancing In Lansing! Head Honchos' Debut Their Funky Blues'n'Rock At J.J. Kelley's In Lansing - Friday, December 16

 

"WHO ARE THESE GUYS? Original and soul-pounding Blues at its best. I have seldom heard a Blues-Rock band with so much power! This is hard rockin' blues at its best...I've been waiting for this...it's like getting kicked in the gut and saying thanks...really powerful backup and spin-tingling, terrifying, aggressive guitar playing is the new deal here. I am not going to compare this CD with anybody's CD. You just have to hear it.This is ground-breaking Blues."                                                                 BLUES SOURCE

"Wow! From the opening track, "Goin' Down," this disc had our attention! From there however, things only got better, the next song, "Lucky's Train," had us grooving and enjoying the juicy guitar riffs and righteous vocals - and surprise - it's an original. There are no disappointments on this CD. Every track sparkles with electricity, great guitar, stellar engineering and production, and wonderful vocals. In short, it's a homerun...out of the park!"                                                                                                                                            BARRELHOUSE BLUES                                                      

                        Come Dancing In Lansing!  

 Head Honchos' Debut Their Funky Blues'n'Rock At J.J. Kelley's In Lansing  

                       Friday, December 16  

                       

    (LANSING, IL) - Rising blues-rock ensemble Head Honchos' make their performing debut at J.J. Kelley's, 2455 Bernice Rd., Lansing, Friday, December 16. 9:30 p.m. $5. Info: (708) 474-9977 or www.jjkelleyslansing.com.   

     The Illinois-based Head Honchos' play smokin' Chicago blues imbued with elements of rock. The band is also a father/son affair - formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys) and his son, Rocco Calipari Jr.

    In just under two years together as a working band, Head Honchos' have garnered positive reviews for their self-titled debut release in publications both far (Blues Matters and Metalliville in the U.K.) and near (Blues Source; Vintage Guitar; Chicago Examiner; Bluesrockers; Barrelhouse Blues; Southland Blues; American Blues Blog; more).  The band are about to record the follow-up to their debut, tentatively titled "Come Strong."      

        Watch a performance by Head Honchos' play Cheap Sun Glasses here:   

         

                   

 

     In a time when American music is too often characterized by emasculated melodies, narcissistic lyrics, and hyped mediocrity - Head Honchos' offer up intense body-moving rhythms and emotionally-charged guitar expressions on their recently-released seven-song self-titled CD.  Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk, Head Honchos' launch their improvisational excursions with an irresistable invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically ENJOY! 

        Head Honchos' CD contains  some quickly-memorable originals ("Lucky's Train," "Whiskey Devil," "Good Love," "That Driving Beat") as well as sizzling interpretations of classics such as Albert King's "Going Down," "Fire On The Bayou" by Aaron Neville,  and Wilson Pickett's "99 1/2 Won't Do."    

       Front person Rocco Calipari's Detroit-schooled vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American identity we all experience. In an artistic celebration of our shared pride and joy, Head Honchos' cover some of our most loved standards, while introducing to an appreciative audience "roots-inspired" new tunes. Calipari is a skilled teacher of guitar and since 1995 has been playing lead guitar for well-known Chicago band,  Howard and The White Boys" Rocco recorded with Buddy Guy on H&TWB's CD, The Big Score. Additionally, he has performed with Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Carl Weathersby, Son Seals, and many more. As one of Chicago's great contemporary blues guitarists, Rocco has played in 40 states and 12 countries around the world. 

         Rocco Calipari Jr. first sat in with Howard and the White Boys when he was 15 years old. He attended the Guitar Institute in Hollywood, Calif. where he studied under Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), jazz/blues great Scott Henderson, and famed blues instructor/writer Keith Wyatt. His approach to the guitar, while grounded in rock and blues, is keenly aimed at a post-modern interpretation of American roots music.          

Head Honchos - Performing Locally: Martinis In Valparaiso - Saturday, July 30

(Valparaiso, IN) - In less than two years together as a working band, Head Honchos' have garnered reviews for their self-titled debut release in publications both far (BLUES MATTERS and METALLIVILLE in the U.K.) and near (BLUES SOURCE; VINTAGE GUITAR; CHICAGO EXAMINER; BLUESROCKERS; BARRELHOUSE BLUES; SOUTHLAND BLUES; AMERICAN BLUES BLOG; more). The Valparaiso, IN-based band play smokin' Chicago blues imbued with some elements of rock. Formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys), Head Honchos' are now set to record the follow-up to their debut, tentatively titled "Come Strong."

Head Honchos' return to their hometown to perform at Martini's, 1004 Calumet Ave., Valparaiso, Saturday, July 30. 9:30 p.m. No Cover. Info: (219) 464-0801 or log onto www.martinisinvalpo.com .

Head Honchos - Upcoming Shows

"Ground-Breaking Blues...." BLUES SOURCE                                 

WHO ARE THESE GUYS? Original and soul-pounding Blues at its best. I have seldom heard a Blues-Rock band with so much power! This is hard rockin' blues at its best...I've been waiting for this...it's like getting kicked in the gut and saying thanks...really powerful backup and spin-tingling, terrifying, aggressive guitar playing is the new deal here. I am not going to compare this CD with anybody's CD. You just have to hear it.This is ground-breaking Blues."             BLUES SOURCE

          Perform Locally: CHARLEY HORSE in New Lennox - Friday, July 8 

                
          (NEW LENNOX, IL) - Straight out of the Windy Cindy, Head Honchos' is a new band that play smokin' Chicago blues (with a touch of rock) at its finest, formed by guitarist Rocco Calipari Sr. (who is also a member of noted longtime Chicago band, Howard and the White Boys).    

          Head Honchos' bring their "ground-breaking blues" to Charley Horse, 901 E. Lincoln Highway, New Lennox, Friday, July 8. 9 p.m. No cover! Info: (815) 463-1700 or logo onto www.thecharleyhorse.com.

         Since the Mid-Fall release of their self-titled seven-song CD, the buzz has been big for this talented Chi-town quartet. Positive reviews have come in from publications near (ILLINOIS ENTERTAINER; CHICAGO EXAMINER) and far (BLUES MATTERS and METALLIVILLE, both in the U.K.). The group recently performed live on  the morning show "INDY STYLE," which airs live daily over WISH-TV Channel 8 in Indianapolis. Watch below:

             http://www.wishtv.com/dpp/indy_style/arts_and_music/head-honchos-band

         In a time when American music is too often characterized by emasculated melodies, narcissistic lyrics, and hyped mediocrity - Head Honchos' offer up intense body-moving rhythms and emotionally-charged guitar expressions on their recently-released seven-song self-titled CD.  Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk, Head Honchos' launch their improvisational excursions with an irresistable invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically ENJOY! 

       Head Honchos' CD contains  some quickly-memorable originals ("Lucky's Train," "Whiskey Devil," "Good Love," "That Driving Beat") as well as sizzling interpretations of classics such as Albert King's "Going Down," "Fire On The Bayou" by Aaron Neville,  and Wilson Pickett's "99 1/2 Won't Do."    

      Front person Rocco Calipari's Detroit-schooled vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American identity we all experience. In an artistic celebration of our shared pride and joy, Head Honchos' cover some of our most loved standards, while introducing to an appreciative audience "roots-inspired" new tunes. Calipari is a skilled teacher of guitar and since 1995 has been playing lead guitar for well-known Chicago band,  Howard and The White Boys" Rocco recorded with Buddy Guy on H&TWB's CD, The Big Score. Additionally, he has performed with Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, Carl Weathersby, Son Seals, and many more. As one of Chicago's great contemporary blues guitarists, Rocco has played in 40 states and 12 countries around the world. Other bands members include : 

        CC Copeland: This Chicago blues mainstay has worked his bass magic with John Primer, Vance Kelly, Sharon Lewis, Melvin Taylor, Howard Scott, and many more of Chicago's outstanding musicians. Copeland has played to cultured audiences in the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, and Belgium. As a music educator he has taught and developed programs for public school students, as well as, college age learners.
         Rocco Calipari Jr.: Rocco Jr. first sat in with Howard and the White Boys when he was 15 years old. He attended the Guitar Institute in Hollywood, Calif. where he studied under Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), jazz/blues great Scott Henderson, and famed blues instructor/writer Keith Wyatt. His approach to the guitar, while grounded in rock and blues, is keenly aimed at a post-modern interpretation of American roots music.
        Scott Schultz: Brings to the drums a rich foundation in the artistry of percussion based on the creativity of John Bonham, Mitch Mitchell, Ian Pace, and Dave Grohl. With his first band "Suburbanite", he toured the entire Midwest. With his rhythmically-intense approach to the drums, he has now established in Chicago an enthusiastic new audience for his engaging percussive skills.          

HEAD HONCHOS' (l to r): Rocco Calipari Sr.; Scott Schultz; CC Copeland; Rocco Calipari Jr.

 

HEAD HONCHOS' - UPCOMING LIVE SHOWS AND SPECIAL EVENTS ITINERARY

   

         July 8 (Fri.)                      CHARLEY HORSE                     New Lennox, IL
         July 22 (Fri.)                    FRANKLIN HOUSE                    Valparaiso, IN
         July 30 (Sat.)                   MARTINI'S                                    Valparaiso, IN

    HEAD HONCHOS' REVIEW CDS AND /INTERVIEWS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.      

                                              www.headhonchosband.com