New York City is a blues town. Michael Packer fronts his own band, and often hosts blues jams throughout the city. He can be seen in Manhattan, or Staten Island, in upstate New York, or in New Jersey. The special thing about Michael Packer is his passion for his music and his voice. Michael's voice is something special, it's emotive and it's unique. Michael has worked with everyone and often when his band plays it will be with a special guest artist. Michael wanted to record a live album and a lot of people who have played with Michael wanted to be part of it. So on one night in January, The Michael Packer Band with special guests played Sweet Rhythm, a NYC nightclub. Among the members were Michael Packer, guitar and vocals; King Bear, bass; Ed Jackson, Percussion, Nat Seeley, Drums and special guests including:

Jimmy Vivino, Guitar and vocals. Jimmy Vivino can be seen nightly on the Conan O'Brien show, in The Vivino Brothers Blues Band (along with his brother Jerry), in Steaks and Chops and also in The Fab Faux. He has been responsible for helping to re-vive the careers of many older blues artists by working with, and producing them including Johnnie Johnson and Hubert Sumlin, among others. www.jimmyvivino.com/steaks.html David Maxwell, Piano. David Maxwell appears on approximately 80 different blues recordings. He took lessons from Otis Spann and spent five years as piano player in The James Cotton Blues Band. He is the most in demand blues pianist of our times. www.davidmaxwell.com/ Felix Cabrera, Harmonica. Felix is a Cuban-American disciple of Senor Butterfield. His hispanic flavored blues is both creative and original. www.felixcabrera.com/ Lou Marini, Sax. Lou was part of the original Blues Brothers Band and is one of the most in demand horn players in the country. www.allaboutjazz.com/php/musician.php?id=2659

Michael Packer introduces this all-star band and opens this set with "I'm Tore Down". Michael sings, Jimmy V rips a guitar solo, and David Maxwell brings it way down with his piano. Jimmy V opens the next song with another solo, Michael sings "The Thrill has gone away for good..." the band is hot as Lou Marini takes his turn. Jimmy V sings "Knock Myself Out" while Lou's sax dances in the dark. Felix takes a turn on the harp and the place goes nuts. Michael Packer sings "Somebody Have Mercy" and then his reworked version of the Nick Gravenities song now called "Born in New York City". This is New York City Blues at its best. Michael then sings "Killing Floor", Lou's sax soars. Felix Cabrera closes the set singing "As The Years Go Passing By" and blowing like there is no tomorrow. Purchase this cd and other Michael Packer cds at Learn more about Michael Packer at www.michaelpackerbluesband.com

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