It’s Always Happy Hour When Multi Blues Award Nominated Boogie Woogie Man Mitch Woods Hits the Keys with His Rocket 88s on His New Album from MoMojo Records Out September 6!
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – On September 6th, MoMojo Records will release Happy Hour, the new album from five-time Blues Music Award nominee Mitch Woods. The new disc features a baker’s dozen 13 tracks from the San Francisco Bay Area-based Woods, backed by his long-time band, The Rocket 88s. Mitch Woods and his Rocket 88s have been the torchbearers of a great American blues musical heritage for four decades. Taking their inspiration from the great jump ‘n’ boogie outfits of the late ‘40s and early ‘50s, they breathe fresh life into the music that gave birth to rock ‘n’ roll. Adding a healthy dose of New Orleans rhythm and blues, his trademark pile-drivin’ piano, and some of his own playful lyrics, Woods and the 88s forge their own brand of music they call “rock-a-boogie.”
Happy Hour, Woods’ fourteenth album, is a collection of his all-original tunes recorded at Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California, with Mitch Woods producing, and Christoffer “Kid” Andersen, engineering and mastering. The resulting music captures the joy that live music brings. MVD Distribution is handling physical distribution for Happy Hour, with digital distribution by The Orchard.
“Happy Hour was recorded during the time of the Covid Lockdown,” recalls Mitch Woods about the sessions. “The whole world shut down and music stopped. It was an awful time for everyone and musicians really were hurt. I could never imagine after devoting my whole life to making music that it would just stop within two days and last three years!
“We all felt it deeply and people are still rebounding. Fortunately, I was able to gather my Rocket 88s together and – masked and inoculated – we gathered at the legendary Greaseland Studios, manned at the helm by madman and musical genius- Chris “Kid” Andersen who joined us on guitar as well.
“It felt so good to be able to play music again, even if it was in a studio with no live audience. I decided to break out my most popular original tunes that I have performed for decades and record them in a new light with new arrangements. We are all so thankful that live music is back and we hope this album captures that spirit. So pour yourself a tall one, sit back, and enjoy Happy Hour!”
Since its inception in October, 2022, MoMojo Records (a division of Nola Blue, Inc.) has been serving a diverse segment of independent roots artists connected by the quality of artistry rather than confined by genre boundaries. The guiding label credo, “distribution is more than delivery,” has proven both valuable and worthy of expanded focus. MoMojo artists are provided the flexibility of DIY distribution, combined with thoughtful, personalized attention, all with careful consideration for each project’s unique needs and budget.
“Mitch Woods has been a well-respected member of the blues community for decades, working with some of the finest on the scene,” says Sallie Bengtson, MoMojo Records president. “We’re certain that the ‘rock-a-boogie’ sounds of his latest project will be a welcome addition to many happy hours!”
“I am excited to be part of MoMojo and working with a great team,” says Woods. “I know Sallie and company will give my latest release careful attention and help get it into blues and boogie lovers’ hands!”
Preorders for Happy Hour will begin August 9. Get all the news at mitchwoods.com and follow him on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube @mitchwoods88.
Mitch Woods – Happy Hour Track Listing and Credits
- Jukebox Drive 3:49
- Long, Lean, and Lanky 3:09
- Broke 3:53
- Boogie Woogie Bar-B-Q 3:29
- Cryin’ For My Baby 5:42
- Shakin’ the Shack 3:58
- Amber Lee 4:32
- Mr. Boogie’s Back In Town 3:09
- Jump For Joy 5:30
- Hattie Green 4:57
- Queen Bee 4:38
- Mojo Mambo 3:51
- Solid Gold Cadillac 3:32
All songs Mitch Woods Mitchrich Music /BMI
Recorded at Greaseland Studios, San Jose, CA
Producer – Mitch Woods; Engineering and mastering – Kid Andersen
Musicians
Mitch Woods – piano, vocals
Kid Andersen – guitar
Larry Vann – drums
Dave Somers – saxophones
Kedar Roy – bass
Hi-res cover: http://www.markpuccimedia.com/Mitch-Woods-Happy-Hour-Hi-Res-Cover.jpg
Hi-res photo: http://www.markpuccimedia.com/Mitch-Woods-Hi-Res-Photo-by-Marilyn-Stringer-scaled.jpeg
