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The Rusty Wright Band'Playin' With Fire'This is simply scorchin' southern rockin' blues from the heart of the rust belt, Flint Michigan. Folks, this CD can be very useful as a test to see if there is any life left in yer bones. If it don't get you up and dancing; call the morgue 'cause you MUST be dead! It is a rockin' tour d'force from beginning to end.
World Upside Down features a great duet between Rusty and Laurie.
Pretty Little Lies features stellar blend of sax/ piano/ guitar for real good time.
Lost Souls is as powerful as a steamroller.
Messin 'Round Laurie's beautiful vocals weaves this cautionary tale around your heart; Rusty's guitar tightens that ribbon.
Make A Liar Out of Me A beautiful ballad that captures your soul with sweet melody and haunting lyrics.
Last Days of Whitey Malone A Molly Hatchet-esque start on steroids with full, rich and textured ambiance with dead on stops and flourishes that drive this heavy bottom smoker.
You Ain't Thinkin' 'Bout Me A Born on the Bad side beat with slice and dice B-3 and dizzying change ups.
A Change In The Weather Infectious southern tinged Lynyrd Skynyrd-ish romp that will inspire you to get up and dance.
What A Ride WOW it ended way to quickly, I was into it!
Playin' With Fire I was leaning into this one and it will hold you up! Powerful runner!
The band consists of Rusty Wright (lead guitar/vocals); Laurie Wright (guitar/vocals); Dave Brahce (keyboards); Andy Barancik ( bass); Pete Haist (drums ); and Eddie Lester ( Sax).
As I listen closely it has elements that remind me of Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet,Pat Travers and The Allman Bros., only with much more texture and depth to the melodies. Rusty's guitar work is impeccable demonstrating a style that is honed by years and years of 'playin' his dues' while still embodying the exuberance and playfulness of a fearless youngster. Rusty's voice is as smooth as molten molasses as he weaves his way thru the heartfelt stories of life on this offering. Laurie's vocals are angel sweet and dead on. They complement each other in beautiful harmonic perfection. But it ain't just about the front side of this band. The boys 'in the back' are tighter than a tutu on a sumo. The hooks and embellishments they thread throughout this project will cause yer jaw to drop and spread a ten inch smile 'cross yer eight inch face. I didn't realize I was leanin' into it until I pitched forward after the last note. For you Bluesers that are closet Rockers, this is one CD that will SATISFY!I guar-on-tee! You can pick this up directly from Rusty and Laurie at rustywrightband.com
~ Review by 'Blueshammer' of Blue Monday Monthly
Jan 28, 2009
Jan 24, 2009
Jan 22, 2009
Climb the mountain
It's 5;45am and I'm preparing to start another day of work which normally doesn't thrill me. I think most people dislike the routine of a day job but we've all been conditioned to think that's just the way it is.
I'm lucky in many respects but there are times when this musical journey is not entirely a bunch of fun. To be honest there's an immense amount of tedious work in the background between each opportunity to play live.
Rehearsals, recording sessions, graphics to design, packages to be made up and mailed out (hundreds of them) then emails and phone calls to follow up. Then the same tired conversation when trying to break into a new area.
"Who? oh, yea I got the press kit. No, I haven't looked at it yet, call me in a week."
And what the heck is it about being from the same state as a festival that makes a promoter suddenly think you're of less value than some guy from 500 miles away?
I've been told by a few people who book events "Oh you're from Michigan, well locals play for free to do my festival" what?!
Our act can keep up with any national out there, which I think our videos show quite well but because I live within driving distance I'm suddenly supposed to grovel for a slot.
Of course to be fair I have to make clear that all the festivals we have done in MI have been extremely good to us but if you ever wonder why you haven't seen us on the bill for some of the others it's a good bet that the "locals are cheap" mentality plays a part.
It's a perception problem I guess.
Our radio promotion starts in Feb. right after the Cabin Fever Musicfest We will be shipping product to 278 stations in the US, Europe and Australia. Then spend the next 8 weeks emailing and calling the Music Directors to see if they've added the disc to rotation or a specialty show. If our efforts go well and they like the disc then those stations will report the plays to various radio charts like Roots Music Report, Living Blues, CMJ etc.
If we chart well then I can take those charts and put them under the nose of the promoters and say "We ain't local, we're WORLDWIDE!" LOL! ...at least that's my hope and hope is what I have as I face this huge mountain of opposition and indifference.
I have hope and faith that my efforts will come to fruition and tomorrow will be just a little better than today and the next month will be a little better than the one before and so on. I plan on working hard and I hope it will be a positive year.
The inauguration was a source of inspiration.
I wish the new President all the luck and goodwill in the world. He's got an even greater mountain of trouble and indifference to combat but I honestly feel that he's up to it and I think the majority of the people in the US are ready to pitch in and help out.
It will be a tough job and will probably be much harder than we think but as long as there's hope for a better tomorrow I think we can all persevere.
That's what I do with my music. I persevere, because as long as I see people in that audience smile and take pleasure from what we do I know I have something that needs to be heard.
I always loved this Jim Croce lyric.
"I got a song, I got a song, an I carry it with me and I sing it loud. If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud."
yea...
Everyday I climb a little farther up the mountain.
I'm lucky in many respects but there are times when this musical journey is not entirely a bunch of fun. To be honest there's an immense amount of tedious work in the background between each opportunity to play live.
Rehearsals, recording sessions, graphics to design, packages to be made up and mailed out (hundreds of them) then emails and phone calls to follow up. Then the same tired conversation when trying to break into a new area.
"Who? oh, yea I got the press kit. No, I haven't looked at it yet, call me in a week."
And what the heck is it about being from the same state as a festival that makes a promoter suddenly think you're of less value than some guy from 500 miles away?
I've been told by a few people who book events "Oh you're from Michigan, well locals play for free to do my festival" what?!
Our act can keep up with any national out there, which I think our videos show quite well but because I live within driving distance I'm suddenly supposed to grovel for a slot.
Of course to be fair I have to make clear that all the festivals we have done in MI have been extremely good to us but if you ever wonder why you haven't seen us on the bill for some of the others it's a good bet that the "locals are cheap" mentality plays a part.
It's a perception problem I guess.
Our radio promotion starts in Feb. right after the Cabin Fever Musicfest We will be shipping product to 278 stations in the US, Europe and Australia. Then spend the next 8 weeks emailing and calling the Music Directors to see if they've added the disc to rotation or a specialty show. If our efforts go well and they like the disc then those stations will report the plays to various radio charts like Roots Music Report, Living Blues, CMJ etc.
If we chart well then I can take those charts and put them under the nose of the promoters and say "We ain't local, we're WORLDWIDE!" LOL! ...at least that's my hope and hope is what I have as I face this huge mountain of opposition and indifference.
I have hope and faith that my efforts will come to fruition and tomorrow will be just a little better than today and the next month will be a little better than the one before and so on. I plan on working hard and I hope it will be a positive year.
The inauguration was a source of inspiration.
I wish the new President all the luck and goodwill in the world. He's got an even greater mountain of trouble and indifference to combat but I honestly feel that he's up to it and I think the majority of the people in the US are ready to pitch in and help out.
It will be a tough job and will probably be much harder than we think but as long as there's hope for a better tomorrow I think we can all persevere.
That's what I do with my music. I persevere, because as long as I see people in that audience smile and take pleasure from what we do I know I have something that needs to be heard.
I always loved this Jim Croce lyric.
"I got a song, I got a song, an I carry it with me and I sing it loud. If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud."
yea...
Everyday I climb a little farther up the mountain.
Jan 18, 2009
Thankfulness and gratitude
At the start of each year I look back over the previous one and realize how much we have to be thankful for. For more than four years now we've been pouring every ounce of energy and every penny we have into developing the band and our Sadson Music record label. We are thankful for the opportunities that have come our way and are very grateful to the many people and organizations who have helped us make it a little further down the road. Listing everyone individually would take days - but if you're reading this and you have attended one of our shows, sent a kindly-worded email, shared advice and expertise, worked with us, offered to forward promotional materials or helped us out in some other way, please know your support, generosity and many acts of kindness both large and small are much appreciated.
We're pleased with the progress we've made and are optimistic that 2009 will be a banner year for the Rusty Wright Band. We are really, really geeked about our new CD and we can't wait to hear your feedback on the new songs. We originally hoped to complete the album last March but, as the saying goes, "sh$% happens." It was a year of transition for both the band and for us personally. It seemed like a roller coaster ride at times, but it definitely was never boring. We're learning to accept that everything happens for a reason and that having things turn out differently than we had hoped is often better in the long run.
An update for those of you who braved the nasty, nasty weather to participate in the filming of our concert back in September - the concert dvd is still being edited since mixing and mastering the new cd took precedence over the video project, but it will get done. Video clips from the show have been posted to YouTube and our website, and now that the cd is done hopefully we can work on getting the dvd finished too.
I don't think anyone remains unaffected by the financial crisis our nation is facing. Particularly here in Michigan. Not a week goes by where we don't hear from someone we know telling us about a job loss. It's heartbreaking. We are also hearing whispers that some long-established music festivals may not be back in 2009. I hope these events find a way to forge ahead. I think people are going to need to healing power of music more than ever.
Financially, Rusty and I have always walked a bit of a tightrope. Probably always will. It kind of comes with the territory when you choose to immerse yourself in the music business, but I don't think either of us would trade the life we've chosen for guaranteed financial security if it meant we couldn't continue making music. I'm grateful for what we have, and what we have is... enough. We have enough work to keep a modest roof over our heads, enough to eat and usually enough to share - but not so much that we take any of it for granted. We have enough good humor to balance our perspective when things don't go right, and misfortune and sadness touches our lives just often enough to remind us to appreciate any good fortune that comes our way, and to cherish the good people who are part of our lives.
May you also have... enough.
We're pleased with the progress we've made and are optimistic that 2009 will be a banner year for the Rusty Wright Band. We are really, really geeked about our new CD and we can't wait to hear your feedback on the new songs. We originally hoped to complete the album last March but, as the saying goes, "sh$% happens." It was a year of transition for both the band and for us personally. It seemed like a roller coaster ride at times, but it definitely was never boring. We're learning to accept that everything happens for a reason and that having things turn out differently than we had hoped is often better in the long run.
An update for those of you who braved the nasty, nasty weather to participate in the filming of our concert back in September - the concert dvd is still being edited since mixing and mastering the new cd took precedence over the video project, but it will get done. Video clips from the show have been posted to YouTube and our website, and now that the cd is done hopefully we can work on getting the dvd finished too.
I don't think anyone remains unaffected by the financial crisis our nation is facing. Particularly here in Michigan. Not a week goes by where we don't hear from someone we know telling us about a job loss. It's heartbreaking. We are also hearing whispers that some long-established music festivals may not be back in 2009. I hope these events find a way to forge ahead. I think people are going to need to healing power of music more than ever.
Financially, Rusty and I have always walked a bit of a tightrope. Probably always will. It kind of comes with the territory when you choose to immerse yourself in the music business, but I don't think either of us would trade the life we've chosen for guaranteed financial security if it meant we couldn't continue making music. I'm grateful for what we have, and what we have is... enough. We have enough work to keep a modest roof over our heads, enough to eat and usually enough to share - but not so much that we take any of it for granted. We have enough good humor to balance our perspective when things don't go right, and misfortune and sadness touches our lives just often enough to remind us to appreciate any good fortune that comes our way, and to cherish the good people who are part of our lives.
May you also have... enough.
Jan 8, 2009
A day at the office
Yesterday was off to a good start. I finished the full page ad for the IBC booklet. That's the International Blues Challenge in Memphis Tennessee. It's a yearly competition sponsored by the Blues Foundation.
Blues bands from all over the world compete in local competitions sponsored by area Blues Societies (There are hundreds of them) then the winner from each local competition sponsored by their society goes to Memphis to spend 3 days cuttin' heads until they get down to the final winner.
It's a fantastic time and Laurie & I have been down twice. We competed the first time and were judges the second time.
This year our agent will be there pitching and schmoozing for the band. Every promoter and blues genre radio and press guy in the world will be there. It's really a great time to network and connect with people in the business.
I'm hoping the full page ad in the IBC program will be another seed in their minds as we start pushing the "Playin' with Fire" CD. The booklet is given out to thousands of people during the event and it really makes a big impact.
Today will be spent on the phone pitching the act to our Michigan festival and Theater promoters then rehearsal with the band tonight in preperation for the Jan. 30th show.
Ah the glamorous life of a musician! LOL Ah well, as long as it gets me on the stage to play for you it's fine by me. Have a good one!
Rusty
Blues bands from all over the world compete in local competitions sponsored by area Blues Societies (There are hundreds of them) then the winner from each local competition sponsored by their society goes to Memphis to spend 3 days cuttin' heads until they get down to the final winner.
It's a fantastic time and Laurie & I have been down twice. We competed the first time and were judges the second time.
This year our agent will be there pitching and schmoozing for the band. Every promoter and blues genre radio and press guy in the world will be there. It's really a great time to network and connect with people in the business.
I'm hoping the full page ad in the IBC program will be another seed in their minds as we start pushing the "Playin' with Fire" CD. The booklet is given out to thousands of people during the event and it really makes a big impact.
Today will be spent on the phone pitching the act to our Michigan festival and Theater promoters then rehearsal with the band tonight in preperation for the Jan. 30th show.
Ah the glamorous life of a musician! LOL Ah well, as long as it gets me on the stage to play for you it's fine by me. Have a good one!
Rusty
Jan 7, 2009
FEAR Attracts
Rusty couldn't be more right when it comes to the "Doom and Gloom" media prophets and their "Fear Gospel." News is judged according to ratings and bad news will get the highest. Keep that in mind when you are watching any news station. How many stories of success and good do you hear versus the stories of failure and evil! I for one have chosen to not participate in the FEAR and BAD ECONOMY hype. Using wisdom in your financial expenditures is one thing, but living in an atmosphere of worry and anxiety will bring chaos, emotional decision making and ultimately bad results in your life. FEAR only attracts bad mojo! Don't get caught up in the fear machine!!!
Jan 6, 2009
Stress is
Tuesday morning and I've been at it since 5am. I don't sleep a lot anyway but with the new CD coming out and the preparations for the radio and press push plus the Cabin Fever Musicfest show with Nick Moss and booking the summer tour season I'm not sleeping much at all.
Working on a summer tour to support the new CD but the economy has started to creep into the equation in a way that I find weird.
All the tv and print news as well as the online guys are talking about the world coming to an end because a bunch of Bankers on Wall Street are not making OBSCENE PROFITS so of course that means you and I must prepare for the worst. Sometimes I wonder if the "fear" of bad times doesn't actually "cause" them?
I mean these promoters are telling me "we may not get as big a crowd due to the economy so everybody has to play for less or even free". But they don't know they won't get the crowd and if they do as well or better than the year before do you think they'll suddenly hand out the extra money? Not likely.
So the big corporations watch the news and they say "Oh no, the bankers won't give out credit and the public will stop spending soon so we better cut costs by laying off 50% of our employees now BEFORE it happens!" HUH!?!?
Meanwhile the public didn't stop spending squat yet but they see the news that this big corporation just laid off 20,000 people and all their competitors start doing the same because they don't want to have higher costs than the other guy and suddenly John Q Public says, "I might lose my job and end up on a bread line if we don't cut back!" and POW! everybody stops spending because of the fear of what MIGHT happen. Not what actually IS happening. It's some kind of self fulfilling prophecy and it just seems weird to me.
It sounds oversimplified but I can't help but wonder if the news guys shouldn't just shut up about some things.
I've believed that prices for stuff have been WAY out of control for a long time but nobody is lowering their prices and profit margins yet they expect everyone to take a pay cut while working harder?
I say if you want people to work for 1960's wages then how about cutting our mortgage and gas and food prices to those same levels?
Once the labor unions get whacked and all the new hires are working for 8-10 an hour will GM start making $2000-$3000 cars again? I'd really like to see that.
"sigh" I'm hoping calmer heads will prevail but it sure will be a tough time booking with promoters expecting the worst. But all you can do is ride it out and hope the attitudes swing to the positive.
I guess that's just the blues :-)
Working on a summer tour to support the new CD but the economy has started to creep into the equation in a way that I find weird.
All the tv and print news as well as the online guys are talking about the world coming to an end because a bunch of Bankers on Wall Street are not making OBSCENE PROFITS so of course that means you and I must prepare for the worst. Sometimes I wonder if the "fear" of bad times doesn't actually "cause" them?
I mean these promoters are telling me "we may not get as big a crowd due to the economy so everybody has to play for less or even free". But they don't know they won't get the crowd and if they do as well or better than the year before do you think they'll suddenly hand out the extra money? Not likely.
So the big corporations watch the news and they say "Oh no, the bankers won't give out credit and the public will stop spending soon so we better cut costs by laying off 50% of our employees now BEFORE it happens!" HUH!?!?
Meanwhile the public didn't stop spending squat yet but they see the news that this big corporation just laid off 20,000 people and all their competitors start doing the same because they don't want to have higher costs than the other guy and suddenly John Q Public says, "I might lose my job and end up on a bread line if we don't cut back!" and POW! everybody stops spending because of the fear of what MIGHT happen. Not what actually IS happening. It's some kind of self fulfilling prophecy and it just seems weird to me.
It sounds oversimplified but I can't help but wonder if the news guys shouldn't just shut up about some things.
I've believed that prices for stuff have been WAY out of control for a long time but nobody is lowering their prices and profit margins yet they expect everyone to take a pay cut while working harder?
I say if you want people to work for 1960's wages then how about cutting our mortgage and gas and food prices to those same levels?
Once the labor unions get whacked and all the new hires are working for 8-10 an hour will GM start making $2000-$3000 cars again? I'd really like to see that.
"sigh" I'm hoping calmer heads will prevail but it sure will be a tough time booking with promoters expecting the worst. But all you can do is ride it out and hope the attitudes swing to the positive.
I guess that's just the blues :-)
Jan 5, 2009
A new year and a new vibe
The new Rusty Wright Band website is officially up and running. Well ok, it's about 90% up. Still got a few more things to add but the cool stuff is up. I'm real proud of all the stuff on there. From the graphics and coding to all the text that Laurie wrote and the video stuff that Andy edited and our friend Jim Dudek shot to all the music that everybody has worked so hard on I think it's a MAJOR upgrade from the previous site.
It should be a lot of fun to visit and watch video or check out info about the band or listen to the tunes. I'm working on a page of freebies for people to download like wallpaper and screensavers with RWB blues themes. If you join the email list you can be notified when those are up.
That's all for the moment. We'll be blogging way more regularly now so keep an eye on us in 2009.
It should be a lot of fun to visit and watch video or check out info about the band or listen to the tunes. I'm working on a page of freebies for people to download like wallpaper and screensavers with RWB blues themes. If you join the email list you can be notified when those are up.
That's all for the moment. We'll be blogging way more regularly now so keep an eye on us in 2009.
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