Al Basile
Delivers a Jolt of Bluff City Soul on His New CD, Woke Up in Memphis,
Coming May 20
on Sweetspot Records
Latest Disc by
Former Roomful of Blues Alumnus Features Special Guests Duke Robillard, Rich
Lataille, Doug James and Sista Monica Parker
RUMFORD, RI – Al Basile announces a May 20 release date for
Woke Up in Memphis, the new CD from the
singer/songwriter/cornetist and former member of Roomful of Blues, on Sweetspot
Records, with distributtion by City Hall Records. Produced by Basile’s lifelong
friend and musical collaborator Duke Robillard, who adds his trademark guitar
sounds throughout, Woke Up in Memphis is also fueled by a dynamite
horn section that includes Basile, current Roomful tenor sax player Rich
Lataille and former member Doug James on baritone sax, along with Mark Teixeira
on drums and percussion, Bruce Bears on keyboards, Brad Hallen on electric bass
and special guest vocalist Sista Monica Parker.
Acclaimed not only
for his sweet cornet playing, but also his literate blues songwriting, Al Basile
lays down a groove of 14 originals on the new CD that sound as if they’d be
right at home on a Stax or Hi Records session in the 1960s, but with a
contemporary feel that makes them vital. With song titles such as “Don't Make Me
Beg,” “When Things Get Tough (the Tough Get Things),” “Saved by the Blues,” “Too
Tough,” “Big Like Elvis” and the title track, fans of roots music will feel like
they “Woke Up in Memphis” from the moment the first sounds emanate out of the
speakers.
Celebrating 15 years on his own
Sweetspot label, Woke Up in Memphis is Al Basile's tenth
solo CD, collecting 14 of his new songs inspired by classic ‘60s Memphis musical
styles: soul, R&B, and gospel. The new album builds on the success of his
last recording, At Home Next Door, which reached the number
12 spot on the Living Blues
airplay chart and earned Al his third Blues Music Award nomination. It mixes
secular lyrics with the first of Al's gospel songs to appear on one of his
releases, a duet with Sista Monica Parker on the powerful “Make a Little
Heaven.”
At Home Next Door
drew
universal kudos for its inspired mix of blues, soul, and R&B sounds.
“Al is a complete master of music, of many
genres,” said Blues Underground Network, “but I am telling you
right now, that I really enjoyed the wonderful potpourri of musical styles … Al
has exactly what it takes to capture your attention, regardless of what musical
genres you prefer.”
“Basile
is a great songwriter with a great musical feel for presenting a song, and he is
backed by a terrific band that has played with him for nearly 25 years,” wrote
Sunday Night Blues Project in its review. “I think this is the
best music Basile has made so far in his career--his ease and strength as a
vocal storyteller continues to grow with each release, and his cornet playing is
rich, nuanced, and succinct.”
“Al
Basile has raised his profile considerably over the past few years. His past
four discs have charted in the Top 15 on the Living Blues airplay
charts and he’s been nominated for multiple BMA’s as Best Horn Player. This
retrospective/new release should raise his profile even more, showcasing his
versatility as a songwriter, singer, and musician.” - Bluesbytes
“I
haven't heard the phrase ‘blue-eyed soul’ in a while, but I suppose it applies
here. A consummate professional, Basile does what he does with feeling and
intelligence, and he makes you want to come back for more.” - Rambles.net
