The Rockin' Daddys make it sound easy - guys who've played long enough to know the zen, as it were of rock 'n roll.
These Burlington-based 'rents maintain the tradition of other power trios in rock history: ultra-strength guitar (played by Blue Fox) and a tongue-in-groove - emphasis on groove - rhythm section. For the Daddys, this is Larry Vigneault on bass and Paul Hislop on drums. All three are bar band vets, comfortable with classics from Howlin' Wolf to Buddy Guy to Bob Dylan, as well as the originals penned by Fox - who even wrote a song, "Lover Man," about their love of music.
The Foxman's vocals sound remarkably like those of another local legend, Zoot Wilson - deep and lazy-growly-sexy. But the Daddys hit their stride on this recording when Fox is focused on guitar and harmonica. It's a little-blind-lemon-slim-harpo-guitar-junior sort of thing, performed with consummate abandon.
From a simple Delta ditty by Robert Johnson to the walking blues satire, "I Love My TV" to the full-mojo of Bar Room Boogie," The Rockin' Daddys are hip shaking operation. One caveat: The recording, done mostly live in the studio at Low Tech, is on the dry and sterile side, a far cry from the band's live-in-the-barroom sizzle. Next time, bring the crowd. - Pamela Polston