Hot Monkey Love

Hot Monkey Love - Primate Blues - 2004 - HML Records

The creme de la creme of New York city’s blues scene have come together to sing the blues as Hot Monkey Love. Vocalist Jack O’Neil sings like he has been stung by king sized bee, while guitarist Bob Del Rosso wails on solos which will make your hair stand on end. Bassist Jordan Lee and drummer/band leader, Frankie LaRocka set down an unstoppable blues rock groove, as the band crashes through blues classics like Boom, Boom, Shame, Shame, Shame, I’m A King Bee. Champagne and Reefer, Rockin’ Daddy, Crosseyed Cat and 99 Pounds to name a few of the highlights. They are perhaps the tightest blues band around town, which is no surprise as Hot Monkey Love members have played with the likes of David Johansen, Bryan Adams, Bon Jovi and Luther Vandross, to name a few. Hot Monkey Love roar throughout, resurrecting the spirits of the greats — John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and Muddy Waters It is no surprise cdbaby keeps running out of this CD. It sizzles. I can’t wait to hear them do more originals. Everybody needs some Hot Monkey Love. Get yours now. © Richard Amery Kenora Daily Miner and News

Hot Monkey Love are a blues band with a rock edge that combines the heart and soul of blues artists such as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and John Lee Hooker, with the groove and vocals of British blues-rock bands like The Rolling Stones and Free. Band members have performed, recorded and toured with Bryan Adams, David Johansen, Noel Redding, Bon Jovi, Luther Vandross, David Sanborn, Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana. Founded by the late, great Frankie "Spider" LaRocka in the Fall of 2003, the Love is being sustained by vocalist extraordinaire, Jack "Beau Jack" O'Neill, and groovemaster "Jumpin'" Jordan Lee on the Fender bass. Since Spider's untimely ascent to rock-n-roll heaven, these two original Monks have been supported by an array of outstanding pro-guitarists (incl. Earl Slick, Arthur Neilson, Anthony Krizan, Jimmy Bennett, Dee Meyer & Mike Krizan) and ace-drummers (incl. Ray Grappone, Nat Seeley, Dan Hickey, Eddie "the Elf" Piotrowski & Steve Merola). Their second CD, "Speakin' Evil," is slated for release in the Spring of 2007. © http://www.hotmonkeylove.us/

Hot Monkey Love are deeply saddened to report that the Head Monkey, drummer extraordinaire, Frankie "Spider" LaRocka, passed away on May 12, 2005, joining rock-n-roll royalty in the ultimate jam session in the sky. Go to our website at www.hotmonkeylove.us for more info. Band leader, Frankie LaRocka (David Johansen, Bryan Adams, Jon Bon Jovi) is joined by Jack O'Neill on vocals, Bob Del Rosso on guitar, and Jordan Lee on bass with a guest appearance by Earl Slick (David Bowie Band) to form a true blues band that has earned the respect of many on today's circuit. Hot Monkey Love captures the heart and soul of legendary blues musicians in this 12-noon to 12-midnight recording. The talents of these four artists have earned them the success of performing, recording and touring with Bryan Adams, David Johansen and Bon Jovi, as well as Luther Vandross, David Sanborn, Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana. Now combining their passion for the blues, Jack "Beau Jack" O'Neill, Frankie "Spider" LaRocka, "Cowboy" Bob Del Rosso and "Jumpin'" Jordan Lee have come together from all genres of music giving their blues band, Hot Monkey Love, an old but new sound with a vibe and edge that honors the works of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and John Lee Hooker, along with their original material, and more. New CD "SPEAKIN' EVIL" coming soon! [ in partnership with CDbaby © Tradebit 2004-2011 http://www.tradebit.com/filedetail.php/339432-hot-monkey-love ]

An awesome (in the real sense of the word) modern funky soul/blues rock album from the New York city based Hot Monkey Love. This is a truly outstanding album from a band who are preserving the great blues, soul, and r&b tradition in great style. The vocals are powerful and gutsy. The guitar work from Bob Del Rosso and Earl Slick is just terrific, and Steve Merola's harmonica work is outstanding. The late "Spider" LaRocka's drumming lays down a great rhythmic foundation for the album. Sometimes the band's sound is reminiscent of the great early sound of bands like Free, Fleetwood Mac and Foghat. The guys include covers of songs by John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed, Robert Johnson, and Chester Burnett. Three great covers include Free's "Walk In My Shadow", Earl Randle's classic "Tear Your Playhouse Down" and also a fantastic version of Lennon & McCartney's "Rain". This is the kind of band who truly deserve your attention. The album is proof that there are still unfamiliar but extremely talented bands out there who "could knock spots off" many of the so called rock superstars of today. "Primate Blues" is VHR by A.O.O.F.C. It's an album that will keep your faith in real music alive. Buy Hot Monkey Love's "Speakin' Evil" album (thru http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/hotmonkey2), and give this fantastic band the promotion they deserve.

TRACKS / COMPOSERS

1. Boom Boom - John Lee Hooker 3:49
2. Crosseyed Cat - M.Morganfield aka Muddy Waters 5:00
3. 99 Pounds - Donald Bryant 3:24
4. I'm Ready - Willie Dixon 3:50
5. Tear Your Playhouse Down - Earl Randle 3:17
6. Champagne and Reefer - M.Morganfield aka Muddy Waters 5:24
7. Shame, Shame, Shame - Jimmy Reed 3:00
8. I'm A King Bee - J.Moore 4:11
9. Me And The Devil - Robert Johnson 5:20
10. Tryin' - O'Neill, Peterford 3:55
11. Rockin' Daddy - Chester Burnett 3:18
12. Walk In My Shadow - Kossoff, Kirke, Fraser, Rodgers 3:29
13. Rain (Hidden Track) - Lennon & McCartney 3:55

MUSICIANS

"Cowboy" Bob Del Rosso - Guitar
Earl Slick - Guitar on tracks 1,8,12 [Guest]
Anthony Krizan - Slide Guitar [Guest]
"Jumpin'" Jordan Lee - Bass
Arne Wendt - Piano, Organ [Guest]
Frankie "Spider" LaRocka RIP - Drums
Jack "Beau Jack" O'Neill - Vocals
Hot Monkey Love Horns - (Tommy Pezz - Sax: Joe Crown - Trumpet: Steve "Buck$" Merola - Harmonica) [Guests]
Tiffany & Ganessa James, Jimmie Mack, Mikey Flasher - Backing Vocals [Guests]