Richmond, Virginia based rockers Rockford Road have arrived with their new album, Road to Sabattis, which is an Americana-infused, Classic Rock roller coaster ride of familiar yet refreshing sounds. More mature music listeners, especially of rock and roll, will embrace this project with a smile.
The story behind the band’s name is a simple one yet something I really dig and truly appreciate. It takes me back to late nights with loud music at Small Barn Sound with C Bret and friends. But back to the origin of the band’s name…
A friend came to watch rehearsal and upon arriving noted the band was playing so loud they were going to rock Ford’s road, the location of the rehearsal space (of course). The name, Rockford Road, stuck.
Formed by Bob Mahan (former bassist for George Thorogood), the band’s aim is to share life experiences and the stories life creates. Joining him for the Road to Sabattis album are musical talents: Mike Lara (rhythm guitar, acoustic guitar, slide guitar and vocals), Tom Wisneski (bass guitar, vocals), Jim Davidson (drums and percussion), Victoria Cottrell (vocals), Paul Marquez (alto saxophone) and Matt Traecy performing vocals on “Boys Like Me”.
Road to Sabattis is the perfect soundtrack for rolling the windows down, cranking the stereo up to twelve, hitting the open road and allowing the frequencies to toss your worries and stress to the wind.
Soaring guitar leads, familiar rock and roll rhythms, a healthy infusion of Americana aesthetic topped with a hot bed of musical talent which elevates the record to the higher levels of the rock music atmosphere all combine for a worthwhile sonic treat. Fans of bands like Allman Brothers, Skynyrd, Clapton, Gov’t Mule, Marshall Tucker Band or any style of music with that classic rock era charm will love the sounds created by Rockford Road.
From the opening jazzy rock ballad Best Woman I Never Knew to the title track Road To Sabattis to the bluesy, surf-rockin’ vibes of Jeffy’s Key Mobile, Rockford Road deliver a cohesive album packed with a collection of jams which seamlessly blend into a sonic tapestry that clearly reminds us the days of album driven music creation are long gone and dearly missed in this singles-driven music era.
The saxophone solo on Feels Like Rain is one of my favorite moments in the mix!
Listen to Road to Sabattis on Spotify.
Connect with Rockford Road on FB.
