B.B. & The Blues Shacks - Blue Avenue (2003) [CD Rip]

The five-piece combo from Northern Germany with their second release on the CrossCut label. Produced by the guys themselves, "Blue Avenue" is the perfect example for a high-energy album, recorded 'live' in the studio. "Midnite Diner", the predecessor, was produced by Marc T. with the focus on compact songs but "Blue Avenue" is different.

Supported by one of the tighest and easiest grooving rhythm sections in the business, guitarist Andreas Arlt and harmonica player Michael get plenty of room to stretch-out – and then there's the fantastic Alex Schultz (of Mighty Flyers fame) from Los Angeles. On a couple of tunes Andreas and Alex are performing 'battles of the blues guitar'. Pure fun!

Dennis Koeckstadt is the newest member of the band. The young piano player comes from the Chris Rannenberg school of blues pianist. He ads some special flavor to the B.B.'s blues, and Juergen Magiera from Berlin laid down some nice organ. Never before B.B. & The Blues Shacks sounded so fresh and played with so much self-confidence. Highly recommended.