Early in May 2006, Ted Roddy gathered together with some friends to record ten tracks that signal a new direction in Central Texas Soul music. Inspired by the great soul music of the late 60’s - early 70’s, in particular the great musicians of Muscle Shoals and Memphis, they play the funk, the soul, the rock-n-roll that begs to be heard and danced to by the groove-starved masses.
The Backwoods Hipsters feature the deep south soul voice of ringleader Ted Roddy who sings every song with feeling, the kind of feeling that cuts across boundaries and borders, grabs hold and doesn’t let go. Singing with him, is his former Talltop compadre, guitarist Joe Dickens. Joe is a world class songwriter and dynamic guitarist that never fails to kick the crowd into high gear with his raucus twangy riffs. Alongside Joe in the guitar section is former Ronnie Dawson sideman Tjarko Jeen. Tjarko is from Holland and a devout student of southern soul and rockabilly guitar! Holding down the bottom-end of this hit sound is world-reknown singer-bassist and songwriter Sarah Brown. Sarah is most associated with her years in the Antone’s house band. She’s backed ‘em all from Albert Collins to Big Walter and she won’t let the dancers hide. On drums, the dynamic Richard White, who brings his Louisiana groove chops to bear! Last but not least The Hipsters are often joined by piano-organist Terry Bowness. Terry adds the grits-n-gravy to the mix with his Mississippi Blue Note style.
This is no oldies-act! Original compositions abound with the soul groove you crave! And if you need something familiar, they can deliver with funky covers of Larry Williams, Percy Sledge, Eddie Hinton, Joe Zawinul, Little Richard, Dan Penn, Tony Joe White and Bob Dylan.
Two songs from that first meeting, Never Gonna Touch b/w Tear It Up (till the sun comes up), written by Mr. Roddy himself, are scheduled to be the debut release from Swine Record Corporation later this year. This 45 rpm platter is a sure-fire chart topper in every way!
Of course that’s just the tip of the iceberg, more releases shall follow in this, THE YEAR for southern soul and rock-n-roll lovers everywhere.
Ted Roddy sings them all with the excitement and feeling that have made him one of the outstanding soul singers of the day in such a short period of time. After hearing his dynamic performances with The Backwoods Hipsters, it’s easy to see why they have reached the top so quickly.
PERCIVAL Z. FANOWSKI
