2023 Media - "A Day By The Bay" Album
Here are 2023 music reviews and media coverage of the latest Backtrack Blues Band studio album "A Day By The Bay":
The St. Petersburg, Florida rooted outfit Backtrack Blues Band turn in a live record for their debut release on their new home, Gulf Coast Records, and it’s a great example of their unbounded energy and uncontainable excitement for their version of the blues.
click here to read entire review
— Take Effect, October 2023
One of Florida's and the nation's longest running blues bands,Backtrack Blues Band has released a new album titled A Day By The Bay a nine song collection recorded live at the prestigious Tampa Bay Blues festival on April 10, 2022.
click here to read entire review
— Best of WNY - Bob Silvestri, June 2023
Founded in 1980, the Backtrack Blues Band has since established itself as one of the most consistent pillars of the state of Florida. Named after the instrumental title of Little Walter by its founding harmonica player, Sonny Charles, the formation has no less than seven albums to the counter (as well as two DVDs), and has performed throughout its career with big names such as B.B. KIng, Koko Taylor, Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Lee Hooker, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, George Thorogood, The Nighthawks, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Gregg Allman, Johnny Winter, Lonnie Brooks, Junior Wells, Robert Cray, Little Milton, Tommy Castro and Lonnie Mack.
click here to read entire review
— PARIS-MOVE, June 11th 2023
Recorded live at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival, the album features Tampa Bay area locals The Back Track Blues Band, a band with 42 years time together. Sonny Charles is lead vocalist and harmonica player. Kid Royal plays guitar and sings on three cuts. Little John Walter handles rhythm guitar and some backing vocals. The backline is Joe Bencomo on drums and Stick Davis on bass. The B3 organ player is Wayne Sharp. Latonya Oliver and Dana Merriweather offer up backing vocals, too. All the songs were penned by Charles except two; Royal wrote the seventh track and there is one cover tune.
click here to read entire review
— Blues Blast Magazine – June 8, 2023
The eight-piece Backtrack Blues Band have been fan favorites on the West Coast of Florida for 40-plus years, and they show why with this rock-steady CD, a set of straight-ahead, traditional blues recorded in front of an energetic crowd at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival last year.
click here to read entire review
— Red Hot 'n Blues Reviews, June 2023
Fans of live Blues will flock to the latest release from Backtrack Blues Band - A Day By The Bay, which was recorded live at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival. Backtrack Blues Band has been performing for over 40-years and have performed with a Who's Who of artists such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Gregg Allman, and the list goes on. The nine-track live release will find its way on many a Blues fans play list and is the perfect release to play at a party.
click here to read entire review
— Edward F. Nesta, May 23, 2023
The joint was jumping at the Tampa Bays Blues Festival back in April, 2022 as he Backtrack Blues Band hit the stage running with a barrelhouse of blues rocking. The team of Sonny Charles/voc-harm, Kid Royal/voc-g, Little Johnny Walter/g-voc, Joe Bencomo/dr, Stick Davis/b, Wayne Sharp/B3 and Latonya Oliver-Dana Merriwether stomp out a set of originals.
click here to read entire review
— George W. Harris, May 18, 2023
There's something powerful about live blues that you won’t find in studio recordings. Backtrack Blues Band's debut album for Gulf Coast Records, A Day By The Bay, is a case in point. Recorded live at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival on April 10th, 2022, this disc crackles with energy and vitality. For any blues fanatic this is the very definition of irresistible.
click here to read entire review
— John Kereiff Features, May 8, 2023
[Translated] Hailing from the Tampa Bay region of Florida, the Backtrack Blues Band is one of America's longest-running and most successful blues bands. They have performed with many blues legends, such as Stevie Ray Vaughan, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, Koko Taylor, Johnny Winter, John Lee Hooker and Robert Cray, just to name a few. This five-piece band has an upbeat, electric blues sound reminiscent of the early Chicago blues scene.
click here to read entire review
— Walter Vanheuckelom, April 12, 2023
Rock & Blues Muse is pleased to exclusively premiere Backtrack Blues Band’s new video “Make My Home In Florida” from the band’s forthcoming album A Day By The Bay on April 14th via Gulf Coast Records.
The acclaimed St. Petersburg-based Backtrack Blues Band recorded their new live album at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival on April 10, 2022. These seasoned musicians combined have garnered a Grammy Award, two Blues Music Awards, a Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and three Tampa Bay Music Awards for “Best Blues Band.”
click here to read entire review
— Martine Ehrenclou, March 29, 2023
St. Petersburg-based Backtrack Blues Band, will released their Gulf Coast Records' debut album, A Day by the Bay – Live, on April 14th, 2023. Recorded live at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival on April 10, 2022, the new live album showcases the band that consists of Sonny Charles on harmonica and vocals; Kid Royal on lead guitar and vocals; Little Johnny Walter on rhythm guitar; Joe Bencomo on drums; and Stick Davis on bass. On larger shows, the band is joined by Wayne Sharp on B3 organ and the Backtrack Angels on backing vocals. These seasoned musicians combined have garnered a Grammy Award, two Blues Music Awards, a Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and three Tampa Bay Music Awards for "Best Blues Band". The Backtrack Blues Band was formed in St Petersburg, Florida in 1980, and is one of the longest-running blues bands in America. This high-energy quintet features Chicago- style blues, with Texas influences. Exceptional guitar, harp, and vocals have made this band a favorite on the American and international festival circuit.
click here to read entire review
— Michael Limnios Blues Network, March 28, 2023
Recorded live at the Tampa Bay Blues Festival on April 10, 2022, the new live album showcases the band that consists of Sonny Charles on harmonica and vocals, Kid Royal on lead guitar and vocals, Little Johnny Walter on rhythm guitar, Joe Bencomo on drums and Stick Davis on bass. On larger shows, the band is joined by Wayne Sharp on B3 organ and the Backtrack Angels on backing vocals. These seasoned musicians combined have garnered a Grammy Award, two Blues Music Awards, a Keeping the Blues Alive Award, and three Tampa Bay Music Awards for “Best Blues Band.“
click here to read entire review
— Fotos Blues Rock and More, March 27, 2023
2020 Media - "Your Baby Has Left" Album
Here are 2020 music reviews and media coverage of the latest Backtrack Blues Band studio album "Your Baby Has Left":
“ This band is made up of eminent musicians who prefer that early sound of the Chicago blues scene . The band delivers great, innervating blues , with a great deal of passion and feeling . The harmonica is reminiscent of the sound of Paul Butterfield or that exceptional musical combination of Anson Funderburgh featuring Sam Myers . This is a striking , authoritative work with a lot of sensitivity and primordial energy . There is no doubt this is really great and effective electric Chicago blues . So race to the record store and secure your copy of this great album . “
click here to read entire review
— la Malden Locar - Mike, SoundGuardian, April 5, 2020
When the Backtrack Blues Band wraps his muscles around Jimmy Reed’s “Natural Born Lover” on their terrific Your Baby Has Left (VizzTone Records), all hell breaks loose. This is some quintet ! They play it fast and tight .There’s really not a whole hell of a lot of blues bands that sound like this : combining aspects of Chicago blues , Texas blues with a Southern rock base . Drummer Joe Bencomo is as in -the - pocket as one can get while Little Johnny Walter’s funky guitar gives the mix it’s thick middle . Wholeheartedly Recommended! “
click here to read entire review
— Mike Greenblatt, The Goldmine Magazine, July 16, 2020
Listen to the John Sinclair Radio Show, where the Backtrack Blues Bland joins John for an hour of music from their new album, along with conversations between the Band and Robert Jr. Whitall & Sugar Mae Owens, of Big City Rhythm & Blues magazine.
click here to listen to the radio interview
— The John Sinclair Radio Show, June 17, 2020
" The Florida veterans Backtrack Blues Band returns with one of the best records of their career. Excellent production captures the energy and detailed musicianship. After the soaring guitars and energetic rhythms of " Best Friend's Grave " , follows the spirited harmonica and soulful , bluesy delivery where frontman Sonny Charles sings powerfully . A listen with plenty of Chicago influences as well as guitar indebted to Texas lineage .....a must hear for those who prefer their blues authentic and with zero filler included. "
click here to read entire review
— Take Effect, April 7 2020
"A winning combination that blends traditional Chicago blues with Texas , swamp and Sunshine state funk too . Eight originals and one cover are deep in the pocket throughout . Give a good listen to " Best Friend's Grave " , a pleasant, loping blues with gospel overtones , as well as the stop-time " Your Baby Has Left " , the percussive shuffle " Killin Time " , the boogie " She Might Get Mad " and the slow blues ballad " Times Is Hard " .
— Marty Gunther, Chicago Blues Guide, July 2020
“The band delivers the goods without self-indulgent frills or forays . Davis' bass is unerring and Bencomo rides a groove. The strong baritone vocalizing of Sonny Charles is unwavering and his harp playing hews to a classic Chicago style , with clear tones emails appreciated because of the album's excellent production values”
— Dan Stevens, Blues Music Magazine, July 2020
“ appreciate the band’s excellence , with a full repertoire of Texas and Chicago influences and the personal stamp of Florida blues . The striking Sonny Charles harmonica and vocals together with Kid Royal’s sophisticated guitar techniques... GREAT ”
— Vicente Zumel, La Hora Del Blues , Spain , June 2020
“ This production is one that cuts no corners . You want an authentic, analog sound , you return to a reel-to-reel deck to soothe the savage audiophile. The band’s best work ! ”
click here to read entire review
— Lauren Leadingham, Lauren Leadingham, May 7, 2020
“ ‘ Your Baby Has Left ‘ is a rock - solid example of a seasoned band at it’s best . Sonny Charles plays harp in a style reminiscent of Paul Butterfield and his vocals are a pleasant, potent baritone. Kid Royal plays guitar in the T-Bone Walker / Freddie King tradition . It’s perfect medicine for whatever ails ya ! ”
click here to read entire review
— Marty Gunther, Blues Blast Magazine, May 5, 2020
“ It's 7th album , " Your Baby Has Left " captures Backtrack's unique blend of muscular harp and vocals and tasty Texas- inspired lead guitar , with stellar accents by Bruce Katz's keys and the Muscle Shoals Horns . Some sweet, deep Texas guitar that would make T- Bone smile. Sonny's powerful vocals and full throated harmonica attack give this album it's center . It's a real deal blues album made by seasoned blues journeymen . ”
click here to read entire review
— Errny Blues & Others, Russia, March 5, 2020
“ The Album of the Week was a stomper from Tampa Bay's Backtrack Blues Band , who turn up this week with an album jammed with excellent tracks . Their album " Your Baby Has Left " has been doing well on the UK Blues Charts , so a big cheer for Sonny Charles and the rest of the band ”
click here to read entire review
— Just Cruising, The Blues Come Calling, UK, April 2020
“ The band has a strong reputation for creative songwriting. Sonny Charles is a triple threat , as he is a great songwriter, a superb harpist and a darn good vocalist . The Backtrack Blues Band’s crisp Chicago styles originals and Texas guitar tones is guaranteed to make you smile .”
click here to read entire review
— Richard Ludmerer, Making A Scene Magazine, April 2020
" The Backtrack Blues Band is a crew of well-traveled veteran musicians who have another hot album . Hot guitar work from Kid Royal . Hard-edged boogie absolutely drenched in Sonny Charles' ripping harp playing . Charles' harp is gritty and toneful and fills every space it's given with the real- deal blues. The band rubs the pocket just right and Charles' harp and Royal's guitar speak eloquently to anyone lucky enough to listen. This is one of the South's premier groups without a doubt and " Your Baby Has Left " will quickly earn it's keep in your record collection . "
click here to read entire review
— Mike O' Cull, Rock and Blues Muse, March 31, 2020
"Blues musicians have an ability to deliver music that is often timeless. This is the case with Backtrack Blues Band , one of Florida's most accomplished bands , on their seventh CD " Your Baby Has Left ". A catchy , well- constructed album where the harmonica of Sonny Charles is omnipresent. The Backtrack Blues Band is especially recognized for it's performance on stage , where their talent, ardor , passion and originality are best expressed."
click here to read entire review
— Jean-Francois Desputeaux, Blues Quebec.com, April 10, 2020
"Old school , that's the perfect description . They're not trying to redefine the blues , just reveling in the inspirational coolness of the blues . Led by Sonny Charles on vocals and harmonica and Kid Royal on guitar and vocals , the Tampa based band explodes with Texas and Chicago style blues."
click here to read entire review
— Paul Shugrue, Album of the Week, Out of the Box, WHRO.com. April 6, 2020
"Florida veterans Backtrack Blues Band return with one of the best records of their career. Spirited , infectious harmonica solos with soulful , bluesy delivery where front man Sonny Charles sings powerfully . A listen with plenty of Chicago influences as well as guitar indebted to Texas lineage.... a must hear for those who prefer their blues authentic and with zero filler included!"
click here to read entire review
— Take Effect Reviews, April 7, 2020
The Backtrack Blues Band has been an institution in the Tampa Bay music scene, playing their muscular brand of electric blues since 1980. These guys can really bring it, honing their version of early Chicago blues with a healthy taste of Texas twang. "Your Baby Has Left" is one of the better sounding blues recordings this reviewer has heard. It’s a fine, fine effort by these blues veterans."
click here to read entire review
— Bob Monteleone, Big City Blues Magazine, April 2, 2020
“This is one hellaciously fine blues record! "Your Baby Has Left" feels like one of the most right on blues discs I’ve maybe ever heard. With just the right amount of dirt, grease, joy, and great playing, this is one for the ages. When people talk about great blues, they’re talking about records just like this. If I had to tally my ‘best of 2020’ list right now, this would be at the top; this is as good as it gets.”
click here to read entire review
— The Rock Doctor, gonzookanagan.com, April 2, 2020
“Tampa Bay’s Backtrack Blues Band has made the journey back to the heart of the source. Back to Paul Butterfield Blues Band and John Mayall - "Your Baby Has Left" is vintage 60’s blues rock. A dynamic rhythm section that keeps things simple and honest, but also high- energy. Charles has a blusey voice with character to spare. His harmonica work veers between rich bursts of sound and surgically precise saxaphone-like runs. Royal is an old school blues player who’s able to wring every last bit of soul out of each note.”
click here to read entire review
— Steven Ovadia, American Blues Scene, March 30, 2020
""BACKTRACK BLUES BAND - a leader with a cheerful style of vocals and harmonica , doubled on his right by a guitar- slinger worthy of the most ruthless assassinations . To sum it up : the leader Sonny Charles proves to be a first -rate blower ( between Sonny Boy, Kim Wilson, and William Clark , do you need to detail it further ? ) the Kid Royal who officiates as lead- guitar never makes the slightest quarter ( where Stevie Ray would be today ) and the rhythm section has the necessary shock absorbers to support such a crew in all circumstances . It would wake up a paralytic in outdated calalepsy!"
— Patrick Dollongeville, PARIS-MOVE, February 28, 2020
Here’s what critics and music reviewers have said about Backtrack Blues Band releases and music from the past:
Quote Sheet
"The CD opens with Sonny Boy's "Checkin' On My Baby" and shows the BBB to be a tight outfit led by skillful harp playing and the sharp guitar of lead guitarist Kid Royal. "
click here to read entire review
— Malcolm Kennedy, Washington Blues Society, September 2018
"Somehow, Ross, who morphs into his stage moniker "Sonny Charles" also finds time to front the Backtrack Blues Band which he co-founded 35 years ago and plays harp, does vocals, and writes original music. Any one of these achievements would be laudatory, but Chuck Ross excels in all of them, and his impact on the Tampa Bay blues scene has been unparalleled and exemplary."
click here to read entire review
— Monte Adkison, La Hora Del Blues, July 2018
"Ma questo solo perché non abbiamo mai considerato, o poco, la Backtrack Blues Band, da oltre 35 anni una delle (poche) istituzioni del Blues nella zona. Formata appunto ad inizio anni '80 da Sonny Charles, cantante e armonicista, nonché patito di Little Walter (infatti il nome del gruppo viene da Backtrack, uno dei brani piu celebri del grande armonicista), e da Little Johnny Walter (guarda il caso!), chitarrista ritmico e fedele amico fin dalla gioventu..."
click here to read entire review
— Burno Conti, Harpo Blues, May 2018
"The band was an early leader on the Florida blues scene in the 1980s, as one of the first authentic blues acts in Tampa Bay. The Make My Home in Florida release marks the group’s sixth album and reflects decades of musical experience from deep down south."
click here to read entire review
— David McCabe, Montreal Blues Society, May 2018
"Whether performing classic covers or original material, Backtrack Blues Band is the very definition of a show band. They’re at their best when performing live, and Make My Home in Florida proves it. A fun-loving live blues album, it should be in everyone’s library. We’re guessing most Floridians already have a copy."
click here to read entire review
— JD Nash, American Blues Scene, March 2018
"Kid Royal gets the chance to show off his Texas flavoured blues licks, and vocals, on BB King’s Woke Up This Morning and T-Bone Walker’s T-Bone Shuffle. Over a crack rhythm section, leader Sonny Charles also impresses mightily with excellent vocals (he handles the majority of the numbers) and equally accomplished blues harp blowing."
click here to read entire review
— Blues Matters!, May 2018
"One of Florida's longest-running and most accomplished bands, The Backtrack Blues Band has performed high-energy, Chicago-style blues continuously since its founding in 1980. The group has established a strong reputation for creative songwriting through six CD's and one DVD of original music -- all of which charted on the U.S. blues radio charts."
click here to read entire review
— Marty, The Blues and Roots Music Blog, April 2018
"At the St. Petersburg, Florida, Palladium Theatre, singer and harmonica brawler Sonny Charles, and his similarly capable co-workers, apply a traditional, natural-seeming apporach to four originals and untarnished gemstones connected to Sonny Boy Williamson II, B.B. King and T-Bone Walker."
click here to read entire review
— Frank-John Hadley, Downbeat, April 2018
"This is a powerful set --- nothing fancy at all --- just a great band playing the blues and playing them well. Charles is a charismatic frontman and dynamite harp player, and Royal does an excellent job in a variety of blues styles."
click here to read entire review
— Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes What's New, April 2018
MEDIA REVIEWS
"When I attend a music festival, I not only want to see my favorite bands, I also want to experience new discoveries. That was certainly my hope this April, in St Petersburg, Florida. Staged on the beautiful waterfront, surrounded by palm trees and open bay views, the KBA award- winning Tampa Bay Blues Festival was the perfect location for a world class blues festival, with both tried-and-true and undiscovered gems."
CLICK HERE TO READ ENTIRE REVIEW
- Laura Carbone, Elmore Magazine, April 2017
