Friday, February 3, 2012

Boa Constrictors celebrate CD release

Boa Constrictors

The Boa Constrictors will celebrate the release of their CD, “Boa Constrictors Live at Callahan’s,” during the Cabin Fever Blues Night at Callahan’s Music Hall in Auburn Hills on Saturday (Feb. 4).
The 10-song CD, which features a mix of covers and originals, was recorded at Callahan’s last October.
“It was recorded, produced and mixed by (Callahan’s sound man) Peter Jay,” said Steve Allen, bassist with the Boa Constrictors. “I’m very happy with it. Peter has done a number of live projects. He did one for Jimmy Thackery and Jimmy thought it was the best one he’s ever produced. He’s also doing one for Smokin’ Joe Kubek and Bnois King and I think he’s doing a live CD and DVD recording for Coco Montoya in March.”
Allen came away from the project impressed with Jay’s skills.
“He’s the best,” Allen said. “I never thought I would work with anybody as good as Neil Sever, but he’s every bit as good. The one thing I miss about working at (the now-closed) Memphis Smoke was working with Neil.”
Allen shares vocal duties in the band with harmonica player Carl Caballero and guitarist Glenn James. Rounding out the lineup is Kirk Barkel on keyboards and Pete Berg on drums. The CD is the first recording for the band in its current lineup, which has been together about a year-and-a-half.
“We were getting so many requests at festivals last year, but we didn’t have anything (available),” Allen said. “We decided it was about time to do it.”
Sweet Willie Tea opens Saturday. Admission is $10.
“He is basically a one-man band,” Allen said.  “He has a cigar box guitar, a mini drum kit and a diddley bow. He’s a very entertaining guy.”
The Boa Constrictors will also have a few special guests, including vocalist Lady Sunshine and slide guitarist Mark Grigorian.
For information, click atcallahans.com.
To send info to JB Blues, please email Joe.Ballor@Dailytribune.com.