CD Review: BIG SUGA - Get In Line



     'Get In Line' is the debut release from Greenport's BIG SUGA, a high energy rock and roll band that blends old school honky-tonk with modern jam band styling and hooks, and does it well.  The disc is a 5 song introduction to the band.  Josh Y Horton leads the band with his gritty vocals and enjoyable story-telling lyrical style.  The band is driven by seasoned drummer Jamie Schott, bassist Phil Mastrangelo, and features great lead playing by both Tom 'Shecky' Davis on guitar and Louis DiVirgilio on harmonica.  Rounding out the sound of the band are the strong complimentary voices of Russell Lee Smith Jr. and Tonia Franklin.

     The disc opens with the title track.  It starts off relaxed, ala Lou Reed, but soon picks up pace and rocks out hard ala Blues Traveler.  'Long Gone' is a nashville fueled, well written tune that brings John Hiatt to mind.  Next up is 'Destination Unknown'.  A total groove and jam delight, Shecky really cuts loose on this one.....It's may personal favorite of the bunch......'LI Sailor' brings the pace down to a slow honky-tonk with an eastern Long Island inspired maritme storyline.  The disc closes out with another all out rocker that has great grooves, and a killer hook to go with it.  'Ain't Goin' Down That Way' ends in a flash and leaves you wishing there was another song or 2.

     If you like to rock out to good old-fashioned rock and roll, 'Get In Line' will not disappoint you one bit.  It sits comfortably in my CD changer next to The Black Crowes, the Rolling Stones, Blues Traveler, and the Reverend Horton Heat.......and fits right in the mix.



LISTEN TO BIG SUGA

ROCK THE HARVEST 2010

     It was a beautiful autumn day with a slight breeze for 2010's ROCK THE HARVEST FESTIVAL at Pindar Vineyards.  Approximately 1,000 people came to fields in Cutchogue for a worthy cause and afternoon of fine music.  TAOST got the afternoon started with a fun set of psychedelic rock that flowed from spacey jam rock to all-out classic punk.  It was a solid set of catchy tunes and interesting jams that got the juices flowing for the afternoon.  Next on stage was the JAY SCOTT BAND.  They brought their brand of roots rock to the north fork once again (they also appeared at this year's Barge Bash) and played an enjoyable set of stomp your feet tunes that showcased the talents of a great LI song-writer.  The band featured an added percussion section and played a bit more subdued than at the Barge Bash, and it leaves us curious to see which JSB we'll see out here next time.  At this point, there was a change in plans.  KERRY KEARNEY came on stage, and as soon as the band kicked in, and the slide guitar cried out,  the field was hopping.  Kerry ripped through a screaming set of  jam blues rock that rivaled any of the more exposed national acts.  His sound has evolved over the years, and though it is still solidly rooted in the blues, it has an approach that is much less derivative of standard blues.  His slide guitar work was truly psychedlic.  BIG SUGA had the unenviable task of trying to keep the momentum of the day alive, and they did not disappoint.  Their full-on Honky Tonk fueled Rock-n-Roll was just the recipe to keep those feet hopping in the field.  Led by singer and guitarist Josh Horton, and featuring a solid duo of complimentary singers, the band chugged through an hour of tunes featuring a number of originals and classic favorites.  Finishing up the day was BIG RIVER RANSOM.  BRR features Jon DiVello, a veteran NF performer.  Their set finished off the day reminding us we were most definitely dancing in the fields.  Fiddle was present, as was un unmistakable alt country feel that brought the crowd to a day ending jovial mood (though I think the wine may have helped a bit.......).  The set was very enjoyable and the musicianship was excellent, a fitting way to end a worthy cause and fun afternoon at Pindar Vineyards.