By Shannon

Nick Curran "Player"

Nick Curran has been bursting through the blues music scene since before 2003. He has three releases currently in production "Fixin' Your Head", "Doctor Velvet", and "Player". All discs drip with bluesy styles and influences of Little Richard, T-Bone Walker, and 50's/60's rhythm and blues influences. Nick and his band were winners of the 2004 W.C. Handy Award for "Best New Artist Debut." Nick is only in his twenties so we can expect great things from him in the future. Nick is currently touring with Kim Wilson and the Fabulous Thunderbirds.

Nick Curran and the Nitelifes are:
Nick Curran-vocals/guitar
Preston Hubbard/bass
Damien Llanes/drums

Special guests:

Kim Wilson-harmonica tracks 5, 10, &13
Riley Osbourn-Piano
David Leroy Biller-guitar tracks 4, 6, & 12
John Doyle-tenor sax tracks 1, 3, 6, 7, 9, 11, & 14
Paul Klemperer-tenor sax tracks 4 & 9 baritone sax tracks 1, 3, 7, & 14
Eamon Mcloughlin-strings track 12
The Providence Horns-tracks 2 &8

Track Listing:

1. Player-R&B style seems to be Little Richard inspired. Nice song to dedicate to someone that's played ya!

2. Honey Bee-Don Robey original-jump swing with nice horns and some T-bone licks included.

3. What About Love-rumba style tune that seems to be Jackie Wilson/Lloyd Price era of late 50's dance influenced.

4. Evenin'-slow blues with definite T-bone Walker style that also has sounds of early Ray Charles.

5. She's Evil-Kim blowin' harp and Nick singin' thru bullet mic that gives the tune a distinctive sound!

6. The Groovy Jam-Just what it is: a jumpin', swingin' jazz instrumental.

7. No Fun-Iggy Pop tune has to be one of my favs on the disc and it is very catchy!

8. Stalker-Definite T-Bone influence with excellent guitar licks.

9. Down Boy Down-Another favorite on the disc/ jump blue with rockabilly roots!

10. Leavin'-Slow dance song on disc-Kim on harp/ with awesome sounding double track on vocals...looked in liner notes to confirm but no info. Unique sound!

11. Good Luck-Johnny Guitar Watson-like another fav of mine with fantastic licks!

12. Come Back-Another slow dance song with sounds from mid 60's rhythm and blues.

13. Crazy Mixed Up World-classic Willie Dixon tune w/ Kim on harp with nice vocals that create a mellow slow sound.

14. Heeby Jeebies-Another favorite of mine on the record that has rockabilly sound that's jumpin' and rockin'.

Learn more at www.blindpigrecords.com | www.fabulousthunderbirds.com

Stlblues.net rating 5 of 5!!!