*** Roomful of Blues

UNDER ONE ROOF

(Bullseye Blues)

The capos of the New England blues mafia have struck again with a powerful collection of wailing, four-to-the-bar blues and jump tunes. Twenty-eight years after their first incarnation, this nine-piece battalion of Rhode Island rompers remain on top of their horn-heavy game. Under One Roof rocks a little harder and straighter than many of Roomful's previous outings, which date back to a magnificent 1977 debut (from which only saxophonist Richard Lataille and drummer/Sultan of Sock John Rossi survive). Guitarist Chris Vachon brings a little Jimi to the proceedings, whereas founding front man Duke Robillard took his cues from T-Bone Walker. Vocalist Sugar Ray Norcia continues a proud tradition of robust Roomful singers, gliding easily over the crisp horn charts on "Switchin' in the Kitchen" and taking Willie Dixon's "Easy Baby" from the basement to the rafters while the horns punch out the lights behind him.

-- Bill Kisliuk

(Roomful of Blues play the Regattabar this Friday, February 28.)