Roomful Of Blues: Ronnie Earl Horvarth (guitar); Rich Lataille (saxophone); Greg Piccolo (tenor saxophone); Mr. Low (baritone saxophone); Danny Motta (trumpet); Porky Cohen (trombone); Al Copley (piano, organ); Jimmy Wimfheimer (acoustic & electric bass); John Rossi (drums).
The third album by Roomful of Blues (which they originally put out on their own label; it was later reissued by Varrick) has plenty of exciting moments that should interest blues and jazz fans alike. The nine-piece group in 1980 featured Greg Piccolo on spirited vocals and romping tenor, trombonist Porky Cohen, and the up-and-coming guitarist Ronnie Earl (then known as Ronnie Earl Horvath) as the key soloists. Most of the music consists of blues at various tempos, but there are also a couple of blues ballads and a feature for Cohen on a fairly lengthy "Caravan." The music is accessible, jumping and creative within its genre. Well worth searching for. ~ Scott Yanow