October 2003

Good Rockin' Tonight: The Smokin' 45s

By: Jim Thompson

The building once known as Bill's Barn has hosted it's share of exciting live music over the years; decades earlier the roadhouse-like venue had been the stomping ground for such country and rockabilly stars as Jack Scott and Johnny Powers. But on one recent night beneath the Stars and Stripes that permanently adorn the stage, a roomful of Halloween revelers fill the dance floor to a sound in American music that seems new, yet as comfortable as a well-worn leather jacket. On this night, Bill's Barn has revived, rocking to its foundation to the sounds of Michigan’s hot R&B quintet, The Smokin' 45s.

With their debut CD, Anywhere But Here ..., literally only hours old at this point, most in the sold-out crowd have naturally never heard any recording of the Smokin' 45s, and some have never seen the group perform before this night. But reputation travels quickly, and there's not an unsold ticket to be had. After some delirious hours of aggressively electric Chicago-style blues workouts {and very little elbow room on the packed dance floor} it's obvious that the Smokin' 45s have yet again won over another group of new fans by playing the kind of blues that bring the party to the night. Halloween or otherwise, these guys light it up.

Comprised of Paul Hoffman {vocals, harmonica}, Ken Christie {bass, vocals}, Lenny Hall {drums, vocals, percussion}, Dave Remkus {guitar, vocals}, and Dale Morgan {guitar, vocals}, the Smokin' 45s bring to the blues a ballsier, electrifying spirit that flaunts the gritty rocking sensibilities that are entirely at home with the story legacy of urban blues - Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, Howlin' Wolf - and the bedrock Detroit music in general. But while the tradition is respected, the Smokin' 45s seem to realize that songs in a live setting should be kept fresh and alive, and not be presented as mummified museum pieces. So don't expect any dusted-off Delta nostalgia: this is the real thing, and there's nothing laid back about it.

Anywhere But Here..., the Smokin' 45s twelve-song debut release, is fully loaded with propulsive, crowd-pleasing future classics: ten of the songs on the new disc are originals. From "Smokin' Hot" to "I Got to Go" to chestnuts like "Can't Afford to Do It" and "Howlin' for My Darlin'", the creative energies of the band make an ideal transition form the stage to the disc, loud and clear.

While Anywhere But Here... is indeed the Smokin' 45s initial CD release, the original nucleus of the band {with the exception of new member Morgan} had been raucously rocking the Midwest for several years, with each live appearance leaving behind another hot bed of new fans. No strangers to the recording studio, the band certainly translates that energetic spirit to disc {which was produced by the Smokin' 45s and Jeff LaDuke} and remains as on-target as ever.

if you want to turn your house into a house party, by all means buy yourself a copy of Anywhere But Here... and liven' up your life just that easily. Should you get a chance to see the Smokin' 45s live - wherever they may turn up - hop aboard for a great time. I'll see you there.

Jim Thompson is a writer whose articles on Michigan Rock and Roll history have appeared in Goldmine magazine. He has also written features on popular culture for Film Threat, Magick Theater, and the Betty Pages, and is a freelance video producer. Jim has also been a featured guest on radio stations WCBN and WDET.