When it comes to really good Soulful Blues, I like to think there are two types of magic out there, the first type is when a legend has created and sings a legendary song of his, the second is when an artist down the road is magically able to sing that song and in doing so, has paid more than sufficiant homage to the originator. Such is the case with Julius Pittman & The Revival's Debut Release, "Bucket List".

Consisting of 9 Tracks, Julius Pittman & The Revival, are not only able to infuse the 5 Covers that they do with new and exciting life, but they were also able to show us just how good of a band they are, by offering us 4 of their Originals, as well, and damn good Originals at that.

The Julius Pittman & the Revival consist of Julius Pittman (Vocals/Keyboards), Randy Moss (Guitar), Audie Stanley (Bass), Chris McIntyre (Drums), John Stanley (Tenor Sax), Howard Smith (Baritone ann Tenor Sax), and Dave Triplett (Trumpet and Flugelhorn). Together, this band makes up one of the more popular Soulful Blues Bands around today.

In addition to Julius Pittman & the Revival being one hell of a good band, the most remarkable thing is that "Bucket List" is only their Debut Release, which means we can expect a lot more great music in the future from these guys.

For those that really enjoy the Soul and Blues from the likes of Al Green and Albert Collins, you are simply going to love, Bucket List.

I give Bucket List my Blues Underground Network's 5***** Rating... This is an exceptional Debut Release and Highly Recommended...

John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

Other Info

RICHMOND, V A – Southern soul singer/ keyboardist Julius Pittman & the Revival announce the May 25 release of their debut CD, Bucket List. The new album includes four original songs, plus covers of Al Green’s “Tired of Being Along,” Jack Mack & the Heart Attack’s “Don’t Need No Reason” and “Willing to Learn,” Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers’ “Does Your Mama Know About Me” and Albert Collins’ “A Good Fool Is Hard to Find.” 

The Julius Pittman & the Revival band lineup includes Julius Pittman on lead vocals and keyboards, Randy Moss on guitar, Audie Stanley on bass, Chris McIntyre on drums, John Stanley on tenor sax, Howard Smith on baritone and tenor sax and Dave Triplett on trumpet and flugelhorn. 

Bucket List was produced by Julius Pittman and showcases his amazingly soulful vocals in a true southern soul setting. With horn arrangements that recall the best of the great horn bands (Chicago, Tower of Power, Jack Mack & the Heart Attack) of the past, Julius Pittman & the Revival create a rock and soul sound that’s as funky on the dance groove songs as it is tender on the ballads. 

“My overall concept of the CD was to showcase the band’s influences over the years; hopefully, to gel into a Rock and Soul Revival, without forgetting our blues and jazz roots” says Pittman. “Al Green is one of my all-time favorites, and the first time I heard Jack Mack’s first album, Cardiac Party, I literally jumped out of my seat,” he recalls. “I knew that’s the kind of band I wanted to be in.” 

Talking about the other cover tunes, Pittman says “‘Does Your Mama Know About Me’ is just as relevant today as it was when Tommy Chong (of Cheech and Chong fame) wrote it when it was a top 30 hit for Bobby Taylor and the Vancouvers. Guest tenor sax player Chuck Williams played with blues great Albert Collins for many years, and that’s how we brought ‘A Good Fool is Hard to Find’ into the mix.” 
All members of the band are veterans of the Virginia area show-band and beach music scenes with extensive playing credentials. Julius Pittman grew up in Kilmarnock, Virginia and was releasing soul music singles by the time he was in high school. 

Pittman’s testifying vocal style was influenced by soul singers Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and James Brown, among others. The raw production styles he heard on the Stax (in Memphis) and Fame (in Muscle Shoals) studio recordings were what his idea of sound was all about. He preferred the greasy and less polished sound that had originally driven his desire to be a singer. His funky Hammond B-3 organ style acknowledges a debt to Stevie Winwood, among others. 

Julius Pittman & the Revival will continue to tour the southeast in support of the CD release, including a mix of beach music and blues clubs and festivals throughout the summer. The band is represented by Maeco Management (804-285-0809).

Tracklist

1. Tired of Being Alone 4:07
2. Don't Need No Reason 3:24
3. Willing To Learn 6:33
4. Sideshow 3:28
5. Part Time Lover 4:25
6. Does Your Mama Know About Me 3:28
7. A Good Fool Is Hard To Find 4:18
8. Love Came Out of Nowhere 5:44
9. Love Changes Like the Weather 3:51

Listen To Samples Here

About Julius Pittman & The Revival

The current lineup features founder/keyboardist/vocalist Julius Pittman (Bull, Ray Pittman Band, Kingpins, Ray Pittman Project), guitarist Randy Moss (Jokers Wild, Steve Bassett), bassist Audie Stanley (Delbert McClinton, Little Ronnie & The Grand Dukes, Conway Twitty), drummer Chris McIntyre (Ray Pittman Project), trumpeter Dave Triplett (New Century Platters, Bill Deal & the Rhondels, The Spinners),  sax player Howard Smith (Lou Rawls, The Four Tops, The Temptations), sax player John Stanley (Martha Reeves & the Vandelas, The Temptations, The Four Tops)

http://www.juliuspittmanrevival.com/