Union Street Blues prepares debut release

Philadelphia's newest local blues heroes, Union Street Blues, are delighted to announce the release of their debut album By Any Means Necessary. The band will mark the release with a launch party in West Chester, PA on October 26, 2007.
By Any Means Necessary fully captures the essence of their powerful live shows, which have earned a formidable reputation around the Philadelphia area. In achieving a synergy between high production values and letting the group's innate sense of soul shine through, Union Street Blues has constructed a first album of sublime musicianship and classic songwriting. Here are twelve examples of contemporary blues at its finest, ranging in style and tempo from high octane blues rock to laid-back swing, and from gut-wrenching electric Chicago blues to acoustic Delta magic. Solid rhythms on every track give way to intense, expertly executed solos from guitar, keyboard, harmonica and horns.
Union Street Blues formed in the spring of 2007 as several experienced blues musicians from various area bands got together to record some original blues compositions. The obvious chemistry in the studio between this motley band of brothers made it clear this was not going to be merely a few recording sessions. Soon public performances followed, gathering a response that further encouraged the band to record this excellent album.
On harmonica and lead vocals is Buddy Cleveland. Though a lifelong fan of the blues, he didn't begin playing harmonica until the mid-nineties. In 1999 he joined the Voodoo DeVille band as a harmonica player and within a few years became their lead singer. Also working with a few more ensembles – including the Smokehouse Ramblers and the Dave Mell Blues Band – he is now fronting Union Street Blues.
On lead guitar is Neil 'Porkroll' Taylor. Crediting Buddy Guy and Luther Allison as his foremost influences, Neil has been performing in the Philadelphia area for over 15 years. He was a founding member of blues stalwarts Mudboy and is head honcho in The Porkroll Project, another blues phenomenon.
On keyboards, guitar and vocals is Steve Cocchi. A talented musical journeyman, Steve has dabbled in almost every genre. Also a member of Voodoo DeVille and, along with Buddy, is part of the Smokehouse Ramblers – an acoustic blues trio.
Percussion in Union Street Blues is the responsibility of Matt Del Collo. Also in The Dave Mell Blues Band, his natural timing, rhythm and love of blues provides the driving force in the band. His partnership with virtuoso bassist Ted Ryan is something to behold.
Completing the band is tenor saxophonist Paul Cleveland, a gifted and promising young musician who, though still in college, has performed regularly with blues bands for the past several years.
Influences on Union Street Blues are many and varied. Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Albert Collins and Sonny Boy Williamson are all singled out for particular veneration. In addition, more modern practitioners such as the Allman Brothers, Johnny and Edgar Winter and the great Charlie Musselwhite are also cited. The band's illustrious influences blend with their own special original ingredients to forge a modern take on blues that sounds just as good as it should.