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Our Review

Familiar with the Blues Brothers shtick from Saturday Night Live in the 1980s? Jake (John Belushi) and Elwood (Dan Akroyd) fronted the soul/blues revival band, gyrating in black suits, fedoras, and sunglasses. Because Belushi & Akroyd were backed by "real" musicians, the musical performances transcended the humorous skits and created a devoted following. These fictitious brothers live on, and there's nothing fictitious about the music's quality. The New Blues Brothers (Kenny Elhard as Jake; Mitch Reems as Elwood) are part of the Blues Power Revue; their holiday release is the up-tempo, harmonica-wailin' Backin' Up Santa.

If you enjoy bluesy Christmas renditions with infectious humor and intense energy, then Backin' Up Santa should ring your bell. It would be especially fun to see the Blues Power Revue perform live; it's that kind of entertainment. Even in the solitude of my dining room, the music had me swinging in my seat. I was weary when I started reviewing music this evening; the New Blues Brothers put a smile on my face and kick-started my chassis, in a manner of speaking. These talented musicians are having fun, and their passion informs and enhances the listeners' enjoyment.

It's party time! The Blues Power Revue, featuring the New Blues Brothers, brings R&B excitement to holiday fare. The harmonies are clean, and the instrumentation howls with bluesy delight. I must caution, however, that the party ends after only 31 minutes. Next time, Jake & Elwood, please entertain us for an entire hour! Please?

--Carol Swanson
(Reviewed in 2009)

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From the liner notes:

Kenny Elhard (Jake): lead vocals, Hammond organ, acoustic piano, background vocals
Mitch Reems (Elwood): lead vocals, background vocals
Dean Reichert: guitar, background vocals
Gary Ruhl: bass
Greg Davison: keyboards
Michael Kinder: drums, lead vocals ("Merry Christmas Baby"; "Run, Run Rudolph"), background vocals
Ted Dortch: baritone, alto, tenor saxophones
Pete Kirkman: trumpet, flugelhorn

Special Guests:
Terry Lauber: vocals on "This Christmas"
Jay Mabin: harmonica
Sam Esecson: congas, percussion
(Additional background vocals: Dos Gallinas)


From the artist's Website:

The Blues Power Revue, backed by The Blues Power Horns, is everything you want in a high-energy show band: expert musicianship, a fabulous song list, tight delivery, a driving beat, fat sound, and dedication to having a really good time.

The band features the The New Blues Brothers, "Jake" (Kenny Elhard) and "Elwood" (Mitch Reems) who take the stage by force to give nonstop witness to the mighty R & B music of the 60s & 70's--from Memphis to Motown. Their powerful performances and cult-status characterizations guarantee an extraordinary show.

For 20+ years this band has been unstoppable, entertaining Northwest audiences of all ages at parties, weddings, and events -- at festivals, fundraisers, and fairs -- at schools, business gatherings, and reunions--at casinos, clubs, and charity causes. They know how it's done. And they are ALL LIVE...all the time.

The Blues Power Revue

Backin' Up Santa

Artist link

Track List