With a new year upon us, it’s time to catch-up with a few pieces of Red Devils-related news that you might not have heard:
Wicked Lo-Down joins Gulf Coast Records
Hot on the heels of 2022’s “We Hot,” The Wicked Lo-Down are soon to return with a new album, and a new label.
The hard-driving East Coast blues-rock band — with Paul Size on lead guitar — has signed with Gulf Coast Records for its sophomore record, “Out of Line.”
Gulf Coast Records has established itself as a home for contemporary blues and rock acts, definitely punching above its weight (little label, big talents). The Wicked Lo-Down joins rostermates Joanna Connor, Albert Castiglia, The Proven Ones and label co-founder Mike Zito. (And Tito Jackson!)
Zito and Castiglia also guest on the 13-track “Out of Line,” which includes 11 originals and two covers: Hound Dog Taylor’s “Just Can’t Make It” and a Texas-shuffle re-imagining of Britney Spears’ “Toxic,” with Monster Mike Welch on guitar.
One cut, “The Wildest One (Lester’s Boogie),” is in tribute to Lester Butler, singer and songwriter Nick David said.
“The head riff was something that popped into the mind of long-time bandmate Paul Size as something that reminded him intensely of Lester and the rest of the song was built around that,” David said on Gulf Coast’s website. The lyrics reference Butler, and includes song titles from his catalog.
“Out of Line” is set for release on March 8.
Related:
- Wicked Lo-Down release ‘We Hot’
- ‘Footprints on the moon’: Paul Size looks back at The Red Devils
- Paul Size fuels solo debut with unearthed blues and old friends
- Review: Paul Size tells it like it is on debut solo CD, ‘Can’t Lose Playing The Blues’
Dave Lee Bartel out of the shadows
It’s been far too long that we have had a Dave Lee Bartel sighting.
Fortunately, there is video evidence.
Dave Lee was back onstage where he belongs at the Gaslamp in Long Beach, California, on Nov. 22, 2023. The occasion was a Blue Shadows gig, caught on digital by Matt McCroskey, below.
That’s, of course, Bill Bateman on drums, John Bazz on bass, Javier Matos on vocals and guitar, Chris Masterson on lead guitar, Jack Rudy on harp and Bartel way in the back playing rhythm.
More great video from that gig and many many many others can be found on McCroskey’s YouTube channel.
Sad news
Lori Peralta died on Sept. 23, 2023. She was 61 years old.
Ginny Tura, Lester Butler’s sister and longtime friend of Peralta’s, sent a note in September with the news.
Peralta was Butler’s longtime partner. Many 13 fans will remember Peralta from her appearances at various tribute shows over the years, including at the 2011 Simi Valley Cajun and Blues Festival, and at the 2008 Moulin Blues Festival.
Our condolences to Lori’s friends and loved ones.
Top photo: The Wicked Lo-Down: Nick David, left, Paul Size, Brad Hallen, Nick Toscano and Jeffrey Berg. Courtesy of The Wicked Lo-Down.
No Fightin' 
Yo. The Blue Shadows will be playing The Harvard and Stone in Hollywood tonight and the Escondite DTLA tomorrow night with Johnny Ray and Dave Lee together.
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