MORRY SOCHAT & THE SPECIAL 20S

Eatin’ Dirt

Galaxie Records

By Dawn O’Keefe Williams

Morry Sochat and the Special 20’s serve up a CD that has a unique feel of retro hip combined with Chicago’s cultural blend of blues styles that incorporates jazz swing, traditional blues and rockabilly.  Even the eye-catching design of the CD cover with Sochat (pronounced Sockit , as in sock-it-to-me) wearing a retro-style suit seems to hail from the ‘60s.  Special 20 is a type of Hohner harmonica, which explains the name for a band led by a harp playing singer/songwriter. And what a band it is!

Jimmy Sutton (Mighty Blues Kings, The Four Charms) produced this CD and plays guitar on the rockabilly style “Riot Up In Here”.   Morry’s choice for Sutton as a producer shows good taste and fine decision making as each cut embellishes Morry’s original songs and musical talent.  Special guests on the Eatin’ Dirt CD include some of Chicago’s finest blues musicians: John Kattke (Brother John) on keys, Dave Herrero and Billy Flynn on guitars and Chris Neal on sax.

Not to be missed, the band members on this CD are also stellar musicians as well.  Marty Binder, a solid drummer holds each song together along with bassist Ted Beranis.  Jim St. Marie is on guitar as well as Shoji Naito who also plays harmonica. Doug Corcoran plays keys and trumpet. 

Eatin’ Dirt, which is largely comprised of original songs written by Morry, (except for a few tracks) has a large sound filled with horns and loud, bossy guitars.  This CD is a fun, get up and dance type of blues outing. The title track, “Eatin’ Dirt” written by bassist Ted Beranis, starts with Shoji Naito’s rousing slide guitar, brought in with Marty Binder’s thundering drums to showcase the momentum. Morry’s distinctive voice is perfect for this up tempo groove, as the horns and keys are in the background holding the rhythm.

“She’s A Betty” (inspired by ‘50s pinup model Betty Page) features Brother John Kattke and shows his prowess at playing the full keyboard with dynamite rhythm and fills.  Morry’s catchy lyrics are lighthearted and fun.

Throughout the CD, Sochat’s harp has an authentic distorted sound. He plays it cool and not overbearing, allowing room for other instruments and vocal phrasing.  “Someone To Love” displays his harp style and fine arrangement skills. He ends the shuffle by accenting the phrase “More! More! More!” Sochat’s voice is unusual in that it has no vibrato, which gives him an appealing edge that falls into the retro sound.  

Then the CD eases into a ‘40s Big Band style reminiscent of the Tommy Dorsey, Glenn Miller era.  As Morry sings “Meet Me In Chicago” you can’t help but feel like he’s taking you out on the town as he describes the city and its amenities.  Corcoran’s trumpet is outstanding as he plays in a “less is more” classy style.  Beranis’ bass walks with a smooth jazz/blues sound.

Each song is a delight -- from the slow blues of “Empty Pockets,” done in a  moody, rumba style, to “Apple of My Eye,” a shuffle that displays Sochat’s clever lyrics that compare his lady to various luscious, sweet fruits.  The food theme continues with “Fried Chicken & Waffles” as the last cut.  The mostly instrumental number, which showcases each instrument, is a nice surprise that has a Big Band jazz swing sound that is almost too hot to end a CD with!  A photo of the afore-mentioned meal appears on the CD itself -- fried chicken atop a waffle. No need to be “Eatin’ Dirt”, after all.

Even though there are different styles of blues on this CD, the momentum and the overall feel place a distinctive stamp on the disc that says: Morry Sochat & The Special 20’s.  Very hip.  Very cool.  And highly recommended.

To purchase the CD, and to see the band’s schedule, visit: http://www.special20s.com/

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