Twisted

by Rick Estrin, Nightcats, Rick Estrin and the Nightcats

Overview

As singer/harpist/songwriter and co-founder for Little Charlie & the Nightcats since 1976, Rick Estrin was often mistakenly called Charlie, the group's guitarist who seemed to be in the shadow of the flamboyant Estrin. Little Charlie Baty's exit from the rigors of touring in 2007 gave Estrin rights to officially lead the band, whose most recent rhythm section of bassist Lorenzo Farrell and drummer J. Hansen remain on board for the change. Well-known Norwegian guitarist Kid Andersen (Charlie Musselwhite, John Nemeth) picks up the guitar chores and things continue pretty much as they had been with Estrin even sticking with the Alligator label, which had steadfastly supported the band by releasing its nine previous albums. The replacement in guitarists hasn't altered the sound substantially -- perhaps Andersen is a little less jump-blues oriented -- and since Estrin was such a formidable vocal and harp presence, only the most die-hard Nightcats fans will notice the subtle musical shift. Estrin writes the majority of the tunes, capitalizing on the wry, humorous turns of phrases that made older tracks such as "My Next Ex-Wife" such show-stoppers. His nimble harmonica roars like Little Walter on "P.A. Slim Is Back" and the peppy "I'm Takin' Out My In-Laws," the only tune credited (and sung by) drummer Hansen. The group clicks on the "Fever"-styled, walking bass instrumental "Cool Breeze," where Estrin blows rich chromatic harmonica, Andersen displays his taste and restraint on jazzy leads, and standup bassist Farrell takes a rare solo. Andersen directs the group while the M.I.A. Estrin might have been shopping to add to his colorful wardrobe for the closing, surfy "Bigfoot," an odd way to finish the album since the band's leader is conspicuously absent. Regardless, this is a rollicking, fun, and successful debut for Estrin as a titular frontman to the act he's often thought to have led for years. ~ Hal Horowitz

Product Details

Release Date:	06/02/2009
Label:	Alligator Records
UPC:	0014551493020

Tracks

1. Big Time
2. Back from the Dead
3. U B U
4. Walk All Day
5. Catchin' Hell
6. Earthquake
7. P.A. Slim Is Back
8. A Ton of Money
9. Take It Slow
10. I'm Takin' out My In-Laws
11. Cool Breeze
12. You Can't Come Back
13. Someone, Somewhere
14. Bigfoot

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Rick Estrin   Primary Artist,Vocals,Harmonica
Nightcats   Primary Artist
Rick Estrin and the Nightcats   Primary Artist
Chris "Kid" Andersen   Organ,Guitar,Vocals (Background)
Bob Welsh   Organ,Piano
J. Hansen   Drums,Vocals,Percussion,Vocals (Background)
Lorenzo Farrell   Bass

Technical Credits

Chris "Kid" Andersen   Mixing,Composer,Engineer,Producer,Audio Production
Scott Brenton   Engineer
Kevin Niemiec   Design
Hans Bosse   Assistant Engineer
Kent Lacin   Photography
Michael Trossman   Logo
Peter Brown   Assistant Engineer
J. Hansen   Composer
Rick Estrin   Composer,Producer,Audio Production
Dan Stout   Mastering
Lorenzo Farrell   Composer
Bruce Iglauer   Mastering,Liner Notes