In 1978 The Bill Dicey-Robert Ross Band backed Big Joe Turner on an album for Spivey Records. In 1980 Robert Ross's "Sittin' In The Jailhouse" was recorded by Johnny Winter. Robert has worked with everyone including Big Mama Thornton, John Lee Hooker and Dr John. He continues to win awards and was a NY State Arts Council re-grant recipient in 2005. Robert Ross has devoted his life to making music.

This is Robert's seventh album, this time for Fountainbleu Records. Robert is a gifted songwriter, guitarist and vocalist and he shows us just how good he really is. Opening with "Tonight's The Night" the first of ten originals, one is immediately impressed. Both "All Dressed Up, No Place To Go", and "69 Chevy" are more rockabilly styled tunes. "Born With These Blues" is autobiographical. Robert's guitar solos are outstanding. Robert is also a vocalist possessed of a pitch perfect voice. The songs therefore sound complete as if they almost wrote themselves.

In a world where we often look for the "next big thing" we tend to overlook our most dependable talents. On "Harlem Nocturne", a classic instrumental, Robert's guitar playing is a crazy mixture of rock, blues and jazz, while still remaining mysterious. On "King Bee" Robert plays tribute to Slim Harpo. Robert also covers Elmore James "It Hurts Me Too" and he shows us he can still "slide".

In a career that spans almost forty years there will be ups and downs. Robert Ross still enjoys performing whether it be with his full band, in a duo, or as a solo performer. Robert writes "If I Had Known" "that I would have lived this long I would have taken better care of myself". In a celebration of life Robert closes the album with the New Orleans styled "Come On Let's Rock". Catch up with Robert, visit his website at www.robertrossband.com

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