Altered Five Blues Band Signs with Blind Pig
Altered Five Blues Band signs with Blind Pig Records; new album, Charmed & Dangerous, to be released August 11
NEW YORK, NY – Blind Pig Records is pleased to announce the signing of the Altered Five Blues Band. The Milwaukee-based quintet is the first artist to join the roster of the esteemed blues/roots label since it was acquired by The Orchard, one of the largest independent distributors in the world. The band’s label debut, Charmed & Dangerous, was produced by multi-Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood, James Cotton) and will be released worldwide August 11. According to the Minneapolis Star Tribune, frontman Jeff Taylor’s voice is “gloriously gritty.” Downbeat raves that Jeff Schroedl’s “live-wire guitar reaches the high bar of mixed invention and fluidity,” while Blues Bytes magazine declares the group features “the funkiest rhythm section outside of Memphis.”
Charmed & Dangerous is the eagerly awaited follow-up to the group’s 2014 album Cryin’ Mercy, which reached #3 in the iTunes blues store, hit #1 on the Roots Music Report blues chart, and won “Best Self-Released CD” at the 2015 International Blues Challenge. The new album features 13 tracks including one inspired by legendary Delta bluesman Robert Johnson entitled “Three Forks.” The song features music, adapted with permission of Johnson’s publisher, from the seminal classic “Crossroads,” plus a guest harmonica performance by Steve Cohen. Hambridge also plays drums on all 13 tracks, adding even more energy and authenticity to the record. Videos will also be released for the songs “On My List to Quit,” “Eighth Wonder,” and the title track. Taylor commented, “We’re fans of so many artists and records in the Blind Pig catalog, from Magic Slim and Otis Clay to Tommy Castro, Elvin Bishop, and more. We couldn’t be more excited and honored. This is a major milestone for our band and music.” “We’re very happy to be working with Altered Five Blues Band," added Chris Lauterbach, Director of Owned Repertoire and Special Products for The Orchard. "The new tracks sound great, and we think their music adds to Blind Pig’s rich 40-year history.” The album will be distributed worldwide by The Orchard. Complete track listing and other details to be revealed soon.