Billy Price has been thrilling east coast audiences with his brand of rhythm and blues for the past three decades. In his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA, he is an institution. Price's popularity isn't hard to explain. As Geoffrey Himes of the Washington Post has written, "Unlike so many blues revivalists, Price is not an imitation of older, better singers--he's the real thing."
Billy Price first attracted national attention during his three-year association with guitarist Roy Buchanan. Price is the vocalist on two of Buchanan's LPs, That's What I'm Here For and Livestock.
Price assembled Billy Price and the Keystone Rhythm Band in 1977. Before their breakup in 1990, the band recorded four critically acclaimed LPs and developed a reputation as one of the most exciting touring bands in the U.S.
Price formed The Billy Price Band in 1990. In addition to performing popular songs from Price's years with Buchanan and the Keystone Rhythm Band, the Billy Price Band features new interpretations of blues, R & B, and soul classics.
Funky...Funky Soul is a DVD of The Billy Price Band's 90-minute performance at the Belgium Rhythm & Blues Festival on July 19, 2003.
Here are excerpts from some of the reviews of the show, which you will be able to view from start to finish on this new DVD:
Juke Blues (UK), November 2003, Richard Tapp
We did get to see a good horn section though, this in Billy Price's band who played later on the Saturday evening. I only knew Price through his reputation of being one of the best blue-eyed soul men around. And he didn't disappoint; he's a terrific vocalist and has that microphone technique which you associate with the best black soul singers. Maybe he's learnt it from Otis Clay who he's played with many times...he really does put his heart and soul into his singing.
Blues & Rhythm (UK), September 2003, Mike Stephenson
Singer Billy Price and his seven piece crew, including three brass, all out of Pittsburgh were a revelation indeed. He is a soulster of the blue eyed kind and his act was stunning. Pin point brass arrangements, truly soulful vocals from Price and some classy deep soul/blues material all combined to make him one of the big hits of the festival. Numbers such as "Nickel and a Nail," "Further On Up the Road," "Can I Change My Mind," and a goose bump raising "Your Time to Cry" were tremendous. A nod to Z.Z. Hill on "Bump and Grind" and "Love and Happiness" with the band sounding akin to the Hi rhythm section had one thinking that there could well be a deep soul revival under way if the crowd's very positive reaction to this man is anything to judge by.
Back to the Roots (Belgium)
...a lot more drive and spirit came from Billy Price. This man is thoroughly one of the best white soul and r&b singers. With a voice as clear as a bell, backed by a powerful horn section, he almost immediately made the audience stand in awe.
www.bobtjeblues.com
My first pleasent surprise was the encounter with the Caucasian soulsinger Billy Price. In the past I have seen many artists perform pure soulmusic, but the energy that this man brings about leaves many of them struck dumb. Billy has a very professional band at his disposal with an amazing hornsection. Well balanced songs with hitting lyrics all flowing smoothly together. What more could you wish for. In one word...superb!
Het Belang van Limburg
Billy Price, for the first time and exclusively for Peer in Europe--went for the 'real thing' with his impressive white soul and managed to get the whole tent at his feet in no time. For most of us he still was 'Billy who?' on Saturday, on Sunday it was 'Mister Price' with a lot more respect."
De Morgen
...[Price] made his European debut in Peer, but you couldn't tell. He's a far out performer and rebuilds the whole tent into a swing palace.
Het Nieuwsblad
On Saturday the soulful Billy Price completely outclassed top of the bill Dave Edmunds.
Track List:
1. Introduction
2. Fried Chicken
3. Gonna Forget About You
4. Nickel and a Nail
5. Ace of Spades
6. Further On Up the Road
7. Your Time to Cry
8. Eldorado Cafe
9. Can I Change My Mind
10. Is It Something You've Got
11. Do What You Think Is Best
12. You Better Believe It
13. I've Been Searching
14. Let Yourself Go
15. Drowning On Dry Land
16. Bump and Grind
17. Ain't It Funky Now
18. Back From the Dead
19. You Left the Water Running
20. Mother In Law Blues
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