Not Your Father’s Blues Band

New Watchdog Blues Band

A Night with The New Watchdog Blues Band

The New Watchdog Blues Band was the featured artist at October’s Blue Collar Blues event, held at The Chubby Pickle, a member venue. The host band The Incinerators opened with another fine set consisting of some well chosen covers, which they rotate from show to show, as well as several originals which I hope to hear the studio versions of on the new CD, slated for a 2025 release. Highlights included Robben Ford’s “Prison of Love,” B.B. King’s “Help the Poor,” with Miss Kimmie belting out the vocals in her stunning new dress, which she picked up on a recent vacation in Quebec, and a song made famous by Grand Funk Railroad, “Some Kind of Wonderful.” Original tunes, “Showdown,” and “Discarded,” showed that the band can write and play songs that stand up to any of the covers that they choose.

The Incinerators 202410
The Incinerators

The New Watchdog Blues Band: A Fresh Sound in Blues

The New Watchdog Blues Band hails from North Jersey and since coming on the scene has impressed those who have seen them live. Their visit on this night included Kevin Kelley on guitar/vocals, Lou Rotile on bass/vocals, Sam Furci on Harmonica/vocals, Ken Fink on sax, Glenn Johnson on drums and up front, a trio of singers, Erin O’Brien, Anne Rogers and Shelia Wikiel. If you were paying attention, you noticed that there are a chorus of vocalists and that’s what sets them apart from most of the acts we see. 

Setting the Stage: A Diverse Set List

They got the evening started with a rocking version of “Lillie Mae,” they quickly transitioned to “Trouble in Mind,” a vaudeville blues-style song written by jazz pianist Richard M. Jones, which featured terrific three-part harmonies by the ladies over an original arrangement. “Respect Yourself,” a song most closely associated with Mavis Staples, was highlighted by Sam’s harp solo. Next up, Muddy Waters classic, “Hoochie Coochie Man,” was underscored by some fine bass lines from Lou and while staying true to the original, it sounded like no other version I have heard before, with the audience loving it.

Funk, Folk, and Rock ‘n’ Roll

A seldom covered tune by Stevie Ray Vaughn,“Tina-Nina-Nu,” was given a funky beat with Glenn’s rhythmic drumming, Erin’s cow bell and featured Anne on lead vocals. Buddy Holly’s “That’ll Be the Day,” was a perfect choice for those sweet female harmonies, with the band making it their own with some great complimentary playing. “You Make Me Feel So Bad,” began with Lou’s mesmerizing bass, followed by Kevin employing the wah wah pedal with his guitar, and the female contingent roaming the audience with tambourines! 

Blues Classics Reimagined

Erin took the lead on a rousing version of Robert Johnson’s “Sweet Home Chicago,” which included some fine sax by Ken. J.B. Lenoir’s mid-fifties classic, “Talk to Your Daughter,” was a swinging arrangement with Sam taking the vocals backed up by some fine sax and guitar. Kevin took the mic for Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason,” and did a great job with it. 

A Versatile and Dynamic Performance

It doesn’t happen often, but Albert Collin’s “If You Love Me Like You Say” had Anne on vocals, demonstrating how two bands can take the same song, and make it sound uniquely their own. “House of the Rising Sun,” a song in the public domain had Shelia on the lead, and this swinging arrangement again showed the bands versatility and their ability to make the whole sound greater than the sum of their parts.

Ending on a High Note

The Rooftop Singers ditty, “Walk Right In,” included plenty of the fun factor, with an over-the-top dance routine by the ladies. The closer, Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me,” included four part harmony with Sam (how fitting) and the ladies, capping off a wonderful night of music.

Please check this band out live, it will be well worth your while.  www.TheNewWatchDogBluesBand.com