Professor Louie & The Crowmatix is a jam band for the ages bringing a sound and style that is refreshing and invigorating. ‘Crowin’ Around’ is the 18th album for Professor Louie & The Crowmatix and the band has toured the world extensively for over 25 years. Combining elements of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, folk, gospel and jam-band, Professor Louie & The Crowmatix throw everything at you with the kitchen sink included!
‘Crowin’ Around’ is meant to be inspirational, upbeat and uplifting and this group nails it and checks all the boxes in those categories. The record includes 11 songs and each one different from the next. Professor Louie himself has a long history with the one and only The Band collaborating with the group for 17 years. Professor Louie co-produced, engineered and performed on The Band’s final three albums and was a touring member from 1985 to 1999 until Rick Danko’s passing. Rick Danko is actually the person that coined the name Professor Louie and the rest is history! The Band’s influence can most certainly be heard on the new release and so Professor Louie & The Crowmatix is seriously ‘Crowin’ Around’ and giving the fans what they want. Professor Louie & The Crowmatix includes Professor Louie on vocals, keys and accordion, Miss Marie (recorded with Levon Helm, Rick Danko, Garth Hudson) on vocals, percussion and keys, Frank Campbell (Levon Helm’s MD with the Woodstock All-stars) on bass and vocals, John Platania on guitar and vocals, Todd Mihan on guitar and vocals and Dan Hickey (They Might Be Giants) on drums.
The album kicks off with “Elevate Yourself” that has so much energy and is such a lively set from start to finish. You will clap along to the finger-snappin’ beat on “Elevate Yourself” as Professor Louie & The Crowmatix has got you hook, line & sinker and it all sounds oh so good! We’re jivin’ along and about to have “Too Much Fun” next, so just get up and dance! Good times and good vibes make “Too Much Fun” the ideal choice for your listening pleasure. Track three, “Monday Boogaloo”, moves along nicely and will get you moving as soon as you hit play. We’re steppin’ up and steppin’ out to “A Million” making this song a valuable source of enjoyment with excellent musical direction. “Johnny” is the center of attention on the following number and highlighted wonderfully by Professor Louie & The Crowmatix. It’s all about “Johnny” here, so just live and let live! Track six, “Bird’s Lament”, is an instrumental with an intriguing melody and instrumentation that will light up your ears and spark your senses. A cool atmosphere wraps around you on “Rag Mama Rag” where it’s time to cut loose and leave your worries at the door. “Steadfast & True” is up next and this is simply a gem of a song with golden lyrics that truly stand out. “Steadfast & True” supplies inspiring lines like “We’re all brothers, all sisters too” and “Stand up for eachother, what a family will do”. A jumpin’ & jivin’ joint is rolling your way with “Stick To The Plan” where the toe-tappin’ rhythm will get you pumped up and bring you much joy. Next, a bluesy tone is hitting you hard on “Watch The River Flow” where the listener will be fully engaged to every single note & lyric thanks to a commanding performance overall. Professor Louie & The Crowmatix gives you “A Different Christmas” to end the album in a spiced-up fashion. The listener receives “A Different Christmas” cheer with a jam-band twist that’s packaged very well.
Professor Louie & The Crowmatix came to play and entertain, and I feel this band will be ‘Crowin’ Around’ for a very long time. Professor Louie and Miss Marie have written and published over 100 songs to date and this recording should receive a gold star of excellence for its fine songwriting. The performances will move you and get your blood pumpin’ as Professor Louie & The Crowmatix brings the groove in full force on ‘Crowin’ Around’.
https://www.woodstockrecords.com/
By Jimmy Rae
