Music:
Member Since: 2/25/2008
Band Website: www.bigdaddyonline.com www.roadhousejesters.com
Band Members: Yours Truly , George Gashonia, Big Daddy Karl Reamer, Larry L. , Ed Modzel on Drums & occasional Harp.
and....
YOU - come in and sit in on a set !!!
Various guest and fill in players include Don Mangels, Phil Kennelty, Jerry Wilder, Joe LoShiavo, John LoGuirato, Ed (from Centereach moved to NC) Paul (bass), Nick Singu, Billy Carpino, Eddie Mondini, Mike Bottalico, Rich "Motu" Michelson, Johnny Harp, Tom Hood, Johnny Thunder, Mike from Merrick, Hank Tate, Johnny Subside, Mark Loebel, Mark Boyer.......
Influences: Duane Allman, Dickey Betts, Jerry Garcia, Joe Walsh, Toy Caldwell are my main and recognizable influences.
...Of course we could write a paragraph of names that contribute, including local players, that are stars in their own right.
Sounds Like: Some Video from Cedar Beach / Bald Hill / 2008
NEW MOTU AND ROADHOUSE JESTERS REVIEWS:
Here is an advance copy of our review in the Jan/Feb 2009 Elmore Magazine:
Take That Cool Blues Walk
By Jim Hynes
Go ahead. Get your disc or MP3 player and a good pair of walking shoes and take that cool blues walk. The twin-guitar jam band sound of Motu & the Roadhouse Jesters’ No Refunds/No Exchanges is a seamless 45-minute romp through familiar blues classics by John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf and Elmore James, to name a few. What makes it work is the deft slide work of Richard Michelson (Motu), complemented by George Gashonia’s rhythms and leads. Gospel vocalist Dolores Chetta, heard best on “Angel from Montgomery,†adds the finishing touches.
That’s it—now we need a cold beer, a cold drink of water or a shower. We’ll be walking with these guys again.
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Review: Motu and the Roadhouse Jesters Port Jazz Live show on June 20th, 2007 (Underground Muse Magazine)
There was no continuity in their casual dress attire. No elaborate stage show pulling my wonder around or even bursts of flames shooting from beneath Port Jazz's stage. All I got to see was well lit musical talent coming from a band known as Motu and the Roadhouse Jesters. Brought joyfully to my attention through a simple phone call, I could have closed my eyes and still heard soul playing around my dreams. I was in a dance of notes, pacing calmly around my head, as I leaned my back against a strongly placed wall. There in Port Jefferson, I let Motu and his jester take over my mood.
There was nothing comical about Motu or his Roadhouse Jesters that could have alluded me to their talent in musical diligence. As if guided by a group of masterful Jesters to their King, I was finding my ears caught off guard to something splendid. I didn't want to, nor could I, compare them to any other act who were well known. These musicians were grooving among a feel born of their own. To compare would have taken something special away from my Motu journey.
Motu, also known as Dr. Richard Michelson, had combined that chug chug blues train tug with an eclectic assortment of traditional blues covers and original arrangements. Throwing in standards like "Little red rooster" followed through the night with songs from BB King - "Sweet little angel", "Everyday I have the blues" and even various songs you can find on Motu albums that have spanned ten plus years.
With every band you will find there is nothing more truer than "Those who back you, make you." This band was a case of such a statement. Even though Dr Richard (Motu) was a fabulous slide guitarist he was still being complimented through various solos/rhythms from George Gashonia hands. It can be rare to see two lead guitarist working well on stage, where one doesn't take away from the other. Both skilled students of their craft, Motu and George put my ears at ease.
Carl Olsen had maybe one of the best bass sounds for a local blues band out there. Carl could have moved around a bit more, but his vocal harmonies waved my opinion on moving. With a smooth finger plucking away and a keen vocal ear I would have been happy if he was in a bunny suit. Just as long as I could hear him doing his thing because I was impressed with how Carl rounded out Motu's sound.
Behind this group you could hear Ed Modzel keeping a clear cut downbeat throughout each song. According to Motu, Ed was playing drums that night instead of working his day job at the show "The Colbert Report". Either way, we were glad he jumped work for the night.
Dee Chetta on vocals. I thought her voice was powerfully open and well produced. In fact it seemed when Dr. Richard was attacking the more gritty songs, Dee Chetta would conquer those soulful moments in songs with delicate melodies and dexterous vocal lines. When it called for a somber moment, she stepped in and took control. She even fought against guitar solos with a mean harmonica, not her strongest contribution, but still a good touch. When she sang, I stood in awe of her voice.
My only complaint, which had nothing to do with the band, was how the sound engineer got out from behind his soundboard, walked to the stage, leaned over the banister and began waving a small flashlight in Motu's face. Oddly enough I felt that to be unprofessional, but again, that's my opinion and maybe just that. Let the show go on as it is meant so we, the audience, can enjoy what we paid to see and hear. If anything that person could have said something before their last song, knowing what time it was, and or just said something over… I don't know, maybe that monitor system they have going on.
In closing… Good tight show, well played and a welcoming release to most of what I have heard in an around this world of music. Motu and the Roadhouse Jesters are defiantly worth a check up on their website, www. Motu. net where you can purchase other albums, if at all find out where their next live adventure will take place. If I were to put it all in one phrase I'd say they were the best part of an Oreo cookie even without milk.
The Songs and Videos Below Are with Big Daddy & the Bulldogs:
Come On Home - Vail Leavitt Riverhead Blues 2008
Born in Chicago - Riverhead Blues Festival Vail Leavitt
Hey Bartender - Big Daddy & the Bulldogs
Time Machine
Record Label: Unsigned
