Review: A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato

A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato

By Mike O’Cull

A whole lot of famous musicians came together to help legendary NRBQ founder, bassist, vocalist, and songwriter Joey Spampinato on the inspiring new album A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato on True North Records. Scheduled to drop June 25th, 2021, the set features artists including Al Anderson, Los Lobos, Steve Forbert, Bonnie Raitt, Keith Richards, Ben Harper, Charlie Musselwhite, Don Was, Robbie Fulks, Penn & Teller, and more contributing previously unreleased versions of Joey’s original songs. All proceeds go towards his ongoing battle with throat cancer via The Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, which provides financial assistance to all types of career musicians and music industry workers who are struggling to survive while facing illness, disability, or aging-related issues. It’s a positive, honorable effort and a wonderful listening experience roots music fans will absolutely dig.

NRBQ, which stands for New Rhythm and Blues Quartet, is one of the most revered bands of the classic rock era. Founded in 1965 and known for a genre-smashing sound built on rock, blues, jazz, pop, and Tin Pan Alley elements fused with humor and spontaneity, the group is widely known as a wildly entertaining and unpredictable live act. They’re a critical and artistic favorite and can count important performers including Bob Dylan, Paul McCartney, Elvis Costello, Keith Richards, The Replacements, John Sebastian, Dave Edmunds, Ira Kaplan, and Penn & Teller among their fans. Joey Spampinato was there from the beginning, writing epic songs and contributing his unique ability to make an electric bass rhythmically swing like an upright. He’s a musicians’ musician who has worked with the likes of Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Chuck Berry and has been called “the Paul McCartney of The Bronx.”

The record starts in fine style with former NRBQ guitarist and singer Al Anderson turning in a rock and roll rave-up take on Spampinato’s “You Can’t Hide.” It’s a high-test roadhouse blaster from one end to the other and Anderson is still as great as ever. Los Lobos are up next with a swinging cover of “Every Boy Every Girl” that’s blissful and brilliant. Steve Berlin’s saxophone compliments David Hidalgo’s instantly-identifiable vocals beautifully and the band does its usual masterful job putting the song across.

Rhode Island’s Deer Tick do fine work on their alternative/folk/rockabilly romp through Joey’s “That I Get Back Home.” It’s pumped up, raw, and full of garage rock vibes that will get your blood flowing in the right direction. A true all-star lineup of Ben Harper (Vocals, Guitars), Keith Richards (Guitar), Charlie Musselwhite (Harmonica), Benmont Tench (Keys), Don Was (Bass), and Don Heffington (Drums) works some serious magic on Spampinato’s “Like A Locomotive.” Harper is always expressive and uplifting and, with this lot by his side, can do no wrong. The track has a subtle bounce to its groove and will get you up and moving before you realize what’s happening. Don’t miss it.

Former Plimsouls mastermind Peter Case does a cool, Jimmy Reed-ish cover of Spampinato’s “Don’t Knock On My Door” that’s gritty and alive. Case is a great interpreter of songs and does nothing to disappoint here. He handles both piano and vocal duties on the session and still puts down the straightforward vibe that’s always made him shine. She & Him, featuring a surprisingly strong vocal performance by Zooey Deschanel, does a mellow, 60s pop work-up of “How Can I Make You Love Me” that’s haunting and almost psychedelic. It’s total chill-out territory and its non-rock band arrangement is effective and memorable.

Chicago alt-country favorite Robbie Fulks twangs hard on the hillbilly work song “Chores” and does the genre proud. He brings a vital old-school feel to this one that might as well have come right from Sun Records. Other excellent moments on this set include Steve Forbert’s version of “Beverly” and The Minus 5’s “Don’t She Look Good” featuring Peter Buck and Mike Mills of R.E.M. A Sweet Relief Tribute to Joey Spampinato is an entertaining record with no dead spots or missteps, which is a direct reflection of Joey Spampinato’s talent and influence. Roots fans will want to spend the summer with it. Highly recommended.

Watch Keith Richards Talk About Joey Spampinato