Tina Cossey Band launched the first Blues by Budweiser Concert Series show of the year on Saturday.
The evening event at RJ’s Sports Grill & Bar at 128 S. Main St. was a CD release party for the group’s new long-play record, “Roll With It.” The monthly occasion is sponsored by MK Distributors and hosted by the Port City Blues Society. The six-song CD debut was welcomed by a packed house of fans from across the state.
Tina Cossey Band replaced Trey Johnson and Jason Willmon on the January slate due to a scheduling conflict. TCB members consist of Josh Parks on lead guitar, Darius Blanton on drums, Ryan Hinman on bass and Tina Cossey with lead vocals. Jerry McCoy also sat in with slide guitar on several songs.
The LP was recorded in George “Butch” Scaife’s Spiraling Media Studio. Scaife said, “I produced and engineered the record along with co-producer Darius Blanton in my Bryant studio. I like to take bands like Tina’s that are worthy of recording and help them put out their first record. I believe when people hear this CD they’ll recognize some really great talent.”
In addition to production and drums, Blanton also contributed keyboard on the album.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Referencing the collection of original compositions, guitarist Josh Parks said, “We all work together to make the songs. Tina and I bring our writing collaborations into session then the band helps flesh out the sound. When we are all working together on a number, we tap into a higher source, then bring that special something back down to earth.”
Describing his take on each of the six selections, Parks said, “The first song, ‘Roll With It,’ is an Albert King-style number. The next song, ‘To Feel the Blues,’ has a Santana-type tone. ‘Lord Make Me a Rolling Stone’ sounds a little like Pink Floyd and features Jerry McCoy of Port City Blues Players & The Groove Diggers, on slide guitar. ‘Moonshine Blues,’ has an upbeat B.B. King sort of sound while ‘River Boy,’ is in the Delta blues vein. The final number, ‘Going to Mississippi,’ has a funky disco sound with soaring Santana guitar riffs.”
Introducing the group to the capacity crowd, PCBS emcee Dave Sadler said, “We’re proud to have Tina Cossey Band back. We feel like she is one of our own. This is Port City Blues Society’s third year of presenting Blues by Budweiser on the first Saturday of each month. Without the support of MK Distributors along with Ms. Rose and Rita here at RJ’s, we wouldn’t be able to bring this quality of live music to Pine Bluff on a regular basis.”
Taking the stage, Cossey said, “How you doing, Pine Bluff? This ain’t my first trip to town, you know. When I first walked into RJ’s for a Wednesday night blues jam, I didn’t know it would lead to our opening for Bobby Rush or representing Port City at Memphis’ International Blues Challenge. I’ve met so many people here who helped mentor and show me the ropes. I want to give a special thanks to Ms. Rosie and Rita for giving us this special place to perform. It’s a real treat to be here and have everyone come out to celebrate our new release.”
In a departure from her usual fare, Cossey kicked off the evening with a bluesy rendition of the gospel song, “Victory in Jesus” followed by the title track off the new record, “Roll With It.”
Before delving very deep into the CD, Cossey invited a local legend to join the band on stage. “This guy has toured and recorded with the Allman Brothers Band among many others and it’s an honor to have Jerry McCoy playing slide guitar on our record,” she said.
Upon hearing “Moonshine Blues” and “To Feel the Blues,” the crowd was markedly moved by their solid beat, uplifting tempo and soulful lyrics.
In a prelude to “River Boy,” she said, “This is about a veteran friend of mine trying to find his way home.” In the solemn, heartfelt words of the song, Cossey sings, “Want you come on home and leave that war behind. Oh, soldier boy what’d they do to you? Want you come home soon.”
She began the next selection with, “Everybody loves Janis Joplin and they always love when we do this one. It’s called, ‘Ball & Chain.” With that, she proceeded to channel the spirit of the beloved Joplin with flawless perfection. Next was another standard cover in her repertoire with the gender-revised title, “Hoochie Coochie Woman.”
Explaining the inspiration behind another original composition, Cossey said, “On my days off I like to go to the mountains. I wrote this one there last year and it seems to make a hit with people. It’s called, ‘Lord Make Me a Rolling Stone.'” Her prediction proved true as the audience moved to the groove and good advice in the rocking rendition.
Before end of the first set, Cossey told her fans, “Thank you for coming out to support us and live music.”
During the break, band members signed event posters and CDs for delighted fans.
Cossey shared how the group is already working on their next album, sorting through a collection of 40 already written songs to piece together 11 selections.
Tina Cossey Band includes Josh Parks on lead guitar and backing vocals, Darius Blanton on drums and keys, Tina Cossey with lead vocals, Jerry McCoy setting in on slide guitar and Ryan Hinman on bass. (Special to The Commercial/Richard Ledbetter)