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Music. BIG MARACAS REVIEW 2005

After reviewing the Luv Machine's Blizzard in Chicago in an earlier review for this column, I was expecting Big Maracas (released in June of this year, or 2005 for those of you who have been living under a gigantic rock) to be more of the same. Now, I truly do not mean any insult by that, and if you don't believe me, I'll prove it. Think of it like this; why would a retro blues rock band, who have mastered one of the more technical schools of rock and built a decent career out of it, with several releases and years of playing shows together, and all sorts of accolades usually befitting a much larger band, need to change anything at all? It's the whole principle of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," and really, there wasn't much broke on Blizzard if anything at all. I guess that's why Big Maracas surprised me so much; tiny traces of Latin have been added to the mix along with oodles of lush, psychedelic vibes. In fact, the band has (and this is apparent to me after only about four songs or so) added so much extra depth to their mellow rock that it almost sounds like a different band.

- Mark Hensch 2006 www.antimusic.com

REVIEWS OF BLIZZARD IN CHICAGO

"This is some fun material, performed with good energy and attitude. I liked the bluesier songs..."

" It was an enjoyable listen. I hope you find the right label for your talent."

- Bruce Iglauer Alligator Records April 2005

"Robert has a good voice & his guitar playing is nice too. "So Tired & Blue" has a catchy groove & some nice breaks. Now & then his voice reminds me of David Lee Roth (Van Halen) & he plays some fine guitar..."

"Mississippi Water" & "TYFKTBA" are excellent songs"

- Blues Free Press 2005

TOP TEN COLLEGE RADIO IN 2005 BLUES 15 -------

THIS WEEK LW ARTIST/TITLE/LABEL/PTS

------ 1 2 SONNY LANDRETH-Grant Street (SugarHill)[65]

2 1 Various-SUNDAY NIGHTS (Fat Possum)[70]

3 6 NATHAN JAMES & BEN HERNANDEZ (self)[29]

4 4 LOST BAYOU RAMBLERS-Pilette Breakdown [31]

5 3 Various-SACRED STEEL INST (Arhoolie)[31]

6 15 PRECIOUS BRYANT-The Truth (Terminus)[11]

7 12 ROOMFUL OF BLUES-Standing Room Only Alligator

8 WILLIE HIGHTOWER (Honest Jon's/Astralwerks)[8]

9 7 JELLYROLL ALL STARS- Jelly (Electro-Fi)[51]

10 ROBERT FAIRWEATHER-Blizzard in Chicago (BLUESPAWN)[6]

11 8 DOWN HOME SUPER TRIO-In The House (Telarc)[13]

12 5 DYER/HUM

13 SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS-Naturally (Daptone)[3]

14 - Various-LACKAWANNA BLUES (Vanguard)[2]

15 - ROOSTER BLUES (local)[1]

reviews

author: Rythe Hey Great music keep it up.

=) you guys rock out! Rythe * I dig the songs very much author: Rachael

Cool sounds LUV MACHINE!!!! Great stuff! I dig the songs very much Nice music, keep it flowin~~~~ Keep Chicago rockin'! * I got my mum into your music.. Hah she loves it =) author: = * =FELiCiA= * =

Keep it coming.. Do you guys play regularly at a club or something in Chicago? I'll be there in August and would love to check y'all out. :) * Wow! This is like cool... feel good music! very cool nd very old school! vvuv Sarah *

Thats a cool Funky sound you got's there! ur music Rocks!!!... Much Luv, SaRa *

LOVE YOUR STYLE author: Carolyn

You guys sound pretty sweet ass. Just keep on rocking LOVE YOUR STYLE!!!!!!! kick ass!!!!! rock on!!!! .imm definatly liking the mustang.. your definalty keepiong it real man....im liking the blusey influence you have...mmmm *

YOU GUY'S SOUND GREAT... author: Blaxeed

You guys sound great. I dig your style. That's some groovy stuff! If you guys ever make it to Dayton, OH lets us know. We'll come check you out. Peace.

i dig the arrangements and the style! rockin' stuff!! xoxo *

You've gto a really great sound - and I love your description of who you sound like. Lemme know if you're ever in LA... julie ;)