I've heard the Diva-by-the-sea in many configurations, as a cabaret act, a theatre star, a club entertainer, and now as a band leader. Her talent is so far over the top standard measurements simply do not apply. I'm talking about the incredible Vicki Roush. If you glance through Now Playing, you'll note that the Redheaded.Blues Band is on somebody's schedule almost every day. Why? Because they are as good as it gets. That's why they were booked to play Al Copeland's party for the power boat people. They were asked back next year too.
Vicki Roush isn't relying on her fantastic voice, she has three of the best musicians you'll ever hear playing with her. Rob Leon is so smooth and articulate, his bass lines fall into each song as if they were born there. The we have Johnny G. Reo playing the funkiest drum sounds possible in this realm. Fritz Sigler plays guitar with a vengeance. Add his lead to the other sounds and you have one fantastic sensual rush, close to overload. Their warm up song that began the show was enough to prove to me that these are superstars. Then Vicki came on.
Vicki Roush is a total performer with timing like Lucille Ball's, and I know. I spent several days with Lucy when she was filming a special at Opryland Studios, which she said is the best TV facility on the globe. I watched her rehearse. You couldn't take your eyes off her, and Vicki has that quality. She sings, she dances, she glows when the guys take their solo's. This was a CD release party. The CD's, of course, didn't show up. If you didn't get one of the thirty Vicki burned herself that afternoon, you'll have to wait a day or two. Her first tune was "Don't Touch Me, Baby". The band was getting down, heavy duty. Brent Litch and Vicki Impallomeni were on the dance floor in a flash. The rest of us were taking it all in open mouthed.
You'll hear "I'm Looking For a King" (for my queen sized bed) on the CD. The crowd, which included friends and fans like Pat Green, Gary Chase, Stewart Sheffler, Joanne, Trinidad Joe, and many others ate it up. Vicki's phrasing went beyond great. Fritz took a long, sultry solo. Incredible. Next we heard a Candye Cane song, "That 'L' Word". Rob walked his bass out into the stratosphere and played a virtuoso solo. And Mr. Reo? I can't say enough about him.
We hear from Chicago. Our redhead gives us a super funky "Hound Dog" in a minor treatment that is a treat. "Now Baby Or Never" is a tad slower, allowing Fritz to play some sleek, righteous swing lead. Next Vicki does her 'trolling for tourists' number, "Another Night In Paradise". Every tune is perfectly executed and guaranteed to please. Ain't nobody sitting still when the Redheaded Blues Band is on stage! It's romance time with "Don't Cry Now" whatever you do'. Fritz picks up an F hole jazz guitar for this one, using a fat tone as Vicki sings "One of these days I'll clean up my act". Magical blues numbers roll out of the repertoire, "If You Feel Like Shouting" better know what you're talking about', and "Beer Bottle Boogie", with all hands letting it all the way out.
Go find Vicki and get yourself a CD. If you missed that magic night at the Green Parrot, I'm truly sorry. There couldn't have been a better venue for this show. Everybody loves the Parrot Vicki, you gave these ears a thrill. Way to go, girlfriend! Stay cool.