Photo: Backtrack Blues Band by Art Becker, Make My Home In Florida
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.”
“Make My Home In Florida” is a righteous Sonny Charles original that sings the praises of The Sunshine State. It’s an unhurried and expressive slow blues that gives Charles the chance to tell us all about his home state and blow some mighty fine harp lines. Charles is a solid improviser who plays tasty, well-defined ideas in his fills and solos. His tone is thick and dirty and makes an excellent contrast to his vocal smoothness on this excellent cut.
Backtrack guitarist Kid Royal also came ready to play and delivers tight, understated rhythms and emotive, clean-toned leads that show off his depth and intuitive command of classic blues. He keeps his licks laidback and lowdown at all times, never overstepping his spot in the arrangement. The entire band shines brightly here and it’s easy to see why this bunch has been around for so long. Turn this one on and let it warm you up like the Southern sun.
“Make My Home In Florida”
The band 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.
“This tune is an expression of love for the tropical place that we call our home. Florida is a special place, with amazing beaches, forests, wetlands, rivers and more. We feel blessed to be surrounded by the tranquility and nature found on the Gulf of Mexico. This song is an expression of the joy we find in such beauty.“– Sonny Charles
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.
Backtrack Blues Band has performed in concert with the world’s greatest blues artists, including Stevie Ray Vaughan, BB King, Buddy Guy, Gregg Allman, Robert Cray, Johnny Winter, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Koko Taylor, John Lee Hooker, and many more. The group has released eight albums of original music, including this latest album on Gulf Coast Records.
A Day By The Bay Pre-order link see HERE
A Day By The Bay Track Listing
1. Best Friend’s Grave (Sonny Charles)
2. Make My Home in Florida (Sonny Charles)
3. Help Me Just This Time ( Sonny Charles)
4. Dixie Grill ( Sonny Charles)
5. Natural Born Lover (Jimmy Reed)
6. Rich Man Blues (Sonny Charles)
7. She Might Get Mad (Kid Royal)
8. Times Is Hard (Kid Royal)
9. You’ll Come Back Someday (Sonny Charles)
Backtrack Blues Band website
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