The 10-song collection is a set of fire breathing blues, rock and soul as expected from these seasoned veterans. Klein and Torello share the lead vocals on the eight new original tracks and two reworked covers from B.B. King and The Beatles. Special guests include Dave Lowrie on piano with Jonathan Dubose and the legendary Charlie Karp (R.I.P.) sitting in on guitar along with splendid background vocals from Simone Brown and Carol Sylvan.

Klein plays the part of the young lovestruck warrior on the title track “Starshine,” with its Muscle Shoals groove and soulful backups. The centerpiece of his 1964 recording Live at the Regal, B.B. King’s blues standard “Sweet Little Angel,” is pumped up from a slow 12/8 to a Texas style shuffle. Bobby T’s bourbon-soaked vocals take the lead and preach us a sobriety lesson on the bumping “Whiskey.” The tender soul ballad ”Shades Of Blue,” takes its cues from vintage Van Morrison and the Box Tops. Klein demonstrates his sardonic wit by painting a picture of his vision of a perfect wake, on the jaunty “I Died, You Cried,” and its rakish coda “Can’t Take It With You.”  Torello dishes the dirt on a lover who broke his heart in “Rotten Person,” with his tongue firmly planted in his cheek.

Lennon and McCartney’s 2nd million selling single “I Want To Hold Your Hand,” is hardly recognizable except for its joyous sentiment as The Name Droppers transform the British Invasion anthem into a southern fried gospel fueled soul revival led by Karp’s greasy guitar and call and response from Simone Brown. Bobby T’s signature big drum sound brings us into the mournful lament “Red Sea Blues.” Lowrie and Dubose sit in on the subtle funk album closer, “Joy, Pain, Sky,” with Brown trading vocals barbs with Klein for a mellow down easy finale. Starshine makes a fine addition to The Name Droppers’ vaunted legacy.

Rick J Bowen

BIOGRAPHY

Original members of Johnny Winter and Charlie Karp, the band evolved in 2019 after the death of Charlie Karp. Bobby “T” Torello is a member of the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame, who played and toured with Michael Bolton, Grace Slick, Johnny Winter, and more. Scott Spray is an award-winning bass player who played and recorded with Edgar Winter, Johnny Winter, and more. His work on Johnny Winter’s album “Step Back” won him a Grammy for Best Blues Album in 2015. Both played with blues legend Johnny Winter. Rafe Klein, (guitar, vocals) and Ron Rifkin (piano, vocals) played and recorded with Charlie Karp who was Buddy Miles’ guitar player when he was a teenager.

Rafe Klein – Rafe is a songwriter, and no stranger to the music scene, as he played alongside blues legend Charlie Karp for many years and co-wrote many songs that appeared on Charlie Karp’s last album “Back to You” (Courtesy of Red Parlor Records) and “Love” (Carole Sylvan’s album featuring The Name Droppers).

Bobby “T” Torello – Bobby has an extensive career, most notably as the former drummer for the Johnny Winter Band. He was inducted into the Classic Drummer Hall of Fame and the New England Music Hall of Fame, serves as an ambassador for WFIII drums, and has served as a session drummer on some of rock’s greatest recordings.

Scott Spray – Scott was the bassist for the Johnny Winter Band and was also inducted into the New England Music Hall Of Fame. Scott has an extensive career having played with some of the biggest names in rock and roll. His credits span decades, and his bass work on Johnny Winter’s album “Step Back” earned him a Grammy for Best Blues Album in 2015.

Ron Rifkin- Ron is a keyboard powerhouse who has played on numerous sessions and played alongside Charlie Karp live and in the studio for many years. His unique style of playing, and diverse singing voice puts him in high demand as a CT session player, and he has many credits under his belt.

TITLE
STARSHINE

LABEL
HORIZON MUSIC GROUP

RELEASE DATE
JUNE 14, 2024

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