Big Dave And The Ultrasonics--looking Good And Feeling Right
Big Dave and the Ultrasonics - Looking Good and Feeling Right
[Picture Caption]: From right to left: "Big Dave" Steele, Todd Perkins, David Farzalo, Dave Salvator, Dave Morris, and Todd Nero
Have you ever done something just because, "it felt right?" You know, tried a new sport, took a drive to someplace new, attended a conference or rally - just because it felt right. Big Dave and the Ultrasonics are the hottest thing on the local blues market because of a series of events that just felt right.
Drummer Todd Nero was already living in Ann Arbor when he convinced his bandmates from Erie, Pennsylvania that Ann Arbor might be ripe for a hot blues band. You know, it just felt right. Big Dave Steele (vocals, guitar & writer), Dave Farzalo (guitar), and Dave Salvator (sax and keyboards) joined Nero in Ann Arbor where they quickly became denizens of The Blind Pig's Sunday Blues Jam. (The Blues Jams are a very happening thing! Every Sunday at The Blind Pig- 208 S. First.) There they found one of Ann Arbor's fïnest young harmonica players in Dave Morris. Morris had been working with blues scène stalwart, bassist Todd Perkins, who was quickly brought into the fold. Big Dave and the Ultrasonics were born and feeling right.
One month later, in December of 1990, the band did its first benefit concert: a showcase debut at The Performance Network's Raise the Roof party. Since then the Ultrasonics have done as many if not more benefits than any band in town. The Performance Network, Homeless Action Committee, WCBN-FM, The People's Food Co-op, Depot Town Association. and even presidential candidate Jerry Brown owe Big Dave and crew a tip of the hat and a big thank you.
At the same time the band has held forth at some of the area's best blues clubs including The Soup Kitchen, Moby Dick's, The Blind Pig and Rick's. And they have managed to keep their foot in the door back in the Erie, Pennsylvania area as well. Buffalo and Rochester, New York are a short jump from Erie, so N. Y. keep your blues ears open. Big Dave and the Ultrasonics are on their way!
"Shake It While You Got It- Live!" is both an attitude and the name of the band's first cassette release. Recorded live at the aforementioned Sightless Sow on Sept. 14, 1991, this tape gives you a real good taste of what these guys are all about. Jumping hot versions of Muddy Water's "I Don't Know Why" and Elmore James' "The Sky is Crying" fit seamlessly with Dave Steele originals "Shake It While You Got It" and "Sugar For Salt." The love that this band has for this music and the respect that they have for each other is reflected in their play. Bouncing effortlessly from one soloist to the next, guitar, sax, harmonica, and guitar ride the wave of rhythm provided by the rock solid bass and drums.
Personal favorite: Tampa Red's "Love Her With a Feeling." Searing, grinding, heartfelt blues at its best! A weeping harmonica solo that breaks out into a wailing cry of true soul! This is the blues and they are feeling right!
What does the future hold for Big Dave and the Ultrasonics? More gigs, more travel, and more bene fits are all on the band 's agenda. Their cassette has received favorable reviews from the British magazine "Blues and Rhythm" and San Diego's "Strictly Nothing But the Blues." Are you listening out there record company people? Whether or not some sharp blues record executive signs these guys up, the band will continue to do what they do so well: Rock the house because it just feels right! Check 'em out!!
Big Dave and crew will be playing Rick's on Thursday, April 16 and Spring Thaw '92 on Regent's (People's) Plaza on Saturday April 18.