The new songs, all but one written collectively by the Arlt brothers, are combining the powerful blues foundation with elegant soul harmonies. Lead vocalist and harmonica player Michael Arlt became a member of Europe’s Premier League of Blues and Soul vocalists, a long time ago. His elegant and economical play has earned guitarist Andreas Arlt the reputation of being one of Europe’s greatest blues instrumentalists. Skillful Dennis Koeckstadt on piano, the band’s youngster, knows how to play the blues the way the old masters did. Henning Hauerken, representing half of the grooving rhythm section, feels equally at home playing upright bass, or bass guitar. Along with drummer Bernhard Egger, who joined the band in 2006, he is delivering the pulsating rhythm backbone of the band. B.B. & THE BLUES SHACKS recorded their new album in London. They had been invited by Liam Watson, one of today’s most in-demand producers, to record at his ToeRag Studios. Liam recorded and produced Elephant, the seminal album by the White Stripes. He also produced the last few James Hunter albums. In December 2009, the album was recorded ‘live’ in the studio with almost no overdubs. The B.B.s have been supported by organ player Raphael Wressnig from Austria. The horn section featured on a couple of tracks has worked with Van Morrison a.o. Within a week fifteen tracks were nailed down, an entertaining list of songs with moving soul ballads, grooving dance tunes and deep blues.
B.B. & THE BLUES SHACKS did never comply with the image of an average European Chicago style blues, or blues/rock band. With the release of London Days these guys are raising the bar in terms of contemporary soul/blues to new heights!
Recorded & mixed at ToeRag Studios, London by Liam Watson
Tracklist
Real Good Times #*+
This Time Baby #*+
High Class Lonely #
Just You #
Between The Lines #
It Hurts So Good *+
Let Them Talk #
My Baby's Alright *+
How Low Can You Go #
Fool's Getting Stronger #*
Miss Wrong #+
Once In A While #+*
How Would You Like That #+
Turnaround #*+
Autumn Sunset
SPECIAL GUESTS
RAPHAEL WRESSNIG – Hammond B-3 #
MATT HOLLAND – trumpet, arranger *
MARTIN WINNING – saxophone *
STEPHAN QUAST, MARTIN QUAST, FRANK PETERS – background vocals +