One Night Only

Little Bill & The Bluenotes
with special guest DickPowell (Monkey Hat Records)

Reviewed by Rev. Dave Brown

I’m making so much money it’s getting hard to sing the blues” so sings Little Bill on his wonderful new CD, ‘ One Night Only’. Lets hope Bill never makes that much money! ‘One Night Only’ is the 9th record by Little Bill and the Blue Notes since 1988. It is the first recordwith new guitarist Billy Stapleton. Often referred to as a northwest legend,the new record reminds us that Bill is not resting on his ‘legendary’reputation. ‘One Night Only’ is alive and vital. It captures the renewed energy that has been present in the bands recent live performances. It is a great record.

The record features Bills vocals and bass joined by his drummer and friend for the past 40 years Tommy Morgan. Dick Powell is a special guest on keyboards, harp and B-3, a regular guest with the band it is a treat to hear Dick on the B-3 as well as harp and keyboards. New guitarist Billy Stapleton fits the band like a glove bringing new energy and moving with ease from well-known classic’s like “ Bye Bye Blackbird” to little Bill originals like “Lincoln Continental Blues”. Throughout the record he shows that he deserves his reputation as one of the regions best.

This band has jelled! From the opening track,“Grits Ain’t Groceries” where Bills smooth vocals flow seamlessly into Billy’s guitar and Dicks B-3 to the last track, the classic, “Shake Rattle and Roll” with great guitar and harp, ‘ One Night Only’ is a gem. The band is awesome. And at the heart of it all is Bill Englehart. His bass is smooth and his vocals are perfect if he is singing Ray Charles slow blues, “Loosing Hand”, the standard “Bye Bye Blackbird”, or his own up tempo “Cherry Red”.

Bill dedicates this record to the memory of Mister Jenkins, the original 1955 Blue Notes and the George Washington Carver American Legion Hall. He takes time to recognize his past. The new record reminds us that he is a vital force in the present and will continue to be in the future. “One Night Only” is a great recording of one of the greatest northwest originals.