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Roundhouse 

Written by Matt Kanner, The Wire  

The second release from Roundhouse kicks off with an upbeat tune that blends elements of swing, blues, zydeco and rockabilly. The jazzy drums and bass lines are fit for a 1940s swing dance, while the bluesy guitar, harp and vocals make the music equally appropriate for a honky tonk saloon.
 

The track, called “Got Love,” sets the tone for an hour of authentic blues-based music on “Kickin’ the Dirt,” released in April. The band’s five veteran musicians showcase their experience with music that geographically bridges the traditions of New Orleans, Kansas City and Chicago. Harpist Mike “Bullfrog” Rogers exchanges vocal duties with guitarists Buddy Shute and Dave Graf, while Doug Green strums bass and Joe Rogers pounds snare-heavy drums.
 

Members of Roundhouse have played with acts ranging from Emmy Lou Harris, The Eagles, Tom Rush, George Winston and Bill Haley, and their combined experience and talent gleam through all 13 tracks on “Kickin’ the Dirt.” The songs manage to be catchy without sacrificing blues authenticity, and they maintain a toe-tapping quality while capturing an element of rockabilly grittiness. The three singers split songwriting duties for a sound variation that does not stray far from the folk-blues nest.
 

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