The East River Blues Band were twice finalists in The New York Blues and Jazz Society Battle of The Bands and were recently featured in our first member band showcase at The Bitter End this past June 11th. This was also a CD Release party for their second album "High Tide". Comprised of mostly original material the band contributes ten new compositions while still holding true to their "Chicago" styled roots.

The album opens with "when my baby goes drinking she don't stop until Closing Time". The refrain "she don't stop" causes quite a "stir". Dan Cumberland's vocal is perfect, the lyrics are humorous and Tom Brumley's harp playing infectious. The rhythm section of Bill Acosta, bass; and Towner Galaher, drums, keep the track swingin. "Lovin' Girl" is a rollicking romp and Ken Hughes switches to a National steel guitar on this one. "Independent Woman" is the band's rather humorous take on relationships and they show us again why they have become a local favorite. "Blue Midnight" Little Walter's instrumental gives harp player Tom Brumley and guitarist Ken Hughes a chance to stretch out.

The East River Blues Band, now one of the best local "Chicago" units use their jazzy musical approach and creative songwriting on "East River Rats", "Running Home To Brooklyn" and "Hasta La Vista". The later is co-written by Bill Acosta bass, who anchors the rhythm section with three different drummers, here it's Towner Galaher again. Ken Hughes guitar playing is steady throughout the album but I especially like him acoustically as on Arthur Blake's country styled "Police Dog Blues" and also on "Subway Blues" "Candy Store", and "Fiona's Shuffle" all co-written by Ken. "Bleeding" is a deeper blues, and Ken's electric guitar and Tom's harmonica shine. All ten of the original compositions are co-written by Dan Cumberland who, besides being an able vocalist, deserves much of the creative credit.

It is one thing to be able to "cover" the blues as the ERBB does on their first cd "The East River Blues Band". It's another to be able to utilize creative songwriting and remain within the "Chicago" style. A band must be able to do both. The East River Blues Band has arrived. You may learn more about them and purchase both of their cd's at eastriverbluesband.com

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com