The Paradise Kings -- "Controlled Burn"

Controlled Burn is a really good release by a band from Southern California. These folks have been playing in and around Santa Barbara for many years. Members are Henry Garrett and Jan Ingram on vocals, Jeff Gring on guitar, Michael Robertson on bass, Chris Ulep on keyboards and George Lambert on drums.

There are eight tracks on Controlled Burn, all but one written by George Lambert. The other song, "Three Strikes," is written by Gordon Jennings. The first seven songs on the release were recorded at Santa Barbara's Orange Whip Studios, and the band brings the goods--lots of energy and fire. I have been playing the opening track "69 Chevy"on my shows at www.caldoniascrossroad.com/ It is a rousing rockabilly number. And the rest of the album just continues to build on that smoking beginning. And then track eight, the aforementioned "Three Strikes," is a track recorded live one night at the Soho Music Club in Santa Barbara. Consider that just a little taste of how good these guys must be in a live setting.


The only drawback on this release is the length of it--less than 40 minutes total. Only eight songs. But it's all killer, no filler. All of the songs feature great vocals, killer guitar and keys and a rock solid rhythm section. They deliver style, humor and some really good songs. My favorites are "Butter Me Up" (with lead vocals by Jan Ingram) and "Poor Me, Poor Me, Pour Me Another Drink" with Henry Garrett's vocals and Jeff Gring's TWO guitar solos pushing this one nearly into J Geils Band territory. I really like this release. Be sure to give it a listen--you'll enjoy it, I guar-an-tee! (in the immortal words of the late but great Justin Wilson.) 

You can buy this cd at the band's website or at
www.cdbaby.com/