Bob Malone }-- Reviews

Born and raised in New Jersey, Bob Malone currently resides in Los Angeles with his family. His three previous albums proved that he carries the torch proudly: the torch of the early jazz and blues piano player who could keep his audience awake all night long, singing favorite songs and adding humor to the act as he saw fit. This fourth album from the solo performer was recorded during his 2002 tour before a number of grateful audiences. Comedy and Americana play a large part in what Malone does for his listeners. The album provides plenty. There’s an hour and thirteen minutes of comedy routines and lovable songs, including “I Don’t Like Little Kids,” “Valentine’s Day,” “Meet me in Manhattan,” and “Goodbye L.A.” That last one features the pianist’s powerful boogie-woogie romp, along with an amusing commentary about the conditions we meet on the street every day. Is a drive to the office ever just ordinary? No way. Malone reminds us that humor exists everywhere we go, and we need to stay loose in order to survive. A little medicine from this blues & boogie master will definitely lead us to a longer life.