Little Charlie and The Nightcats; they got me back into my blues roots. In the 1960's I had listened to Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, The James Cotton Blues Band, and Taj Mahal. In the 1970's The Fabulous Thunderbirds revitalized my love of the blues. In the 1980's it was Little Charlie and The Nightcats.

After hearing them and because blues was so accessible on a "club" level they, well Rick Estrin in particular, sent me on a crusade to search out and listen to every Chicago styled blues band that existed. Rick Estrin can make you feel elated and then he can bring you back down to earth again. Rick Estrin is a true bluesman, similar to Junior Wells, Charlie Musselwhite or Albert Collins. He is also one of the 5 or 6 best harp players on this planet. He has along with his partner Little Charlie Baty created a legacy that is now approaching the end of its third decade.

Little Charlie Baty is the best guitarist today playing the west coast jump style that has gained popularity. It is more uptempo than traditional Chicago styled blues, although they also can get low down, incorporating elements of swing, jazz and rockabilly. Their first album was released on Alligator in 1987. They have nine albums in total including their "Deluxe Edition" best of album. No one I know owns just one Little Charlie & The Nightcats album. Little Charlie fans are crazed blues fanatics who know that they are hearing something very special and often have every one of their albums. It has been three years since they first released "That's Big" but it still seems fresh every time you play it. By not rushing their releases they guaranty the quality inside.

Ten of the fourteen songs were written by Rick Estrin. My favorites include Rick's "Weekend Off", "That's Big", "I Know She Used To Be Your Woman", and "Money Must Think I'm Dead". Charlie Baty authored the two original guitar instrumentals, "Bluto's Back", and "Bayview Jump". The drummer Joe Ventitelli contributes "Real Love". The bass player is Frankie Randell, and since the current rhythm section has been with the band over four years, they will be tight when they make their two area appearances. They will be at The Turning Point in Piermont, NY on Wednesday March 23rd, and at The Towne Crier in Pawling, NY Saturday March 26th. Whether you've seen them many times before or if this is to be your first time, you will be thrilled by one of the best blues bands playing today. This is a guaranteed good time.

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

(c)2005 Richard Ludmerer