The Bonedaddys: Press

The Bonedaddys, waterslide (ComboTempo, 2007) - Based in Los Angeles, these guys sent me their CD last year to check out; and I'm glad they did. Not all of it is New Orleans-influenced, but the some that is has got groove ("Makin' Roux", "Blame It On The Moon", "Never Say Goodbye"), as does the rest. This record is a highly percussive roots riot that, when not hitting on the Crescent City, has loads of Latin, some rock, and dashes of reggae and Louisiana zydeco/Cajun, too - all impressively played and well-recorded. Some of the players have ties to West Coast outfits like Eddie Baytos' Nervis Brothers as well as the Phantom Blues Band. I decided to include waterslide simply because it's a great party record guaranteed to get things moving in the right direction.

The Bonedaddys and Papa Grows Funk filled the house last night with their
respective styles of music!!!! It was a party all night from start to
finish.
The Bonedaddys brought with them fans who have followed them for twenty
years and some younger ones as well. And, with an eclectic style of
jazz-funk-reggae music the band was full of energy and fun that was
completely infectious and engaging for the large crowd. Even more, an
atmosphere of fun was created with such humorous lyrics as, “I need a
personal assistant, losers need not apply.” The band included 7 members
and a variety of instruments, including saxophone and cowbell!! The dress
of the band was also refreshing—not the usual L.A. black jeans and
T-shirts, but dress pants, vests, jackets, funky hats!!! This band
provided for great fun, great sound, and amazing harmonies! For more,
check them out here, http://www.myspace.com/thebonedaddysofficial.
Next, was Papa Grows Funk, which brought a fun crowd of all sorts of
people! With awesome their style of jazz-funk music, bass beats and horn
accents, plus an amazing guitar and drum solo there was no stopping the
dancing and party atmosphere at the club!

January 2008 review on www.babysue.com and www.LMNOP.com.

The Bonedaddys - Waterslide (Independently released CD, Rock/blues/pop)
The Bonedaddys return with another groovy, bluesy, funky album that is a pure feelgood listening experience. While listening to this CD, we couldn't help but be confused. Why aren't these guys already hugely popular...? They have a super bright, commercial, catchy sound and they can play like holy hell. This band has been together since 1985 and Waterslide is their sixth full-length release. The album contains thirteen groove-driven tracks that feature cool, funky guitars, well-arranged horns, and great thick vocal overdubs. They may be taking the long road, recording and releasing their music themselves...but our guess is that, over time, these guys' hard work and determination will eventually pay off. Lots of underground bands create underground noise for underground snobs (like us). The fellows in The Bonedaddys write and play convincing upbeat tunes, all of which could easily be successful hits. Top picks: "Waterslide," "Makin' Roux," "Oughta Give It Away," "Reverend Singer," and "Hula Girl (Dancing On My Dash)." (Rating: 5)


New Age Reporter Review
by Ben Dugas

A cup, no make that a bowl, of Gumbo Please!

Ask any person what gumbo is and they'll start to tell you what's in it. They'll tell you about the gravy and how thick or dark it should be. Some will tell you it should have okra in it and others, particularly Cajuns, say that in its purest form gumbo doesn't have okra. Some say it's not a gumbo if you don't start with a roux yet others (often those who don’t know how to cook a roux) never use a roux in their gumbo. Everyone has their own idea as to what gumbo is.

Being from south Louisiana (and being a Cajun myself), I know what's in it isn't that important - it's the final product that counts. There has been a wide range of meats used in gumbo from shrimp to crabs to sausage to chicken to rabbit to ham and just about everything else in between. It wouldn't surprise me if there were even a Spam gumbo eaten on occasion. Gumbo was a fascinating metamorphic culinary invention that enabled yesterday's meal to become today's. Whatever meat was left over in the icebox (notice I didn’t say refrigerator) became part of today's gumbo. If you have it – throw it in. Some people make "turkey salad" the day after thanksgiving but I can tell you in south Louisiana there is a high concentration of turkey gumbo every year around the last week of November.

So what does gumbo have to do with the Bonedaddys' waterslide CD? This CD has just about every instrument imaginable. It has just about as many styles and an equal number of musicians (shades of a George Clinton / Funkadelic concert – if you've seen one, you know what I'm talking about). Stir it all together and simmer it over a low fire and you've got an awesome gumbo. If you have it - throw it in. Feel free to check the list of "ingredients" here and here.

If you're making a gumbo it makes sense to start with the first step – makin' roux. The Bonedaddys, I'm learning, aren't into making just an average roux. They're making something extra special that they won't forget about for a while to come. And they're going to have more fun making it than eating it. This is a great tune that's making me a little hungry myself.

Naturally after eating some good New Orleans cooking you've got to go out on the town. Unfortunately in this town some things can get a little out of whack, especially on a full moon. When you start doing things you never expected – and sometimes won't remember - it's easy to Blame it on the Moon (but often it's not the moon that should get the blame). The 'daddys' have done a masterful job of capturing the moonlit streets and curves with this track, probably my favorite with all of its subtle sounds of the streets (although I find myself singing Waterslide and Heartbreaker just as often). Be careful and don't get too crazy, if you bump into the voodoo queen you don't want her prickin' your doll.

Oughta Give it Away? After eating some gumbo and walking the streets of New Orleans, what else would you expect? Another hard-driving, relentless tune. Be careful or you might catch yourself joining in with the gang encouraging an early Christmas spirit (after all, it is better to give than receive, isn't it?).

In Reverend Singer, a recurring theme reveals itself. Why is it that what's worth having is always the hardest to get? Just remember that banks used to be much less secure than they are now. Why are there foot-thick vaults today? The good bank robbers figured out how to get into the six inch ones. Never fear. For every lock there's a key. This is one track worth unlocking and getting inside.

What about Louisville Flame? Surely there's one horse that won't finish this race. Was the moon full last night? This is a song many will relate to more than they'd like.

The day we got this CD my partner stuck it in his computer and listened quietly through his headphones while working. I didn't hear much from him until the end when he proclaimed that I just had to listen to the Hula Girl (Dancing on My Dad). I thought that was a rather bold name until he clarified that it was dancing on my DASH, not DAD. Whew! That changed the first impression a little (not that the first one didn't fit) but the new vision that it generated in my mind smacked me square in the forehead. I knew that hula girl when I was much younger. I also knew the guy that would go meet her folks. The song fits him well.

I can only imagine what some of the writing sessions must have been like for this CD. I can picture a bunch of guys sitting around at the local bar - or better yet, on Bubba's front porch - laughing and reminiscing about the good ol' days and out pops a new line. I mean, when's the last time you heard the term "rodknocker" or thought about the hula girl (or the dog) on the dash. It wouldn't surprise me if the phrase "coffee, tea or a flick of my Bic" came out somewhere in those discussions. Or what about "I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan and never never ...". You know where I'm going with that. Some of these guys probably picked up some good pocket change returning Coke bottles for the deposit. Oh man what coulda been, eh? "Hey Bubba, what's that your hound dog's lickin' up off the porch?" (Hormones, no doubt.)

It's hard to listen to a CD without beginning to make some comparisons to other music you've heard. In the case of this CD, I have yet to stop. I've heard shades of Dr. John, Harry Connick Jr., Tower of Power, Jimmy Buffett, Robert Cray, Spyro Gyra, War ... let me just stop there. Don't feel bad if I left yours out because they're probably in there somewhere.

This CD is fun from start to finish and in the middle they’ve packed in way more fun. I would think seeing them live would be even more fun. I'm guessing that the audience works up more of a sweat than they do. Living in New Orleans I've seen a lot of live music acts and I can promise you these guys would steal the show time after time.

The one song that seems to be missing from this CD is "Epidemic" because with such an infectious lineup of songs you're certain to get infected too. I'm not going to speculate on what the affliction might be but it won't be something that brings you down. I can't get over the fact that my wife and kids like it just as much as I do. When's the last time YOUR wife danced around snapping her fingers while cleaning the house? This is a must-have CD that you’ll regret if you don’t catch.

Gotta go ... time to eat some more gumbo! The sooner I run out, the sooner I’ll be makin' more roux.



Rating: Excellent

By Darryl Gregory

They could be called the hardest working band in ... in ... but in what genre? Rock? Worldbeat? Fusion? Latin? Blues? The Bonedaddy’s new CD Waterslide touches on all those styles plus a few more and even a few they’ve made up (try on “psychobilly two-step”). And they’re definitely hard working (this is their sixth CD) if you just take a look at the people they’ve played with and opened for (Bo Diddley, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Burning Spear, Toots and the Maytals, NRBQ, Robert Cray and more...).

They call their style “Worldbeatnik” and feature soulful vocals driven by an intense rhythm section and cutting guitars and horns. Kaspar Abbo (the current vocalist) delivers the songs in a clear preacher-like manner and guitarists Phil Gough and Marcus Watkins show off their studio chops as they rip through these different styles. The backbone of the group is the percussion/drum/bass trio of Mike Tempo, Casey Jones and Rick Moors. These guys activate the rest of the group and send it dancing. The tracks on the CD all have a groove; there are no ballads on this CD. This is a record to put on at a party in order to get people up and dancing. According to their press release, these songs were designed to “... move butts of all persuasions.” The Bonedaddys definitely know how to get a person up and out of their chair dancing down the hall and out the door.

Of all the tracks on this CD I especially dug the final track “Continental Drift." It’s an instrumental group composition that really made me appreciate the talent in this band. These guys know how to play well together and listen to each other and communicate that to the audience. I’m sure, from listening to this CD, that The Bonedaddys have an awesome live show and this CD is just a taste of what they must dish out.

Indie-Music Profile

Waterslide
The Bonedaddys

What do you mean you never heard of The Bonedaddys? They are Los Angeles’ original “Worldbeatniks” and one of the very first American bands to be described as Worldbeat. That’s OK. Until I got this CD, I had never heard of them either. BUT, I do like this CD a lot.

The title track has a Latin beat that is popular with the shag dancers and could also work well as a line dance tune. “Makin’ Roux” is just a funky N’awlins style tune that talks about cooking (and not in the kitchen). “Some People” is a mix of soul, blues, gospel, harmonies and a good mambo beat – also suitable for the shag dancers. “Heartbreaker” and “Oughta Give It Away” may not work for the shaggers, but they work for those who like a variety of musical styles. (Which by the way, makes this a “worldbeat” band as stated above) I also like “Never Say Goodbye”, an upbeat soulful tune that has a dead on the money shag dance beat. It’s my favorite on this project. Care to two-step? Take those Tony Lama’s out on the floor to “Trampoline”, complete with jaw harp, wash board, banjo and harmonica.

Another example of their wide range of music is reflected in the reggae beat of “Reverend Singer”. At this time, you should be ready for a little “Vitamin D”, spotlighting some rocking guitars. “Louisville Flame” is another upbeat tune that features back to back guitar solos that I really like. The Bonedaddys have one they describe as “a funny red-neck anthem and hillbilly love song to a dashboard muse”, “Hula Girl (Dancing On My Dash)”. The topping on this project of the most varied styles I have in my collection is the instrumental “Continental Drift”. Desert, jungle beats, surf guitar, lots of percussion, sax and guitar, this song has it all.

For more information on this talented and dare I say versatile group of musicians, check out their web site at thebonedaddys.com. Although not a “Beach Music project”, there are a few tunes that if given a chance, could work in the Beach Music market. Even if they don’t, this is a well produced project that I have thoroughly enjoyed listening to.

FROM ITALY! By MASSIMO FERRO

“waterslide” is really a wonderful album, rich in influences and sounds. The Latin and North American stuff is the most clear influence and in fact, to make things simpler, I like to think about The Bonedaddys like a sort of crossing between Santana and Los Lobos. However, I know the music of this superb band is more complex and individual, with fine and different arrangements and a wide gamut of feelings.

As you may understand I really enjoy “waterslide”, this is in fact one of the most pleasant musical surprise of the year to me, and in fact I started playing it immediately in my radio show here, as you can see from the alleged playlist.
Massimo Ferro
Radio Voce Spazio
Via Remotti, 43
15040 San Michele (AL)
ITALY
info@highway61.it
www.highway61.it
www.myspace.com/massimoferro

>>How does this album hold up to their earlier classic favorites? Maybe because they never stopped the party, gigging festival after festival nonstop, this album is better, more fully orbed, and - yes- even more fun. 'Hula Girl' is my favorite track, I dare you to listen once without chanting the refrain all the rest of the day - finally giving the little dashboard diva the honor she deserves.<<

This girl is right about everything except the blue hair.....unless she's talking about the time Marv's mom sat in with us in Toronto

The Bonedaddys - Waterslide - CD 
(Combo Tempo Records) This CD starts off with a sound that's a cross between a zoot suited swing band and a ultra cool lounge band, catchy and suave at the same time. "Makin' Roux" with it's sexual cooking lyrics and funk groove make it sound like a tune that the Ohio Players might have recorded, while "Some People" has a wonderful voodoo groove that reminds me of the First Edition tune "Just Checked In (To See What Condition My Condition Was In)".

About half way through the disc The Bonedaddys start delving into other musical styles while still maintaining their overall unique sound. They inject a Cajun rock sound into the song "Trampoline" while Reggae is at the forefront on the tune "Reverend Singer." Then there's "Hula Girl (Dancing on My Dash)" which I would liken to a New Ducan Imperials hillbilly stomp. This is a CD I thoroughly enjoyed from beginning to end and I bet you will too. 
-- Mite Mutant (2007)

http://www.thechickenfishspeaks.com/musicreviewsnew.htm

The soulful serenade of the Bonedaddys interprets a celebration of eclectic funk. With World grooves and boot buckling brass arrangements "Waterslide" feel inspiring thanks to joyous harmonies and a carefree reggae rush of rhythm.

Bonedaddy quenches the appetite for bongo blistering beats. The title track opener get off to a tremendous start highlight as a tropical salsa tingled treasure. Give the funky "Oughta Give it Away" a spin for its colorful chorus and jazzy jive. The sly "Never Say Goodbye" consists of clever jingles and smooth, savory, style while the saucy "Some People soars with sensuality evoking the passionate swagger of Santana in edition to the rhythmic art funk of Gnarls Barkley. Like a delicate Tom Waits incorporating snippets of Latin jazz, this spiritual stunner motivates in melodic motion. The dazzling toe tapping "Louisville Flame" is pure precious pleasure cluttered with adventurous enthusiasm. No barnyard fiesta could withstand this infectious delight.

Roland Leicht - Bonedaddys, The - Waterslide
Einmal mehr gibt es von mir eine Review über eine CD, die aber so gar nichts mit Prog-Rock zu tun hat, aber trotzdem (zumindest mich) ganz schön mitreißt. Denn 'Waterslide' von den Bonedaddys, immerhin schon die 6. CD der Band aus Los Angeles, machen absolute Happy-Music. Schade, dass der Sommer schon vorbei ist, denn die Musik auf dem MP3-Player am Strand macht nur glücklich. Alles leicht 'latin' angehaucht und machmal in Richtung neue Santana-CDs gehend könnte man das alles beschreiben. Schon der Opener und Titletrack 'Waterslide' lässt vom ersten Ton an mitwippen und könnte von der Melodie auch von Gloria Estefan sein, was auch die Bläser-Gruppe im Hintergrund verstärkt. 'Makin' Roux ist dann leicht funky bis fast bluesig. 'Some People' ist dann voll Carlos Santana (samt wimmernder Gitarre) ... eines der Highlights der CD. 'Blame It On The Moon' geht auch ein bißchen in die Richtung, wobei allerdings vor allem die Percussions richtig geil sind. 'Heartbreaker' ist absolut radiotauglich und besticht vor allem durch den tollen, leicht rauchigen Gesang. Weitere richtig tolle Songs sind dann noch 'Never Say Goodbye' (richtig soulig), 'Trampoline' (mit Waschbrett und Banjo ... könnte auch fast ein Rock 'n' Roll - Song aus den 50ern sein), 'Reverend Singer' (Reggea können sie auch), 'Vitamin D' (erinnert an die alten Ska-Sachen aus den 80ern), 'Hula Girl' (Hillbilly) und zum Abschluss das über 6-minütige Instrumental 'Continental Drift'. Mist ... jetzt habe ich doch fast alle Songs genannt. Aber die CD ist ohne irgend einen richtigen Durchhänger schlichtweg gut, wenn man auf diesen Musikstil steht. Mehr Infos und auch ein paar Sachen zum Anhören gibt es auf der Band-Homepage.
...Google English translation:
Once more there is to me a review of a CD, but
So with nothing Prog-rock has to do, but nevertheless
(At least
Me) rouses quite nicely. Because 'Water Slide' by the
Bonedaddys,
Already the 6.CD the band from Los Angeles, make
Happy absolute music. A pity that the summer has passed
, Because the music on the MP3 player on the beach only makes
Happy. Everything easy 'latin' style, and sometimes in
New Santana-CDs outgoing direction could be all
Describe. Already the opener and title track 'Water Slide'
Leaves from the first tone mitwippen and might of the melody
By Gloria Estefan, including the brass-group
Background. 'Makin' Roux is then easy to funky
Almost blues. 'Some People' is full of Carlos Santana (and
Wimmernder guitar) ... One of the highlights of the CD. 'Blame It
On The Moon 'is also a little bit in the direction where
But above all, the Percussions really cool.
'Heart Breaker' is absolutely radiotauglich and stands before
All through the cool, slightly smoky voice. More
Really great songs are still 'Never Say
Goodbye '(true soul),' Trampoline '(with washboard and
Banjo ... Could be almost a rock 'n' roll song from the
50 s), 'Reverend Singer' (Reggea they can also)
'Vitamin D' (reminiscent of the old Ska-Sachen from the 80s),
'Hula Girl' (Hill Billy), and finally, about 6 -
Instrumental 'Continental Drift'. Mist ... But now I
Almost all the songs. But the CD is without any
Through proper hanger simply good, when you look at this
Music style. More information, and also a few things to
Listening can be found on the band's homepage.

The Bonedaddys 
“Garage Sale”
2003 ComboTempo Records

Score= 7

The Bonedaddys started out around 1984 as a loosely organized bunch of LA musicians under the direction of percussionist / tribal leader J. Michael Temple. (aka Mike Tempo) With 8 or 9 members, they mixed Fela and Manu DiBango style Afrobeat with James Brown funk, rock, gospel, New Orleans second line and Caribbean rhythms for spice. A combination of well-written originals and wisely chosen covers filled their sets. Musicianship was top-notch, with blazing and melodic guitars, fat baritone sax, keyboards, drums, percussion and club-shaking 5 string bass.

They were considered to be the first American “worldbeat” band at the time. (Then the Lambada craze came along and ruined that term for everybody. Dan Del Santo is still spinning over that one.) 

I first saw The Bonedaddys in 1988 at the tiny and aptly named 8x10 Club in Baltimore. This turned out to be one of those rare “religious experience” gigs I’ll never forget. Imagine 8 guys wearing toga-like clothes made from Elvis and poker playing dog tapestries and huge bizarre homemade hats. They looked like they were all members of the same secret African tribe who’s spiritual leaders were Larry, Curly and Moe. Visiting America on some sort of beatnik cultural exchange, the wall of sound that came off that stage was incredible. After dropping a few pounds of sweat, I had become an official “Bonehead” for years to come.



The Bonedaddys toured relentlessly with varying amounts of success. I saw them next in Las Vegas, the old Cannibal Club on 6th street, the Continental Club and La Zona Rosa. Sadly, most of the times I saw them here in Atown, a dark cloud followed them. Little or no advertisement combined with a Sunday or Tuesday night- it just didn’t work out here, even though I always thought The Bonedaddys were made for Atown. After all, they looked like they just walked out of the epicenter of an Eeyore’s drum jam.



Four albums later, The Bonedaddys eventually eased off their touring schedule and stuck to Southern California and New Orleans where their largest following is. The Chameleon record label they were signed to went under, taking their albums with it. A series of member changes later, a band that should have been huge dropped off the radar almost entirely. And then darkness fell upon the face of the earth, and Boneheads everywhere were greatly saddened. Until now, perhaps. 



Tribal leader Mike Tempo has reformed the band and released a new CD entitled “Garage Sale.” Long time singer Kevin “Honey” Williams has been replaced with Kaspar Abbo, who oddly enough sounds a lot like Honey and keeps the old Bonedaddys feel surprisingly intact. Former Austin resident and original Bonedaddy "King Cotton" provides backing vocals. Special guest and American icon Bo Diddley appears on the last track written for him called “Say Bo (Where'd you get that Kpolongo?)” 



Stand out tracks are Como Se Llama Mama, Personal Assistant, Dog Bite, Volunteered Slavery and Say Bo. The rest are pretty good although sometimes a bit popish and cliché. A few harder edged songs like their previously covered Fela masterpiece “Zombie” would have been appreciated, but are sadly absent. Overall, this CD stands up pretty well to the musicianship and songwriting of their past, especially considering that their charismatic frontman has been replaced. It may not be their best, but is the ONLY Bonedaddys CD available today (Check Waterloo, but you might have to get it from CDbaby.com) and it’s something you really should hear. With a wealth of great Bonedaddy music now totally unavailable (A-Koo-De-A, Worldbeatniks and Jungle-Jungle) I must ask this question: Say Mike Tempo, when are you going to release a “Best of the Bonedaddys” CD? 

-Maria Mesa
Atown Records

"We play country music," the Bonedaddys' leader and percussionist, Mike Tempo is fond of saying, "but it's from another country."

>>The Bonedaddys latest album, Worldbeatniks, sports unconventional covers, such as the Wild Magnolias' seductive carnival offering, "New Suit" and the intoxicatingly percussive track, "Jokenge," by Senegal's Afro National. The albums original tunes are a hybrid of West Indian zouk and soca, African high life and soukous and American street styles. "Yes They Do," a funked up critique of the governments Just Say No campaign features a George Bush sample and duck call solo.

"I dont see world beat as weird and esoteric; I see it as a real logical way that rock music is," says Tempo.

>>The clever wordplay in the album's title sez more about these guys than most album titles do, as the Bonedaddys continue to enhance their reputation as the merry pranksters of the international beat.

Some skeptics and World Beat purists turn their noses up at these guys, but the Bonedaddys, far from irreverent World Music weenies, aren't making music for ethnomusicology studies, they're making music to feel and to dance to. <<
>>Their covers keep close to the originals - on the New Orleans side we get Allen Toussaint's "Shoo-rah Shoo-rah," the Mardi Gras staples "New Suit" and "Crawfish," and from Africa we the horn-and beat-heavy "Jokenge," Fela's "Zombie," and "Rekpete" with its characteristic melody and steely guitar lines - and their originals, thought not as winning as the covers, are much improved,
especially "In Deep" and "On the Way."

The cliched thing to say about an album like this (Worldbeatniks) by a band of the Bonedaddys calibre is that is doesn't capture their live performances. As with most cliches, this one contains an element of the truth. It's probably a good thing, because their live performance is such a hyper-frenetic, sweat-ridden orgy of rhythm that the average modern dwelling might not last until the next earthquake if subjected to such a force.

BONEDADDYS (Buy CDs by this artist)
A-Koo-De-A! (Chameleon) 1988
Worldbeatniks (Chameleon) 1989
Uplifting Afrobeat, uptight contemporary funk and sizzling rock'n'roll collide with delightful results on the merry gumbo of the Bonedaddys' first LP. The large interracial LA outfit — essentially a citywide sideband — takes a knowledgeable approach to exotica (confidently covering two Manu Dibango songs) and a witty pen to localism. "Zouk Attack," co-written by Bonedaddy guitarist Paul Lacques (whose main band is the polka-crazy Rotondi, but he also has a group called the Underthings) and ex-Motels/Burning Sensations leader Tim McGovern, critiques the trendy club scene; "Dumpster Girl," penned by singer Kevin Williams, is a twisted love song.

Other bands — like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Oingo Boingo — have confronted the challenge of rampant cross-culturalization and large-ensemble organization, but the Bonedaddys have a musical nationality all their own.
The party continues on Worldbeatniks, as the group (here an octet with guests; McGovern is no longer involved) offers up three more Afrobeat numbers (including Fela Kuti's "Zombie" and Afro National's "Jokenge"), some New Orleans-style R&B (Allen Toussaint's "Shoo-rah, Shoo-rah") and an eclectic array of originals, among them the (first?) neo-hippie anthem "Hippie Children," also recorded by Rotondi. Fun'n'funky.
[Ira Robbins/Dave Schulps]
   
http://www.trouserpress.com/entry.php?a=bonedaddys