Blast Off

Blues Orbiters

Reviewed by Randy Oxford

The title certainly fits the CD. The Blues Orbiters debut release "Blast Off" will definitely take you on an unforgettable ride. By now, most Northwest blues fans who have remained on earth recently have heard of the Blues Orbiters. Now it's time to take a good hard listen and check out what these talented musicians really have to say.

"Blast Off" has 11 great tunes on it and all but three are originals. The quality of the sound on this CD is top notch thanks in part to the expertise of Engineer Steve Smith and his recording facility at Seattle Drum School Studios. The CD is produced by the Blues Orbiters. The Blues Orbiters hit you right off the launch pad with some facts about life told through original compositions like "Love Makes You Fat", "Just A Mistake", "Straight From the Jar", and "You Don't Know My Love". Then there is the laid back, eerie story told by Jeff Hayes on "Don't Be Afraid of The Thunder", followed by "A Test of Time", "Rhumba Boogie Blues" and "Big Moon Rising". Mix in three great cover tunes, "Somedays", "Phone Booth" and "T-Bone Shuffle", and what we have here is a world class recording that is put together in a way that will make you want to listen to it from beginning to end without a pause. This recording covers many different tempos and grooves and it feels like you are taking a ride with them in their Rocket.

The Blues Orbiters consist of Jeff Hayes on vocals and drums, Peter Norris on vocals and a fat-toned Gibson guitar, Brian Lee on a slide guitar that he made himself (among other guitars). Brian also plays a real tasteful big toned harp. Then there is Roger Smith (originally a drummer), now a truly great bass player, as you will soon find out. The horn duties on this recording were very well done by Jim Walls on the Saxophone. He has a nasty, raspy tone that fits the Blues perfectly. Every member of the Blues Orbiters are accomplished musicians and are able to reach your soul. The song writing by Jeff Hayes, Brian Lee and Peter Norris is superb and is evenly distributed throughout the CD, as are their vocal duties. Their writing and vocals combined are very believable in the stories that they are telling. It makes me feel that there could be some truth to what they are presenting to us through their music.

"Blast Off" to one of their live shows and spend some time in their space. You can find out more about the band and where they are playing next, as well as sample their music by going to www.bluesorbiters.com. Once you hear a sample of the Blues Orbiters music I guarantee that you will want their CD in your possession ASAP. Take a ride.