Based out of Saint Paul, Minnesota, Lorenzo "Ledfoot Larry" Michelutti started off playing solo shows in local coffee houses, but he soon realized that a return to the stage with a full band was the next step in performing music. After some lineup changes, the final roster of Ledfoot Larry includes Larry himself, Paul "Paco" Pederson, Mark "Hoss" Haider, Patrick Dempsey and Bob Locke. They play a mix of danceable ’90s and earlier country standards with a mix of their own unique blend of "Bakersfield and Tejano music meets ’70s country" originals.The band’s follow up album to Smooches Gracias is Tequila Mockingbird and it was recorded in their studio, aptly named "The Jungle Room" due to their giant velvet Elvis hanging on the wall. It was engineered and mixed by their keyboardist/accordionist Paul "Paco" Pederson. The band states that this album is 'more country' than their debut and it digs deep into the Bakersfield sound with rich melodies and fun beats. Added flavors of 'old school' background vocals and accordion, this neo-traditional outfit delivers ten unique tracks mixing country and Americana genres.
The opening track “Silver Spurs” has got that classic country appeal with just a twinge of rockabilly in there, – if you’re talking Marty Stuart and Jerry Lee Lewis that is. Loved the backing vocals, too. Just in time for July weather is “Fireflies” – a tune with Tex-Mex influence at a bit of a slower pace. If you’re familiar with a tune I remember from my childhood, that I don’t hear much anymore, you’ll recognize the melody in this tune. (Hint: “Would you like to swing on a star, carry moonbeams home in a jar.”) Here’s to summer! Next up is “Dance, Dance, Dance” and yes, I’d say it’s meant for dancing. Complete with accordion and a classic guitar sound, this song should get you on the dance floor in no time. “My Baby Hates Country” features the piano and a stronger presence of the drums with a few drum fills in there as well. Hey, she may hate country music but at least she likes you enough to stick around. “Seedless Grapes” has got a great rumbling drum rhythm with plenty of piano. I’d say this one has more of a modern twist featuring the band’s own blend of new and old styles – danceable, too. “In a World Without You” starts off with the soft touch of the brushes on the snare and later, a soulful guitar solo, accompanied by the piano and a steady bass. “There is nothing left for me tonight, in a world without you” sings the band – that’s about as sad a line in any country ballad as you can get. “Loving You Was Easy” features a more rocking beat and a classic Wurlitzer keyboard sound. The bass is lively, and drums are quick and shuffling. I think this tune shows off the band’s more soulful side quite well. “Fire Warnings” gives the listener another take on Ledfoot Larry’s softer side. This one’s definitely a slow dancer with Americana and classic country appeal. The guitar/keyboard solo stood out the most for me. “Hundred Million Roses” is another tune with Tex-Mex and old school country influence. I might have to listen to some Marty Robbins after this one. Last up is “Red, White and Blue” and you can’t get more country than this one. The classic two-step beat is there, “the girl in red high heels and a white pearl necklace,” and the colors of Old Glory on the Fourth of July, all point to the quintessential country song. If you’re ever in upper Midwest America (a la St. Paul, Minnesota), looking to brush up on your two-set dance moves and some bar or nightclub or enjoy the pairing of classic country/Americana with Tex-Mex style, look no further than Ledfoot Larry’sTequila Mockingbird.
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