That's How Strong My Love Is

Check out Tracy Fontes singing a powerful rendition of "That's How Strong My Love Is." The Roosevelt Jamison composition is usually associated with Otis Redding, but was first recorded by O.V. Wright on the Goldwax label, in 1964, when Jamison was Wright's manager.

Mark Purrington moves on

We wish our drummer Mark Purrington great success as he leaves the Chicken Slacks to concentrate on his studies. Mark has been in the band for 2 1/2 years, and his great chops have pushed the groove and pumped the funk to our great satisfaction. He's always had an enthusiastic spirit; he's been a joy to work with.

And did you know he's a great golfer?

Mark: we expect you to visit the Cantab now and then!

Fun time at Ryles

Here's some video footage of Friday's appearance at Ryles. Thanks to James Jones for his fine sound engineering!

The great Wilson Pickett-- Don't Fight It.

We got a lot of response when we posted Wilson Pickett's 1965 recording of "Don't Fight It." on our Facebook wall. Recorded in 1965 at Stax Studios and produced by the legendary Jerry Wexler, this recording features the Stax house band Booker T and the MG's, plus The Bar-Kays' horn section. The recording peaked at #4 on the R&B charts and #53 on the pop charts.

Other singles from Pickett's three 1965 Stax sessions were Pickett's first #1 hit "In the Midnight Hour" (a million seller), and "Ninety-Nine and a Half Won't Do," (#13 on the R&B charts).

All of Pickett's Stax recordings from 1965 were co-written by Pickett, Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd, except "634 5789," (#1 on the R&B charts), which was attributed to Cropper and Floyd only.

All classics in the southern soul tradition. Gritty with a huge back beat!

Welcome Tracy Fontes

We are pleased to announce Tracy Fontes , our new lead vocalist! Tracy, a Providence native, comes to the Slacks after a seven-year gig singing with renowned vocalist and Roomful of Blues alum Mac Odom.

Tracy grew up with Motown and Philly soul, and his voice reminds one of the great soul crooners Smokey Robinson, Sam Cooke and Edwin Starr. The Slacks look forward to adding material to the repertoire that will showcase Tracy’s high tenor style. “If you are not growing, then where are you?” says Tracy.

“Tracy has been coming to rehearsals amazingly prepared,” says Slacks guitarist and long-time Tracy fan Mike Duke. “Great work ethic,” says Slacks music director Jeremy Valadez. With his veteran’s showmanship, he has already gained a close following at our weekly Cantab gigs

“It’s all about sharing good music,” says Tracy. He’s looking forward to bringing song ideas to the Slacks and getting into the recording studio. A fan of collaboration, Tracy says the Slacks “are the right guys to do it with.”

What else? Tracy owns a 1989 Cadillac Fleetwood coupe with a vinyl Landau roof. Class act all the way.

Welcome aboard Tracy.

The Chicken Slacks return to Ryles

This will be good. We haven't played Ryles in a couple years, although we've played a handful of Mardi Gras and New Year's Eve gigs at Ryles in the past. Nice to be back at one of the great venues.

Great showcase if you're considering us for a wedding, concert or party.

See you there!

Ryles Jazz and Cabaret Club
212 Hampshire St.
Cambridge, MA
(617) 876 9330

Getting in that Mardi Gras mood

Some inspiration:

Carnival Time, Al "Carnival Time" Johnson

Go to the Mardi Gras, Professor Longhair

Mardi Gras Mambo, The Hawkettes

Second Line, Stop, Inc.