Post by jptheprofessor on May 11, 2008 21:56:24 GMT -5
D.C. & CO – ALIVE (no label) Formed nearly a decade ago by namesake Dave "D.C." Costarella, Lancaster-based ensemble D.C. & Co rewarded the requests of their fans by issuing a new live album, simply called Alive. Recorded during a New Year's Eve show Dec. 31, 2006 at the Lancaster Elks Club, Alive captures highlights from a special night, while showcasing the plentiful talents that this diverse group of musicians brings to the live stage on an assortment of original songs, blues, funk and rock’n’roll remakes. Namesake Dave Costarella sings, plays keys and serves as emcee; the rest of his Company this night include guitarist Big Tone Torres, Michael Bitts on bass, David Santana on drums, Gary Miller on percussion, the horn section of Doug Hill on sax, Wilson Gonzales and Adrian Garcia on trumpets, and Darnell Scott on trombone. D.C. & Co sets the tone for the set off the bat with their charged rendition of Stephen Stills’ “Love the One You’re With.” Then we hear two original songs; the swaggering, “Green Onions”-styled blues/soul workout “Separate Your Wash,” highlighted by a scorching Big Tone Torres guitar solo display; and the jazzy funk number “Heaven Can’t.” The album then gearshifts into a high-powered surf direction with the group’s rowdy remake of Vince Taylor’s “Brand New Cadillac,” before offering a reverent, funk-edged spin on B.B. King’s “The Thrill Is Gone.” Then enters special guest Rose Hudson, whose robust, soul-shaking voice lifts Billie Holiday’s “Fine and Mellow” and Curtis Mayfield’s “People Get Ready” above and beyond. The album then accelerates and never slows down again, as D.C. & Co fires up the party for the duration with stirring renditions of Charlie Daniels’ “New York City King Size Rosewood Bed,” the Doobie Brothers’ “Long Train Running,” Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition” and “I Wish,” Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round in Circles,” War’s “Low Rider,” and a lively medley. The performances are feisty and vibrant, as these musicians hit their stride early on and ride at a constant high for the duration. The rhythms are constantly punchy and in the pocket, and the horn section’s and Big Tone Torres’ guitar workouts often threaten to leap off the CD and right into your living room! Rick Coberly engineered and captured the live sound this night, and Steve Puffer’s mix allows each element of the sound to shine clearly. Alive not just captures a special night, but offers proof positive of D.C. & Co’s electrifying, multi-dimensional live show. This CD makes me want to go see this group if they get anywhere near my locale! (The CD can be purchased through the group's website, www.dcandco.net.)