The Pleasure Pilots Band
Demo
Santa Fe contains within its jagged city borders such a glut of blues groups-whose oeuvre ranges anywhere from "rockin' blues" to "blues-rock"-that in order to separate from the pack, they have to either a) be really, really good or b) do something a little
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different. There are few acts that meet both requirements-Alex Maryol and the HooDoos come to mind.
Like Maryol and the Hoodoos, The Pleasure Pilots are a band that often get shoved into the "rockin' blues" category, which is a shame-they are so much more than that, as their demo disc proves.
The disc kicks off with a jumpin' rendition of Junior Watson's "The Pleasure is All Mine," rendered expertly, especially with Dave Phillips' surprisingly soulful vocals. The band-Zeke Severson, Fred Spencer, Graham Binette, Aaron Lewis and Dan Daily-ambles along confidently, trading solos between guitar and sax. Even though it's just a demo, this disc, as the band's sure-footed musicianship makes its way through standards by Fats Domino, Louis Jordan and the like, is a satisfying sojourn into the land of boogie.
The group's confidence remains apparent throughout the disc. With the boogie-woogie pianos, hearty horns and swinging arrangements, it's clear this is a band best seen live, a la the Mighty Soul Deacons. But if you're itching for a little Artie Shaw and you just can't wait 'til showtime, the disc will hold you over. At least until their new album is released in a couple of months.
The Pleasure Pilots play at 9 pm Saturday, April 8 at WilLee's (401 S. Guadalupe St., 982-0117). Cover is $5.
