Loot Rock Gang - That's Why I've Got to Sing (2014)

Tracklist

01. Loot Rock Boogie
02. Road to Burn
03. That's Why I've Got to Sing
04. Full Moon Cataluna
05. Happy Boy to be Your Man
06. Bank Despair
07. Better 'bout You
08. Won't Get Lost
09. My Gal Friday
10. Wrong Kind
11. Love for My City
12. It's You That I Do Enjoy
13. Trinidad



The Loot Rock Gang consists of St. Louis-based husband and wife vocal duo Little Rachel and Mat Wilson (who also plays acoustic resonator guitar), Stephen Inman on upright bass, and Kellie Everett on baritone saxophone. They perform acoustic blues, roots, and Americana music with dual vocal harmonies. The album was recorded at the House of Tone in Chicago, and features additional performances by Chris Baracevic on piano, and Ryan Koenig on percussion, harmonica, and mandolin. This is the Loot Rock Gang's debut release on Big Muddy Records.

The Loot Rock Gang was formed in 2012 when Rachel settled in to Saint Louis, after a career of traveling with the female Rockabilly duo The Casey Sisters, and as the Rhythm and Blues vocal powerhouse known as Little Rachel. Mat, as the vocalist and guitarist for the successful acoustic blues trio, The Rum Drum Ramblers, found the need for an additional project, when the other two Ramblers began touring extensively with Pokey LaFarge. To back the duo with a tight, solid rhythm, they looked to Stephen Inman, who played bass with Mat in his earlier punk band, Nineteen, and had made an impressive switch to acoustic upright bass. The icing on the cake came when Kellie Everett (multi-instrumentalist and vocalist in bands like the Southwest Watson Sweethearts and Sidney Street Shakers) was added to the band, with her melodic baritone saxophone, to compliment Stephen's driving rhythm, the intricacies provided by Mat's unique songwriting and stellar resonator guitar work, and the strong, soulful vocals of the fronting duo of Mat and Rachel. Kellie also brings along her beau- Southwest Watson Sweethearts partner, and fellow Rum Drum Rambler- Ryan Koenig, to play percussion and occasional harmonica, when he is not on the road with Pokey LaFarge, or performing as country crooner Lonesome Cowboy Ryan. The Loot Rock Gang gathers their diverse set of influences, and the most traditional elements of blues, country, jazz, and rock n' roll, in such a striking, unexpected way, that it takes a form palatable to modern listeners, as well as traditionalists. Whether you are swinging along, and tapping your toes to an infectious rhythm, or being drawn in by the emotional power of a strong, blues ballad, you will be part of the chemistry that makes the Loot Rock Gang a refreshingly remarkable listening experience for all.

DOWNLOAD ALBUM [flac]