Bill Noteman and the Rockets
Cream of the Crop
© 2006 Bill Noteman and the Rockets (880074058820)
CD IN STOCK. ORDER NOW. Will ship immediately.
Raw expressive vocals, searing harmonica, sizzling guitar,and cooking keys dipped in the sauce of a smoldering rhythm section. This is the original music and feeling of Bill Noteman and the Rockets.
tracks
try this
genres you will love
By Location
Recommended if you like ...
notes
Bill Noteman and the Rockets have been burning up the stages of Northern California for over twenty years!!! The year was 1983 - Bill Noteman, Larry Platz, David Neft, Dave Falco, and Robbie All got together for an impromptu jam in an old movie theater in Lower Lake, California. What emerged that night was Bill Noteman and the Rockets - a band that soon took over Lake, Sonoma, Napa and Mendocino counties with a unique high energy blend of Chicago blues and rock and roll known as West Coast Jump. Within a year they opened for Elvin Bishop, Commander Cody and the Lost Planet Airmen, and Mark Hummel and the Blues Survivors at the famous Cotati Cabaret. For the next 6 years they were regulars at the Casper Inn, Konocti Harbor Inn and were practically the house band at the Hopland Brewery. Fast forward to 2004 - "Lets put the band back together and see who shows up" - The reformed Rockets play 2 shows to a HUGE response. Come and hear for yourself!!!
The ball is now rolling, and though they're all a bit older and greyer, they haven't lost a bit of the old spark- in fact they are better and tighter than ever.
Bill Noteman is an amazing harmonica virtuoso and an extremely entertaining front man – skillfully supported by original members and local legends "Mojo" Larry Platz on guitar, David “Rockin 88’s" Neft on keyboards, bassist Dave “Fingers” Falco and new member, drummer Steve "The Shuffler" DuBois . If you are one of the few who have never heard these guys you are missing an incredibly tight, high energy dance band that will leave you jumpin on the floor begging them to play one more!
"The concept of this album was to capture the raw essence, energy, and drive of Bill Noteman and the Rockets. I feel we have succeded. It has taken 41 years of playing music to get this out. I finally realized I'm not getting any younger, and whenever it is I'm called up, I want to leave something behind that says I was here." Bill Noteman
reviews
Please log in to review this album.
Fantastic mouth harp. Bill at his best.
author: Dave SeabaughThere is a great combination of fast paced jump and smooth melody on this CD. I especially like the strong vocals by Bill with vocal backups. This is truly a very powerful CD with alot of variety for the jump and blues crowd. To truly enjoy it takes several listenings. Enjoy !
Bill Noteman and the Rockets... OUT OF THIS WORLD!
author: EIGHT TO THE BAR WITH TARRThe down to earth out of this world Blues beat of Bill Noteman and the Rockets will blast you off into a Real Feel, Jump Blues, Groovin' Orbit. Cream of the Crop will rise to the top. Les Tarr EIGHT TO THE BAR WITH TARR Radioactive Blues Programming for the Tragically & Twisted KMFB 92.7 FM / 96.7 FM Mendocino, CA
"Elwood holding on line one"
author: The Coast - KOZT-FM"Mr.Noteman and Rockets...pickup on line one...Elwood Blues calling...." Cream Of The Crop is simply the best unsigned blues based band we've heard here on The Coast for a good long while. Solid bottom from the rhythm section, killer guitar and that HONKIN' harmonica. Bill and The Rockets have put together a package that desrves respect, sales and a whole lotta live bookings. I will NOT use "Cream Of The Crop" as part of a phrase to end this review. Just listen and enjoy."
Can't keep still.
author: Merilee BusterI bought this CD because I'd heard the lead singer/harp player in person and he was amazing. This CD lives up to that experience. The band is tight, the production is excellent, the sound is true, and I can't keep still when I listen to this group at home on my CD. (If you've nevr heard Noteman & The Rockets, their style and material is similar to the Thunderbirds. But I like Noteman & The Rockets better.)
What a guitar player!!
author: Aaron ShaulGreat CD guys! I saw your Concert in the Park in Lakeport in July and just had to get the CD. Great sound all around on the album - very 'raw'. First, Mr. Noteman's harp sound is classic, and he can really scoot around on that thing! Unbelievable. Second, Mr. Platz's tonal awareness and flawless taste is second to none. Damn, that guy can get every vintage tone known to man, and my ears will never get tired of hearing what he's got to offer. The rest of the band sounds great, you've got a solid rhythm section. Good luck in the future, I'm looking forward to the next album.
Jump blues at it's best
author: Loo WoodOnce again the boys have done it. They have captured the essence of themselves live, in a stellar studio effort. Listening to your CD, it's fantastic, smooooooooooooth, let's do it in B, gotta love it. You guys got it, the undefinable "it"! Great work, better re-up your stock of CDs 'cause you gonna be runnin' out guys......sellin' em' like hot cakes. How lord? Finnally a real band playing real music, from their hearts and souls to you the listener. Higly recomended, totally enjoyable, as good as it gets. About time. Cheers Loo Wood www.loowood.net
Totally Awesome !
author: Patrcia EnglandThe solos on this CD are totally awesome and the whole band is SO professional together. The CD captures their spirit and is the next best thing to seeing them in action. Great selection of songs, also.
This CD is the REAL DEAL, it FLAT OUT KICKS!
author: Kevin Jarvis--GELB MUSICIt's been almost 40 years since Bill Noteman and I wrote Long Lonely Road. Although our musical paths went in different directions, he'd get in a jam and need a guitar player and there I'd be, watching from the stage as this man brought the house down time and time again. His first CD was worth the wait. These tunes will take you on a musical journey of Bill's life, and it wasn't always pretty. Whether it's a tribute to his wonderful wife, Cream of the Crop, a trip to the dark side in Cadillac Breakout, or the realities of getting older in Time Bomb, Bill plays some of the finest blues harp I've ever heard, growling and dripping with emotion. To compliment his fiery vocals, Mojo pulls out his aresenal of vintage guitars to get just the right tone and notes for every song. David Neft stirs the moods with his tasty keyboard playing, and Dave Falco and Steve Dubois lay down that fat groove. The only thing better is to see these boys live!