Review Text
"A big old growl, some two fisted pianistics, and you've got a bump-'n'-grind social music that accounts for Albert Ammons and Lowell George." THE VILLAGE VOICE Keyesland Records is proud to announce the release of keyboardist and band leader Dave Keyes's 4th CD, ROOTS IN THE BLUES, Oct 20th, 2009. ROOTS IN THE BLUES is a diverse set of mostly original material that ranges from shuffles and rollicking boogie to soulful R&B, zydeco, country and solo gospel piano. It features special guests Larry Campbell (Levon Helm, Bob Dylan) and bluesmaster Popa Chubby. ROOTS IN THE BLUES was recorded at Skyline NYC and at Popa Chubby's Serpentine Studio and is anchored by drummer Frank Pagano, and bassists Gary Frazier ( Joan Osborne) and Lincoln Schleifer. Dave Keyes, a New York native, won the Blues Foundation's International Blues Competition and his festival appearances include King Biscuit, Mississippi Valley, 3 appearances at the Cognac France Blues Fest, and annual appearances at Lugano Switzerland's Blues to Bop Festival among many others. Dave has also appeared at the Queen City Blues Fest's legendary Arches solo piano stage. The Dave Keyes Band was the house band for the nationally syndicated TV morning variety show The Ainsley Harriott Show seen on NBC by one million households throughout the country 5 days a week. Dave Keyes has appeared regularly has appeared regularly with Popa Chubby, the late Odetta, and gospel legend Marie Knight, and worked as a sideman with such roots- music masters as Bo Diddley, Sleepy LaBeef, Carl Weathersby, Pam Tillis, Gladys Knight, Chuck Berry and David Johansen to name just a few. Dave was also the conductor for the Broadway production of Smokey Joe's Cafe, featuring the music of Leiber & Stoller and sings and plays on the show's Grammy Award winning soundtrack album. "Dave Keyes has a rolling piano style with a solid left hand, and he sings in a fine form...Bootin' arrangements sure to please fans of roots rock and boogie." LIVING BLUES.
