20 Years 2003 CD CRS CECD7

20 years of Juke Joints, 20 years of Rock Rolling blues, 20 years of setting stages on fire all over the world, that calls for a suitable celebration. It goes without saying that a band of the calibre of the Juke Joints celebrates this anniversary in grand fashion, with a threefold party programme: October 2003, the month of the anniversary, not only sees several special celebration shows, there´s also the release of this double CD plus the release of the DVD of their thunderous concert at the Moulin Blues Festival in Holland, May 2002!
Disc 2 of this double CD is an exquisite survey of the 20 years in which these ambassadors of Dutch blues, still led out by the original members Peter Kempe (lead vocals/drums/mandolin) and ”Sonnyboy” van der Broek (harmonica/vocals/accordion), have been conquering the world. The present line-up also includes Michel ”Boogie Mike” Staat on lead guitar and Peter ”Repete” van Merode on bass.
It was nearly 10 years ago that the band managed to create a succesful breakthrough on the other side of the Atlantic. This initiated a host of invitations to renowned festivals, on which they shared stages with BB King, Bonnie Raitt, Dr. John, Little Feat, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Walter Trout and many other luminaries of the blues.
So far the band has released 9 albums, 4 of which are live CD´s. From each album those tracks have been selected that best capture the specific atmosphere of that album. As the band has gathered it´s impressive reputation and ditto fanbase first and foremost from their fiery and highly energetic live performances, it is a small wonder that indeed 9 tracks have been culled from 3 of the live albums. Of course concert staples like ”Betty Lee”, ”Shake It” and ”Out On The Western Plain” have not been omitted. And surely the two tracks form their highly sought after debut (LP only!) ”Dancing Shoes” are a real treat!
Disc 0 is an exclusive bonus CD, containing 7 exuberant live tracks that reflect memorable performances with special guests like Willy Foster, Mark Wenner of the Nighthawks and with a amazing Big Band (most of these tracks were never before released). This disc closes with a unique performance of their crowdpleaser, inspiration Rory Gallagher´s ”Going To My Hometown” in a studio in the Irish town of Kilkenny, followed by a highly entertaining interview with their host.
”Juke Joints 20 Years” is a most valuable document of a band that has created it´s very own synthesis of blues and rock and roll, an absolute must for their many fans and an impressive introduction for those who aren´t yet but no doubt will be soon.