NRBQ
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Originally birthed in Miami, Florida, in 1967, NRBQ -- the New Rhythm and Blues Quartet -- established their New England cred when singer/guitarist Al Anderson (ex-Wildweeds) joined existing members pianist Terry Adams, bassist Joey Spampinato and drummer Tom Staley (later replaced by Al Ardolino) in 1974, ushering in a twenty-year run of stability for a band known as much for its revolving-door line-up as its ability to tackle nearly any musical style -- jazz, pop, blues rock, power pop... the list goes on. Despite only having one song chart on the Billboard Hot 100 (1974's #70 "Get That Gasoline Blues"), and several New England-area hits -- notably 1977's instant-classic "Ridin' In My Car" -- NRBQ maintained a loyal cult fanbase and reputation for wild, setlist-free concerts. Anderson left the group in 1994, replaced by Spampinato's brother Johnny; the group continued to tour and release albums in various line-up permutations, occasionally celebrating anniversary concerts at Northampton, MA's Calvin Theater, in shows that frequently featured past NRBQ members. (by Stephen Haag) |
