The Rockit 88 is back in 2010 with Sweet Sugar Cane (7 Arts Music). Rockit 88 Band includes the two founders: keyboardist/vocals Bill King and guitarist/vocals – Neil Chapman and heavyweights – Jim Casson drums, Jay Speziale bass/vocals and newcomer Stacey Bulmer sharing frontline duty. The band has revamped its sound with several months of writing new material for their second release ‘Sweet Sugar Cane.’
Blues remains at the core but the band has added a touch of country rock, Appalachian, folk electric and Southern rock to the mix. ‘Sweet Sugar Cane’ is all about storytelling – the kind that happens in the Deep South – civil rights, dignity, passion and desire, life, loss and the celebration of the human spirit. The songwriting have been called Van Morrison meets Bob Dylan.
At the core of the band’s sound is a blend of rockin’ piano, heavy slide guitar, thundering bass, pounding drums, four lead singers – a sound made to order by great American bands like the Allman Brothers and Little Feet.
In 2003 piano/vocalist Bill King paired down his dream band featuring partner – guitarist Neil Chapman – the Saturday Nite Fish Fry to the rhythm section and allowed it to feast on its own vices. A steady Friday night gig at RD’s Barbeque & Blues in Toronto helped the four-piece find a name, attitude, distinct personality and new repertoire.
The sound was classic blues with a bit of New Orleans and Southern rock sprinkled on top for seasoning. The group’s debut went on to capture a Maple Blues Award for Best New Artist and a Juno nomination for best blues album.
Buy Sweet Sugar Cane
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.
