Roomful of Blues: Steppin' Out!

Whether it is swing, jazz, jump, blues or something else, you gotta live it to play it. If you were not there 'in the beginning' when a sound was launched, then you must earn your way into the club as a select group of potent bands have done through the years. Take the Stray Cats for example. They sauntered onto the music scene in the 1970s rockin' the house with their version of sassy vintage 1950s rockabilly. In addition, there's Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. They formed in the late 1980s and tapped into the energy of swing and big bands from a half-century earlier. And then there's Roomful of Blues, a band that launched in the late 1960s. Although the lineup has changed many times, they continue to carry on the tradition of vintage blues and much more. Through the years, they have gathered musicians focused on skillfully presenting an authentic mix of swing, R&B, blues, etc. 2025's Steppin' Out proves they are still carrying the torch high.

Square one for Roomful of Blues was back in 1967 when they began to perfect their special mix at their home base of Rhode Island. The very first cut on the very first disc was a strong instrumental that was both a salute to and an echo of the artists and bands that came before them. The album was tight, authentic and deeply passionate. It did not hurt that legendary singer/producer Doc Pomus was on site guiding things. In the six decades since, they have had over 50 musicians come and go; thus, the band's sound does shift a bit depending on the lineup in any given year. Although saxophonist Rich Lataille joined a few years after the band formed (but in time for the first album) and guitarist Chris Vachon has been along for the ride since 1990, about half the musicians on Steppin' Out are new members. Collectively, the eight current members help launch things with a bold drum sequence followed by some frantic horns and, for the first time ever, a woman—D. D. Bastos—grabbing the microphone and heading to center stage to sing, sing, sing. Fittingly, several of the songs, including "You Don't Move Me No More," "I've Got a Feelin'" and "Good Rockin' Daddy," were recorded by key female singers from the 1950s / 1960s. There are a few familiar songs that are blasts from the past, but those are balanced by more obscure songs so you are not hearing the same old same old. Standout cuts include an addictive "Why Don't You Cha Stop It," and "Steppin' Up In Class."

About half of the songs come in at less than three minutes, while most of the others clock in well under four minutes, which allows the group to keep the heat on high for most of the cuts. However, due to the 'under four minutes' self-imposed time limits on the songs, the band only offers brief bursts of instrumental energy while singer Bastos dominates most tracks. Although she has the pipes, her power is only partially revealed on this disc, with mostly good but not great versions of the chosen songs. Maybe it is because her vocal style is smoother, 'New England Blues' instead of deep, gritty southern Texas blues or the rugged Chi-town blues of the far north.

Except for a few slower cuts, the music is brisk, rousing and custom-designed for Saturday night rockin' as the horns dance their way through fourteen tracks. Since their last live album came out in 2013, it might be time for another one, which could allow the collective to open up with a few extended numbers showcasing their engaging horns or even a few instrumentals, which were highlights from Album Number One. Hey, a rousing night of live music might even be the perfect time to invite a few key alumni back for a guest appearance or two, including vocalist/guitarist Duke Robillard. Regardless, this is a group you should see live at a club, festival or theater near you to absorb the full impact of what Roomful of Blues is all about.

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