C & G Newspapers Vol. 15, No. 4 - January 28, 2004

The Smokin' 45s Burn the Blues

By: Maria Allard C & G Staff Writer

After listening to the first few bars of the adrenalized "Can't Afford to Do It" or the blues-driven "Wrong About Me", it's easy to fall into the groove of the Smokin' 45s. Especially if you like your blues to rock and your rock to sing the blues.

"We work up a sweat and we definitely like to put a lot of energy into it," said singer Paul Hoffman, who also doubles on harmonica. "It's defintely an up-tempo thing." With its blues-rooted guitar chops, tight rythm section and upbeat vibe, the Smokin' 45s, with Hoffman, bassist Ken Christie, drummer Lenny Hall, and guitarists Dave Remkus and Dale Morgan, are leaving crowds smoldering at various metro clubs.

On Jan 31, the band brings its sound to the Eastowne Bar and Grill, located on Nine Mile Road, just west of I-94, in Eastpointe. The Band is slated to begin its set at 9 pm. Those who come should be prepared to have a good time.

"Their last show went really good," said Eastowne Bar and Grill owner Andrew Guaresimo of the Band's November gig. "They had a good crowd and kept the crowd's attention going."

On stage, the band - playing orignals plus a handful of covers - doesn't hold back with its brute force of rockin' blues. A show is likely to exhibit the effects of band members who grew up listening to Jeff Beck, Eric Clapton, and John Mayall's Bluesbreakers. Influences of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, and the Blasters also make their way into the Smokin' 45s sound.

"We all enjoy playing. It just works for us," Morgan, of Rochester, said. "We don't sound like Muddy Waters or Howlin' Wolf. We feel if they were alive, this is how they would play it."

Fans who come out for Saturday's show can pick up the band's recently released CD "Anywhere But Here...," which contains 10 orignal songs and two cover tunes. Although recording in the studio leans on the tedious side, it was worth it.

"We had a blast just doing the whole thing," Morgan said. "The whole thing has been a lot of fun."

Hoffman said the band plans to continue playing around town, hoping to add some new venues to its roster, including the Blue Goose Inn in St. Clair Shores and Memphis Smoke in Royal Oak.

For Morgan, who grew up in Illinois, joining the Smokin' 45s has brought him back into the music scene after a 12-year absence. "Four years ago, I started getting the itching to play again," Morgan said. "After not playing for so long, I really wondered if I could get back to playing and getting those chops back."

And what's up with the sunglasses while performing live?

"It's just kind of a look we started using," Morgan asid. "The lights are very bright and the sunglasses make it easier to see."