56 Deluxe Productions is set to release AZ Kenny Tsak & 56 Deluxe Band new cd “Like We Do! – LIVE.” Fans eagerly await the band’s second release which follows their first CD “Like I Do.” Their 1st release in 2009 hit international airplay within days. This new 2011 CD “Like We Do! – LIVE” features an outstanding compilation of 7 originals and 5 covers showcasing this sizzling band’s blend of roadhouse, rockin’ “non-wimpy” blues with a classic rock shot.

"Like We Do! - LIVE"

This live recording is a classic example of hearing artist’s true sound without all the computer-generated additions and changes created in the studio. In this era of high-tech studio recordings fans are never sure of what they are going to get when they purchase a ticket to see a live concert. This CD offers that preview to music lovers whom, without a doubt, will be marking their calendars for AZ Kenny Tsak & 56 Deluxe tour dates to their town.

Jim White, of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette says “Tsak is some kind of roadhouse-flavored bluesy rock and country guy, with a tough little band around him that swings behind sharp guitar work, driving bass, keyboards that roll like the river, and sax that’s lusty to the point of embarassment.”

Visit the band’s website at 56 Deluxe Productions or Reverbnation or Facebook to become a fan.

SOUTH FLORIDA BANDS IN THE MIX IN TOP 100

AZ KENNY TSAK AND 56 DELUXE “LIKE I DO” # 34

JP SOARS “BACK OF MY MIND” # 62

TOMMY LEE COOK # 70 AND 78…”BUCKINGHAM PEACE OF MIND” AND “CEMETERY ROAD”

HEP CAT BOO DADDIES # 83 HOTRODSEXGOD

REAL BLUES CURRENT TOP 100 CDs CHART

Note: REAL BLUES ‘Top 100 Releases’ chart is based on CD’s we have received in the previous 24 Calendar months*.
All have been graded as ‘Highly Recommended Purchases’ and all selections are based solely on Artistic/Spiritual Merit. Selections have already been reviewed or will be within the next issue. This list is a ‘Bribery-free’ listing so you can ‘take-it-to-the-bank’. (If you hope to have your CD on this list, the first step is to send us a review copy…)
32. The Paul deLay Band: The Last Of The Best (Criminal)
32. Fiona Boyes: Blues Woman (Yellow Dog)
32. Chainsaw Dupont: The Real Guitar Hero (Chicago Blues Records)
33. Shaun Murphy: Livin’ The Blues (Vision Wall Records)
33. Rick Moore/Jimmy Nalls: Slow Burnin’ Fire (Blues Boulevard)
33. Big Papa And The TCB: 12 Gauge Insurance Plan (Dream Pickle Music)
34. A.Z. Kenny Tsak Deluxe: Like I Do (56 Deluxe Productions)
34. Smilin’ Bobby & Hidden Charms: Big Legged Woman (Wolf)
34. 2000 LBs of Blues: Soul of A Sinner (Deep Groove Records)
34. Tia Carroll (Big Cat Records)
35. Harmonica Shah: If All You Have Is A Hammer (Electro-Fi)
35. Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges: Live In San Antonio (Indie)
35. Motor City Josh: A Tribute To Howlin’ Wolf (Ford Music Co.)
36. Hamilton Loomis: Live In England (Ham-Bone Records)
36. James Day & The Fish Fry: Firecracker (Neon Blue)
37. The Twisters: Come Out Swingin’ (Northern Blues)
37. Matthew Stubbs: Soul Bender (Viztone)
37. Pat Wilder and Serious Business: Lay Down Daddy (Indie)
38. Piney Brown: One Of These Days (Bonedog)
38. Chris Duarte: Vantage Point (Blues Bureau)
38. Tomcat Courtney: Downsville Blues (Blue Witch Records)
38. Dave Keyes: Roots In The Blues (DKR)
39. Dave Riley & Bob Corritore: Lucky To Be Living (Blue Witch)
39. Steve Guyger: Radio Blues (Severn)
39. Andrew Jr. Boy Jones: Getting’ Real (Electro-Fi)
40. Darrell Nulisch: Just For You (Severn)
40. The Hitman Blues Band: Pale Rider (Reaching Tree Music)
40. Ronnie Earl And The Broadcasters: Hope Radio (Stony Plain)
40. Victor Wainwright and The Wild Roots: Beale St. To The Bayou (Wild Roots Records)
41. Ricky Gene Hall & The Goods: Bam! (Yard Dawg Records)
41. Hollywood Fats & The Paladins: Live 1985 (Topcat)
41. Dave Keller: Play For Love (Tastee-Tone)
42. The Aces: No One Rides For Free (El Toro)
42. Jack Edery & Ultra Suede: Fried Chicken & Whiskey(Indie)
43. The Informants: Crime Scene Queen (Wipe It Off! Records)
43. Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones: Falling Through The Tracks (Mighty Tiger)
43. Too Slim and The Taildraggers: Free Your Mind (Underworld Records)
43. The Reclamators: sing it, white boy! (Crooked Walls Records)
44. The Alex Dixon Band: Rising From The Bushes (Dixon Landing Music)
44. Rick Moore: Better Off With The Blues (Blues Boulevard)
44. Jackie Payne/Steve Edmonson Band: Overnight Sensation (Delta Groove/Fusion 3)
45. Los Fabulocos Featuring Kid Ramos (Delta Groove)
45. Davis Coen: Blues Lights For Yours And Mine (Soundview)
45. Chicago Blues: A Living History (Raisin Music)
46. Doctor Nick & The Rollercoasters: Blues…Straight Ahead (Blue Tube Records)
46. Boo Boo Davis: Name Of The Game (Black & Tan)
46. Donald Ray Johnson: Travelin’ Man (Marvista)
47. Odell Harris: Searching For Odell Harris (Broke & Hungry)
47. Magic Slim & The Teardrops: Midnight Blues (Blind Pig/Stony Plain)
48. Big James: Thank God I Got The Blues (Jamot)
48. Big George Brock: Live At Seventy Five (Cathead)
49. Bradley/McGillivray Blues Band: Livin’ This Way (Sense and Soul)
49. Johnny B and The Goodes: Have Mercy (Big Mo)
49. Texas Slim: Driving Blues (Topcat)
50. Big Shanty: Sold Out (King Mojo Records)
50. Blue Plate Special: Can You Dig It? (Prime)
50. Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas: Hang It High, Hang It Low (Rounder)
50. Joe Louis Walker: Between A Rock And The Blues (Stony Plain)
51. Hans Theessink & Terry Evans: Visions (Blue Groove)
51. Hills and Lemelin: Neither Here Nor There (H&L Records)
51. Billy Jones: My Hometown (Black & Tan)
51. Marcia Ball: Love, Peace & BBQ (Alligator/Fusion 3)
52. Doug Warner: Fading Gracefully (Whirly Fair Productions)
52. House Rockin’ And Blues Shoutin’: Celebrating 15 Years of The Rhythm Room (Blue Witch)
52. Seth Walker: Leap Of Faith (Hyena Records)
53. Earl Gilliam: Texas Doghouse Blues (Dialtone)
54. Rick Welter Band: I’m All Yours (Bluestopia)
54. Maurizio Pugno & Sugar Ray Norcia: That’s What I Found (Pacific Blues)
54. Nick Vigarino: Temptation Road
55. Dave Riley & Bob Corritore: Travelin’ The Dirt Road (Blue Witch)
55. Ruthie Foster: The Truth According To…(Blue Corn)
56. Duke Robillard’s Jumpin’ Blues Revue: Stomp! The Blues Tonight (Stony Plain)
56. Malkum Gibson and The Mighty Juke Band: Hoodoo Blues (Whata’ Record
56. Plainfield Slim: Another Mule In The Barn (Indie)
57. Pat Pepin: In It For The Long Haul (Indie)
57. Duke Robillard: A Swingin’ Session (Stony Plain)
58. Jimi Bott: Bott & Paid For (Roseleaf)
58. Craig Brenner & The Crawdads: Live To Love (Craig Brenner Music)
58. Billy Lavender: Memphis Livin’ (I55 Productions)
59. The Cadillac Kings: Trouble In Store (33 Records)
59. Dave Fields: All Wound Up (Fields Music Inc)
60. Ray Bailey: Resurrection (Tondef Records)
60. Boo Hanks: Pickin’ Low Cotton (Music Maker)
60. Big George Brock: Round Two (Cathead)
60. Thorbjorn Risager! Live At Victoria (Cope Records/Westman Music)
61. Ross Neilsen: Early Grave (Thorny Bleeder Records)
61. Alice Stuart and The Formerlys: Freedom (Country con Fusion)
61. Igor Prado Band: Upside Down (Chico Blues Records)
62. Wes Mackey: Beyond Words (Bluesline)
62. Big Chief Monk Boudreaux (featuring Reverend Goat Carson): Rising Son (f. boo Music)
62. J.P. Soars: Back Of My Mind (Soars High Production)
63. Dave Fields: Time’s A Wastin’ (FMI Records)
63. Eddie Taylor Jr.: Tré/ Harmonica Hinds From The Country To The City (Wolf Records)
64. B.B. and The Blues Shacks: Unique Taste (Crosscut)
64. Adolphus Bell: One Man Band (Music Maker)
65. Al “Coffee” McDaniel: Blues In My Shoes (CPA Records)
66. Orb Mellon: Moan (V-Hold Records)
66. Bernie Pearl: Somebody Got To Do It (Boulevard Music)
66. Mike Leavy: The Strange Cat People (Strange Cat)
66. Jo’ Buddy & Down Home King III: Whole Lotta Things To Do (Ram-Bam)
67. Marc Benno: I Got It Bad (Blue Skunk)
67. Charles Wilson: Troubled Child (Severn)
68. Tom ‘Blues Man’ Hunter: Down In The Bottom (Great Blues Recordings)
68. Mike Goudreau: Blues Et Cetera (PMG)
69. Amos Garrett: Get Way Back/Tribute To Percy Mayfield (Stony Plain)
69. Terry Blersh (Indie)
70. Tommy Lee Cook: Buckingham Peace Of Mind (Indie) “TAMPA”
70. Michael Osborn: What Goes Around (Checkerboard)
70. Bob Petrocelli: Shanghai Shuffle (Ortep Music)
70. Ron McManaman: Under The Blues Sky (Indie)
71. Hot Spot Blues Band: Feeling Alright (Bluestime Records)
71. Nat Dove and The Neo Classic Blues Ensemble: Real Texas Blues Piano (Tri
Clef Music)
71. Dennis Gruenling: I Just Keep Lovin’ Him (BackBender)
71. Big Al Jano: Some Of My Best Friends Have The Blues (Hottrax Records)
71. Steve Kozak’s Westcoast Blues Revue: Hoot ‘N Holler (Indie)
72. Memo Gonzalez & The Blue Casters: Live In The U.K. (Crosscut)
72. David Gogo: Different Views (Cordova Bay)
72. Andy Santana: Take Me With You (Indie)
73. Trevor Caswell: Folksinger Blues (Indie)
74. Alabama Mike: Day To Day (Jukehouse Records)
74. Jake Lear: Lost Time Blues (Indie)
75. James Hilton: Out There! (Bone Dog)
75. Jimmy Burns: Live At B.L.U.E.S. (Delmark)
75. Albert White: Soul Of The Blues (Music Maker)
76. Isaac Scott: Posthumous Blues Live (Hotel Motel Records)
76. Erick Hovey: Blues Farm (Indie)
76. The Suitcase Brothers: Walk On (Amphora)
77. Joe Doucet: Houston’s Third Ward Blues (Dialtone)
77. Blue Junction: Live-Out of Love (In The House Records)
78. John D’Amato: Ain’t No Big Deal (Indie)
78. Tommy Lee Cook: Cemetery Road (Indie)
78. Sean Costello: We Can Get Together (Delta Groove)
78. Mark May Band: In Texas Live (Flyin’ Dog Records)
78. Little Arthur Duncan: Live At Rosa’s Blues Lounge (Delmark)
79. Barry Darnell & The Mobile Slim Blues Band: Return of Mobile Slim (Preferred Reco
79. Joe Price: Rain Or Shine (Blues Ace Productions)
79. The Informants: Stiletto Angel (Wipe It Off! Records)
80. Bert Deivert: Takin’ Sam’s Advice (Indie)
80. Jimi Bott: Live Volume 1/Cheap Thrills (Roseleaf)
80. Jake Lear: Love And Charm (Indie)
81. Sugar Blue: Threshold (Beeble Music)
81. Byther Smith: Blues On The Moon (Delmark)
82. Terry Hanck: Always (Vizztone)
82. MacArnold & Plate Full Of Blues: Country Man (Vizztone)
82. Stina Stenerud: Kissing Fools (Hunters Records)
83. The Sojourners (Black Hen Music)
83. The Work In Progress Band: Out Of The Blues (Indie)
83. Foree ‘Guitar’ Wells & The Walnut St. Blues Band: It’s A New Day Brother! (Stackhouse)
83. The Strangetones: We’re On Our Way (Meteor Sonic Records)
83. The Hep Cat Boo Daddies: Hotrodsexgod (Indie)
84. Kirby Sewell: A Tonic For Your Soul (Indie)
85. Bushmaster: Live & Blue (Indie)
85. Root Doctor: Live At The Cadillac Club (Big O Records)
86. Sauce Boss: Raw (Burning Disk)
86. Dalannah Gail Bowen: Mamma’s Got The Blues (Quest)
87. 112 North Duck: I Took The Hook (Indie)
87. Jerome Godboo: Humdinger (Indie)
87. Bernie Pearl: Old School Blues (Bee Bump)
88. Linda Taylor/Threshold: Sum Blues (Rubicon)
88. Shirley Jackson & Her Good Rockin’ Daddys: Comfort Food (Indie)
88. Omar Kent Dykes & Jimmie Vaughn: On The Jimmy Reed Highway (Ruf)
89. Johnny Max Band: A Lesson I’ve Learned (Pour Soul)
89. Lil’ Dave Thompson: Got To Get Over You (Electro-Fi)

The Relay for Life brings together more than 3.5 million people to celebrate the lives of those that have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and empower individuals and communities to fight back against the disease.

One of the teams that AZ Kenny Tsak and his wife are part of “Abbie’s Army.” This team has some exciting and creative ideas to raise funds for the Relay. The team had its first meeting Sunday, 1/17/2010.

Next is the Kick off at Holy Cross Hospital on 1/28/2010. 5:30pm. In the Sister Innocent Conference Center, 4275 N Federal Hwy, Ft Laud.

A fundraiser featuring AZ Kenny Tsak & 56 Deluxe is on Friday, Feb 26th, 8:30pm at Maguires Hill 16, 535 N. Andrews Ave, Ft Laud. The event will include live music by the band, with 50% of the proceeds for CD sales going to Abbie’s Army. Luminaria bags will be sold.

Another fundraiser is by Cold Stone Creamery. Print and bring their flyer into one of 5 Cold Stone Creamery locations and they will donate $5.00 to Relay for Life (Abbie’s Army)when you purchase a large round cake (or larger) and $3.00 when you purchase a small round cake. The 5 locations are Coral Springs, Coconut Creek, Pompano, Plantation and Miami Lakes.



Another fundraiser will be at the Riverwalk Blues Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Feb 12-14. Dar Lopez, radio DJ & host of the “Sunday Blues with Dar,” the promoter of the event will be selling luminaria bags in memory of her husband Todd, and close friend Don Cohen, who both passed away too young from Cancer. Buy tix to the festival here.

The actual Relay for Life is held on May 21st and May 22nd. Schedule:
Friday, May 21st -
6pm Opening Ceremony
7pm Survivor Dinner
9pm Luminaria Ceremony

Saturday, May 22nd-
9am Closing Ceremony

To join Abbie’s team or to donate please click onto the Relay for Life link.

You can also donate $10 to the fundraiser at 56 Deluxe Productions link. For more information to join our team, sponsor or be a vendor contact Andrea Tsakanikas, 56 Deluxe Productions, info@56deluxe.com, 954-630-1300 x256.

Sunday, September 20, 2009
AZ Kenny Tsak & 56 Deluxe – Like I Do

AZ Kenny Tsak & 56 Deluxe
Like I Do
self-release

Run Time: 56:20

Do you remember Herb Alpert’s Whipped Cream album from way back when with the cover model on the LP nude but covered in whipped cream in all the right places? I thought of that album cover when I looked at 56 Deluxe’s album debut. However, the second thought that came to my mind in this day and age of style over substance that things were not going to be very good. Yet, when I tuned in to the disc itself I was immediately harkened back to the dawn of the age of blues-rock when it was at its finest points in the late 70s and early 80s. Tsak (pronounced SACK) and his gravel voice and decently paced guitar solos instantly reminded me of the days of George Thorogood & the Destroyers first few LPs.

Tsak has been on hiatus from the music business since those early 80s I spoke of, working on a family-run business. Like all good things in one’s life, they circle back around and Tsak along with old pal and bassman Avery T. Horton, Jr. put together 56 Deluxe and went on the road. I’m guessing that Tsak worked in some kind of product marketing firm or something, because his slick packaging of this CD and his “56 Deluxe Girls” are instantly recognizable brands when you meet them for the first time. I admit, I went looking around the internet for Tsak’s “marketing tool” to see if one of them was a girl I knew from the adult industry. It turns out I was wrong, but in any case, you can imagine what I mean when I say the packaging is “eye popping.” Yeah, I’m a dirty old man, so what? The blues ain’t pretty. Tsak and his group tap into that masculine edge with their rough and dirty grooves throughout the disc, even tapping some well-mined territory with Chick Willis’ “Stoop Down Baby” and Willie Dixon’s “I Just Wanna Make Love To You.” However, Tsak and company aren’t afraid to add to this well of the male sex drive with tunes like “Full Time Lover” and the jumpy rocker “My Tastee Cake.”

Tsak and Co. aren’t really forging new ground in the blues-rock arena. However, they’ve set themselves apart in a few ways. Tsak isn’t a flashy, over-the-top, pyrotechnic filled guitarist. His solos are concise and show well-rounded command. His gravelly vocals might not be the taste for some, but being as he’s indulging in the male bravura of roadhouse rock-blues, they fit well. Horton & drummer Andy “G” are a well-rounded rhythm section. Frank Perez’s tenor sax lends to the 80s feel of some of these tracks. In fact, I almost thought that the album opener and title track sounded a bit like Huey Lewis & the News. Overall, I feel the disc is a reminder to us all in the blues world who’ve been here awhile just how much potential blues-rock had in its beginnings, and how if it would’ve stayed true to its original ideas and pathos, we might not have to sort through so much of it to find the good stuff. Tsak has a good formula going here. If he continues down this path and doesn’t fall off of it like many in this genre do, he will keep winning over new listeners with each new record.

Posted by Ben the Harpman at 4:38 PM
1 comments:

Johnny Aruba said…

Wow, this reviewer “nailed’ it! I have been listening to, and enjoying the CD, been reading the good reviews, been reading the reviews that are inject what they want to hear themselves say instead of reviewing what the music is saying, and this one is in right-on, 70s like!
Thanks Harpman!

September 21, 2009 9:34 AM

Thanking the Radio Stations & DJs that played LIKE I DO:

Bandana Blues, Gilbertsville, PA, Blue Wave Radio, France, Blues Power on Radio Weser, Blues with Russell, La Verne, CA, Bluestimen, Radio Ung, Norway, Bluesy Kaleidescope 97FM, France, Boom Boom Radio Show, Belgium,CHMR-FM, St. John’s, NL, Canada, CIAX 98.3-FM Emotion Blues, Canada, CJMQ-FM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, CKBN 90.5 FM Emotion Blues, Canada, Coleurs FM 97.1 Surfinbird, CrossRoads Radio Grill Ouverte, Heritage 107.3FM, West Australia, Highway 61 Italy, Italy, HOTFM 106.7FM, Victoria, KALA-FM, Davenport, IA, KALA-FM, Moline, IL, KBSO-FM, Corpus Christi, TX, KBZB-FM, Las Vegas/Pioche, NV, KCMQ-FM, Columbia, MO, KCUB-FM, West Central TX, KDVS 90.3 FM, Davis, CA, KECH-FM, Sun Valley/Ketchum, ID, KEEP-FM, Bandera, TX, KEYJ-AM/FM, Abilene, TX, KFAN-FM, San Antonio, TX,KFMC-FM, Fairmont/Mankato, MN, KFTM-AM, Ft. Morgan, CO, KGUM-FM, Agana, Guam, KHBL-FM, Hannibal, MO, KINI-FM, St. Francis, SD, KIQX-FM, Durango, CO, KIXR-FM, Ponca City, OK, KJMX-FM, Coos Bay, OR, KKID-FM, Rolla/Salem, MO, KLBC 1610 AM, Long Beach, CA, KLKC-AM/FM, Parsons, KS, KLLZ-FM, Bemidji, MN, KLOO-FM, Portland/Eugene, OR, KLPZ-AM, Parker/Lake Havasu, AZ, KMET-AM, Riverside/S. Bernadino, CA, KMGN-FM, Phoenix/Flagstaff, AZ, KMHA-FM, New Town, ND, KMMS-FM, Bozeman, MT, KMMT-FM, Mammoth Lakes, CA, KMTN-FM, Jackson, WY, KMUW 89.1 FM, Wichita, KS, KNIM-FM, Maryville, MO, KNRG-FM, Columbus, TX, KCOR Kool Breeze, Kansas City, MO, KOOL-FM, New Zealand, KOWZ 1170 AM, Owantonna, MN, KOZY-AM, Grand Rapids, MN, KPND-FM, Spokane, WA / North. ID, KQRQ-FM, Rapid City, SD, KRSI-FM, Saipan, Mariana Islands, KRSN-AM, Los Alamos, NM, KRWB-AM, Roseau, MN, KRWP 107.7, Stockton, MO, KRXL-FM, Kirksville, MO, KSBV-FM, Salida, CO, KSEK-FM, Joplin, MO, KSMU 91.1, Springfield, MO, KTEP 88.5 “Friday Night Blues,” El Paso, TX, KTUH 90.3 FM, Honolulu, HI, KUBQ-FM, La Grande, OR, KUNR-FM, Reno, NV, KUSH-AM,Cushing, OK, KVLE-FM, Crested Butte/Monarch, CO, KVRX, Austin, TX, KWDQ-FM,Woodward, OK, KWYS-FM, Island Park, ID, KXFM-FM, Santa Maria, CA, KXLW-FM, Anchorage, AK, KYBB-FM, Sioux Falls, SD, KZIQ-FM, Ridgecrest, CA, KZMT-FM, Helena, MT, KZPR-FM, Minot, ND, KZRO-FM, Redding, CA, KZUM, Lincoln, NE, Leo’s BluesLand, Santa Barbara, CA, Live365.com ElectricBlues Radio, Riverview, FL, LT 38 Radio, Gualeguay, Argentina, Luc Brunot Radio Shows, France, Mark Kerr’s Blues Nation KCOR, Kansas City, MO, Music Café Radio, Dalhart/North Texas, Music City Blues, Nashville, TN, MUSIC UNLTD, Nothing But the Blues Podcast, UK, O2 Radio 91.3, France, PBS 106.7FM Roots of Rhythm, Australia, PennsPeakRadio.com, Worldwide PT Radio 1ZZ, New Zealand, Radio 99.7 Sidestream (4RED), Brisbane, Radio Beton, France, Radio Colmar 103.5FM, France, Radio Quartz 105FM, Belgium, Radio ZuSa, Germany, RadioFreePhoenix.com, Worldwide, Radiojazz 34, France, Radios Blues, France, Radios Blues, Belgium, Radios Blues, Canada, Radios Blues, Africa, Rock ‘n’ Blues CKTP 95.7 The Wolf, Canada, Rock N Blues Today RADIO RCC, Umbertide, Rock Oko 96.60, Croatia, Rootsmusicreport.com, Worldwide, Rue D’Auteuil, CKRL-FM 89.1, Quebec City, Smokestack Lightnin’ on WUCF, 89.9FM, Maitland, FL, South Australian Roots and Blues, Australia, STAR FM Community Radio, Australia, Studio One FM Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, Taproot Radio 103.5 FM, Chapel Hill, NC, Texas Blues Café on KCOR, Up All Night with Mac & Travis KCOR, Kansas City, MO, VFM Radio 91.6 BOOM BOOM, Croatia, Virus de Blues, France, WALW-FM, Huntsville, AL, WBSD-FM, Burlington, WI, WCNI 90.9 FM, New London, WCPI-FM, Mc Minnville, TN, WDBN-FM, Dublin, GA, WDCB, Glen Illyn, IL, WEMU 89.1 FM, Ypsilanti, MI, WEVL, Memphis, TN, WFIV-FM, Knoxville, TN, WGLM-FM, Greenville, MI, WGOE AM, Richmond, Va, WHAY-FM, Whitley City, KY, WIUJ-FM, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, WJAB 90.9, Normal, AL, WJDF-FM, Orange/Central, MA, WKNZ-FM, Hattiesburg, MS, WKPX-FM, Sunday Blues with Dar, Fort Lauderdale, FL, WKSO-FM, Natchez, MS, WKSX-FM, Augusta, GA, WKTX-AM, Youngstown, OH, WLRH 89.3 FM, Huntsville, AL, WLVO-FM, Live Oak, FL, WMHB Colby College, Waterville, ME, WMNF-FM, Tampa, FL, WMNG-FM, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, WMWV, North Conway, OH, WNKU-FM Northern Kentucky University, Highland Heights, KY, WNTI, Hackettstown, NJ, WNVA-FM, Wise, Virginia, World Space India pvt Ltd, India, WorldWaves, Israel, WPAM-AM, Pottsville, PA, WPNG-FM, Pearson, GA, WQLN 91.3, BOP ‘N’ THE BLUES, Erie, PA, WRBA-FM, Panama City, FL, WROX-AM, Clarksdale, MS, WSYY-FM, Bangor, ME, WVBR-FM 93.5, Ithaca, NY, WWEC-FM, Lancaster, PA , WWHP-FM, Champaign, IL, WWLL-FM, Sebring, FL, WWYO-AM, Bluefield/Pineville, WV, WXMZ-FM, Hartford, KY, WXRD-FM, Chicago, IL / N.W. Indiana, WYBZ-FM, Zanesville, OH, WZEW-FM, Mobile, AL, KUNM-FM 89.9, Albuquerque, NM, 103.9 The Fox Blues-Till-Noon, Quincy, IL, 3 Way FM, Warrnambool, 90.1 FM. Eastern Connecticut State University, WQUB 90.3 Blues-Time, Quincy, IL

Thanking some of the great Critics & Publications who reviewed LIKE I DO:

Mark S. Tucker, Folk and Acoustic Music Exchange
Rob Silverstein, Music Web Express
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro, Mary4Music.com
Graham Clarke, Blue Night Productions
Attila Horvath, Blues van
Bjorn Wiksaas, Bluestimen, Radio Ung
Jim Nestor, Bluzpik Rekerdz, USA
Joanne Mule, Western Pennsylvania Blues Society
John Hammer, Hammered by the Blues
Chris Spector, Midwest Record
Don Crow, Music City Blues
Peter Merrett, PBS Australia
Przemek Draheim, Radio Sfera
Jim White, Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Andy Grigg, REAL BLUES Magazine
David Stoeckel, South Australian Roots & Blues
Greg Freerksen, WDCB Public Radio
Shelton Ivany, National News Bureau
George Fish, The Bloomington Alternative
Norman Darwen, Blues in Britain
Jerry Henry, Planet Weekly/Music Matters
Brian Harman, BluesArt Studio/BluesArt Journal
Freddy Celis, Rootstime
Tim Richards, Blues Source
Ray Dorsey, Raysrealm
John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network
Ron Hoerter, Greater Northern Blues Society
Lawanda Johnson, Celebrity Café
Ben the Harpman, Juke Joint Soul
Andre’ Perronnet, Blues Magazine No 54
Bernard Boyat, Le Cri du Coyote No 113

A sample of what the Critics said:

“With a voice that sounds like a cross between Long John Baldry and Motorhead’s Lemmy, and a band that is really, second to none, AZ Kenny Tsak with 56 Deluxe, not only Roll and Roll you with their newest release, “Like I Do”, but they also give you a damn good lesson when it comes to the Blues. From the opening chords to the final notes, “Like I Do” oozes a confidence that can only come when everyone involved is firing on all 8 pistons.”
John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network

“For a debut cd AZ Kenny Tsak and 56deluxe have a solid winner here.
Of the 23 gazillonbands out there putting out music, these guys are a cut above the rest. Buy it, play it, have a party with it.”
Tim Richards, BluesSource.com, © 2009

“But don’t think Mr. TSAK’S talent takes a back seat to any visuals on the CD. This guy can flat-out play.”
Ray Dorsey, Blues with a Feeling II, Raysrealm

“…..for this critically-acclaimed CD by Tsak and his band, 56 Deluxe, is straightforward roadhouse blues that, while certainly rocking, is solidly blues, not rock.”
George Fish, Bloomington Alternative

“Never thought the blues could make me feel good until I popped Az Kenny Tsak”s CD, “56 Deluxe,” into my stereo.”
Lawanda Johnson, CelebrityCafe.com

“Forget Mato Nanji and Luke Mulholland, this is the guy you need to be listening to—when he cranks up, the men get separated from the boys.”
Mark S Tucker, Folk & Music Exchange

“The Brett Michaels of the Blues.”
Jim Nestor, Bluzpik Rekerdz

“This is the debut release from Kenny Tsak and 56 Deluxe and was listed as number 39 in top new releases from “Real Blues” Magazine. It is sure a rocker and a must for any blues lover’s record collection!”
Joanne Mule, Western Pennsylvania Blues Society for Associated Content

“White boy blues is tough enough to pull off in the first place but Tsak certainly has us wanting to hear more. By all means, check it out, you’ll be surprised what a winner this is.”
Chris Spector, Midwest Record

”Kenny Tsak goes all out with each performance. His guitar work is fascinating with heavy influences from Freddie King and Albert Collins.”
Jerry W. Henry, Planet Weekly

#####

Booking & Management:
Andrea Tsakanikas, 56 Deluxe Productions, LLC

www.56Deluxe.com
www.MySpace.com/AZKennyTsak56DeluxeBand
www.Reverbnation.com/azkennytsak56deluxeband
www.twitter.com/56deluxeinfo
www.facebook.com/azkennytsak

954.630.1300, x256, info@56deluxe.com

Click to hear sample tracks of LIKE I DO

“With a voice that sounds like a cross between Long John Baldry and Motorhead’s Lemmy, and a band that is really, second to none, AZ Kenny Tsak with 56 Deluxe, not only Roll and Roll you with their newest release, “Like I Do“, but they also give you a damn good lesson when it comes to the Blues. From the opening chords to the final notes, “Like I Do” oozes a confidence that can only come when everyone involved is firing on all 8 pistons.” John Vermilyea, Blues Underground Network

“For a debut cd AZ Kenny Tsak and 56deluxe have a solid winner here. Of the 23 gazillon bands out there putting out music, these guys are a cut above the rest. Buy it, play it, have a party with it.” Tim Richards, BluesSource.com

“But don’t think Mr. TSAK’S talent takes a back seat to any visuals on the CD. This guy can flat-out play.” Ray Dorsey, Blues with a Feeling II, Raysrealm

“…For this critically-acclaimed CD by Tsak and his band, 56 Deluxe, is straightforward roadhouse blues that, while certainly rocking, is solidly blues, not rock.” George Fish, Bloomington Alternative

“Never thought the blues could make me feel good until I popped AZ Kenny Tsak’s CD, “56 Deluxe,” into my stereo.” Lawanda Johnson, CelebrityCafe.com

“Forget Mato Nanji and Luke Mulholland, this is the guy you need to be listening to—when he cranks up, the men get separated from the boys.” Mark S Tucker, Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange, AcousticMusic.com

“The Brett Michaels of the Blues.” Jim Nestor, Bluzpik Rekerdz

“This is the debut release from Kenny Tsak and 56 Deluxe and was listed as number 39 in top new releases from “Real Blues” Magazine. It is sure a rocker and a must for any blues lover’s record collection!” Joanne Mule, Western Pennsylvania Blues Society for Associated Content

“This CD is a like a celebration of early rock n’ roll – with a modern twist. The tenor sax brings us back to the early 60′s when tenor sax was king. But unlike early rock n’ roll, the guitar also plays a dominant roll in the music and solos – and we LOVE the tone of AZ Kenny Tsak’s guitar – nice, fat and juicy. In addition to stellar musicianship, the CD boasts a compliment of mostly original songs and they all make us want to get up and dance! So if you like your Blues with a dash of rock n’ roll, great musicianship, and tunes that move you, give this CD a spin.” Barrelhouse Blues

“Definitely a name to watch out for!” Norman Darwen, Blues in Britain

Click and listen to 30 sec. of all album tracks:

AZ Kenny Tsak’s Fender Stratocaster

(Photo courtesy of Peter Lauro)
A 1989 Fender Strat Plus with gold lace sensors pick ups. This guitar was one of many “Strat Plus” models produced between 1987 and 1991, made to “mimic” the sound and feel of a 1966 Fender Stratocaster. Of the 20+ guitars owned by AZ Kenny Tsak, this is the newest and internally has been modified with out of Phase wiring.

AZ Kenny Tsak On Stage

Booking & Management:
Andrea Tsakanikas, 56 Deluxe Productions, 954.630.1300, x256, info@56deluxe.com

Blind Raccoon
Betsie@BlindRaccoon.com

Featured Blues Review 6 of 6 in BLUES BLAST August 6, 2009 on-line issue

AZ Kenny Tsak/56 Deluxe – Like I Do

Self Release

www.56deluxe.com

www.myspace.com/azkennytsak56deluxe

11 tracks Total time: 46:20

The CD case and sleeve notes artwork of Like I Do, featuring AZ Kenny Tsak in a paisley shirt surrounded by comely, scantily clad young women with guitars in hand, and with the Guitarus Maximus bravado graphic embedded in the sleeve notes,

might make one feel this is a guitarslinger rock or blues-rock album. But that’s definitely not the case, for this critically acclaimed CD by Tsak and his band, 56 Deluxe, is straightforward roadhouse blues that, while certainly rocking, is solidly blues, not rock.

Kenny Tsak first took up guitar in the 1970s, but had to abandon it in the 1980s to run a business. He reunited with his friend Avery T. Horton, Jr. in 2005 to form 56 Deluxe, which was soon performing regularly across southern Arizona and on the East Coast. Like I Do is the group’s debut CD.

Tsak fronts the band with gravelly bravura vocals and excellent, straight-ahead guitar solos with no extraneous flash, following in the tradition of Lonnie Brooks, Luther Allison , Hubert Sumlin and other masters, the tradition that captured young white players on both sides of the Atlantic and gave birth to rock ‘n’ roll and rock. But Tsak has two other fine soloists on hand in 56 Deluxe—piano and organ man James Holt, and saxophonist Frank Perez, both of whom get appropriate space on Like I Do to strut their stuff. Bassist Avery T. Horton, Jr. is an able songwriter as well, co-writing one of the songs of the CD with Tsak, track 9, the exuberant celebration of a woman, “My Tastee Cake;” and writing solo two of the others, track 10, the bass-dominant shuffle “All It Takes,” and track 5, a “sober” warning about the killjoy perils of sobriety, “12 Step Boogie,” that admonishes, “Now that we got sober/All the fun is over.” Rounding out the band is Andy “G,” drummer, and guest players Joe Beard, Jr. on drums and Bernie Rose on back piano.

Six other songs are written by Kenny Tsak himself, which are a solid and variegated mixture of traditional blues themes and approaches, which I list here. The opening title track, “Like I Do,” sets off the roadhouse flavor of the CD well with a sax-opening traditional city blues of doubt about one’s woman. Track 2, “Full Time Lover,” comes in as a ruminative slow number with a piano-and-organ backdrop, while track 4, “Blues Attitude,” is another slow number, this time about getting through tough times. Track 3, “Walkin’ Shoes,” is a vigorous leaving-a-bad-woman sax-driven rocker with solos from both Holt and Perez, and track 7, “Down South Florida, “ celebrates the Sunshine State with a rhumba beat. The final track is actually two tracks combined: “I’ll Take You With Me,” a rockin’ jump with an elemental vocal line and extended guitar and piano work, followed by an untitled “bonus track,” a short guitar-bass-and-drums medium-tempo ruminative instrumental coda.

There are two covers of classics—track 8, Willie Dixon’s “I Just Wanna Make Love To You,” and track 6, Chick Willis’s risqué “Stoop Down Baby,” sung by Florida bluesman Joey Gilmore, who adds two original verses, one celebrating Tsak, the other himself. Gilmore also engages Tsak in a guitar solo duel on the track, where both are in top form.

Like I Do, AZ Kenny Tsak and 56 Deluxe re-create the classic blues sound of the late 1950s and early 1960s in a most convincing way, with real fealty not just to the music itself, but also to its raucous spirit.

This review is an extended version of one that originally appeared in my July 26, 2009 “Blues and More” column for the Bloomington (IN) Alternative.

Reviewer George Fish lives in Indianapolis, Indiana, home of blues legends Yank Rachell and Leroy Carr, and writes a regular music column, “Blues and More” for the online Bloomington (IN) Alternative. He’s also published in the regional Indiana blues and alternative presses as well as Living Blues and Blues Access, and wrote the notes for Yank Rachell’s Delmark album, Chicago Style. He has also published on blues and pop music for the left-wing press as well, and has appeared in Against the Current and Socialism and Democracy, as well as the online Political Affairs and MRZine.

Like I Do available on Itunes, Amazon & CDBaby

“Tsak is some kind of roadhouse-flavored bluesy rock and country guy, with a tough little band around him that swings behind sharp guitar work, driving bass, keyboards that roll like the river, and sax that’s lusty to the point of embarrassment.”
Jim White, Pittsburgh Post Gazette

“AZ Kenny Tsak created a manifesto. I’ve been heavy into rock and roll for 55 years, but he created something that goes beyond anything I’ve heard.”
Shelton Ivany, National News Bureau

“AZ Kenny Tsak may be a new name to most blues fans, but you would think that he’d been around for years from the sound of things on Like I Do.” “I hate to think we missed out on thirty years of this kind of music with Mr. Tsak, but I’m glad he’s with us now.” Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes July 2009

“White boy blues is tough enough to pull off in the first place but Tsak certainly has us wanting to hear more. By all means, check it out, you’ll be surprised what a winner this is.” Chris Spector, Midwest Record

“Classic Blues at Its Best! If there were a college course called “Blues 101” Kenny Tsak would most certainly get an A++. His debut album “Like I Do” is a classic showcase of classic blues guitar riffs and themes perfect for a night out with the gang or relaxing at home.” Joanne Mule, Western Pennsylvania Blues Society for Associated Content

“The Brett Michael of the Blues.” Jim Nestor, Bluzpik Records

“Tsakanikas writes and plays a lot like later Kim Simmonds in his post-Youlden Savoy Brown, turning to boogie and basics, wringing that neck like the masters of early days, observing tight signatures and designated structures.”
Mark S. Tucker, Folk & Music Exchange

”My rule of never judging a book by its cover rang in my ears as l listened to an unbelievably good album. Track after track held me totally in its spell with Kenny’s wonderful voice and playing. This is a seriously GOOD cd to say the least.”
Peter Merrett, PBS, Australia

“Kenny sounds like macho blues-rock player with come-here-baby attitude and a lot of talent for writing catchy, soon-to-be-radio-hits songs.” Przemek Draheim, Blues.pl

“Kenny Tsak is a soulful guitarist who plays with a ton of passion, likening it to an extension of his soul. And, when his fans respond in kind, that is his ultimate reward. Good times are ready to roll when you put on a copy of “Like I Do!!”
Sheryl and Donald Crow, Music City Blues, Nashville

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In its first two weeks of release LIKE I DO immediately received national and international airplay. It was also selected by BLUES DELUXE to be aired in July on their play list, which syndicates to 109 radio stations with over $2.1 million listeners around the world. REAL BLUES MAGAZINE chose the CD to enter its chart of 100 TOP CDs at #39.

LIVING BLUES CHART Reporting Stations for LIKE I DO in July 2009: WBGU #4, RADIO RCC #7, KUNM #11, WPCR #11, WCNI #24, WMHB #24
With Johnny Winter, Albert Collins, Frank Marino, Rory Gallagher as his influences Tsak played the Washington, DC local scene until family and business demands forced him to put his guitar into retirement in 1981 – that is until he reunited with his friend and former bass player, Avery T Horton, Jr. in 2005. Tsak (lead guitar and vocals) established 56 Deluxe with Horton on bass, performing a meld of original blues, rock, and country music across Southern Arizona & the East Coast.

In spring of 2009, 56 Deluxe Productions released Tsak and 56 Deluxe’s debut album, Like I Do. Including nine original songs written and performed by Tsak, Horton and 56 Deluxe and two cover songs, fans fully anticipate Like I Do will bring Tsak & 56 Deluxe long-desired national recognition. A special bonus track features a duet with 2006 International Blues Challenge band winner, Joey Gilmore, whose career spans five decades.

The release of Like I Do also launches the band’s latest creative endeavor, “The 56 Deluxe Girls.” These outrageously hot young babes were selected through a National Contest to support the band at live shows and promotional events as well as being featured on the album.

Lawanda Johnson’s review of AZ Kenny Tsak’s LIKE I DO.

TheCelebrityCafe.com

CD reviews : Blues : Az Kenny Tsak

Az Kenny Tsak – 56 Deluxe – LIKE I DO

Never thought the blues could make me feel good until I popped Az Kenny Tsak”s CD, “56 Deluxe,” into my stereo. The album is full of blues from a singer with a country-like style. The best tracks off the album are “Like I Do” and “Blues Attitude” because of the lyrics and the great sound of Az Kenny Tsak’s vocals.

AZ Kenny Tsak lights up his stage

“Like I Do” is a song that most guys and some girls can relate to. When he sings the chorus, “Does he hold you like I do/ Does he squeeze you like I do/ Does he kiss you like I do/ Does he need you the way that I do/ Well there’s one thing for sure, he’ll never do you the way that I do,” it reminds some people of that time when they let their lover go and now are curious if their lover is satisfied with someone else.

“Blues Attitude” is a typical blues song about life with its ups and downs. Az Kenny Tsak makes his songs come alive by the way he sings with such passion and experience. It is definitely true that “you don’t have anything to lose but the blues attitude.”

LIKE I DO available on Itunes, Amazon & CDBaby

The album, “56 Deluxe,” is one that you have to get used to if you are not into blues or country music. However, if you are a fan of that genre, then this is another great blues & country album to add to your collection.

Available on Itunes, Amazon & CD Baby.

Reviewer: Lawanda Johnson

Added: 16-Jul-2009

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