FOR PETE'S SAKE
The last time I saw Pete Mayes and the Houserockers was several years ago at the San Antonio Bowie St. Blues Festival, and a fine performance it was. His most recent effort, "For Pete's Sake," did not let me down.
Reminiscent of T-Bone Walker stylings (including one T-Bone cover), this CD lies heavy on the swing side of blues with several shuffes and slow blues thrown in for good measure. Very strong horn parts add to this slick presentation by Derek O'Brien.
In addition to personal favorites Kaz Kazanoff, Gary Schlecta, Randy Zimmerman and Jon Blondell among others, there are also appearances by local bass wizard Jack Barber. Other contributions are heard by George Rains on drums, Gene Taylor on piano, and of course, Derek O'Brien on guitar.
It is interesting to note that the cover photos were done by an old friend of mine from Austin, Matthew Fuller. I heard Matt was taking pictures, now I'm a believer.
This is a solid presentation and I enjoyed it immensely. Go buy it.
-- Mike Davis, San Antonio Blues Society
