On the Main Stem

3rd album brings diverse American roots into solid blues focus with Johnnie Johnson on 7 cuts, writer on 3: The sublime moods of "Johnnie's Idea", "Headin' Home" and classic stroll of "Slow Drag". Presenting east coast R&B diva, Rahni Raines, and the full 3-man New Orleans-style horns that appear at Mardi Gras Mambofests: Rob Sudduth (tenor, Huey Lewis), Ed Early (trombone, Albert King), and Michael Peloquin (bari). 6 more originals by vocalist/bassist Tim Eschliman (Commander Cody, Etta James), an Irma Thomas classic, a New Orleans brass band romp and a Pinetop Smith Boogie Woogie, make this a full palette of top shelf rhythm & blues - topped off by drummer Jimmy Sanchez's crazed, full-bore 2nd line deviation, "Mighty Fine Day." Guests Caroline Dahl, Stevie Gurr, Anthony Paule, Steve Freund.