The Mescal Sheiks


ALTERNATIVE R&B
WITH
A MEMPHIS TWIST
AND A NEW ORLEANS SHAKE
ms
A unique blend of musical ingredients that create a dynamic gumbo -- sometimes greasy, often funky, inevitably rootsy, and always soulful!

PSSST!!!
The Sheiks are in the studio making magic again!
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Music





Rick Solem

Rick Solem plays Boogie-woogie, New Orleans-style blues-based rock and roll piano and writes songs. Back in the day, Leon Russell and then Bill Payne of Little Feat launched Rick’s explorations into “The Land of Blues and Honey Drippers.” Artists Rick has performed and recorded with include, Dave Alvin, Billy Bremner, Catfish Hodge, Finas Tasby, Roy Gaines, Albert Lee, and many others. In collaboration with songwriter J.D. Hinton, his songs have been featured in film and television, and he has recorded soundtracks for several major motion pictures, including Are We There Yet? with composer David Newman.
Rick Smith

Rick Smith, harmonica, percussion, and lyricist for The Mescal Sheiks, learned his craft in Greenwich Village in the 60's before relocating to Los Angeles, where he has worked with Big Joe Williams, Van Dyke Parks, and Barbara Dane, adding his talent to films, such as the soundtrack for the Academy Award-winning Days of Heaven.
Phil Bloch

Phil Bloch is one of the premier Rhythm & Blues drummers in Los Angeles who maintains an ongoing schedule of live and studio playing, producing, and songwriting. He has recorded or played live in the U.S. and Europe with Terry Evans, Ry Cooder, Solomon Burke, Little Richard, Marva Wright, Willie Green, Jr., Hamish Stuart, Delaney Bramlett, Steve Cropper, Tom Scott, Hense Powell, and many others. Phil is also an accomplished producer.


REVIEWS
The Mescal Sheiks - This World is Not My Home
“Growing out of The Hangan Brothers band, a local blues organization that has charmed Southland audiences for many years, The Mescal Sheiks pick up the ball and carry on the tradition admirably. They party hearty and boogie tirelessly. . . New Orleans, Chicago, Kansas City, and L.A. all come together in this melting pot of blues hues that includes soulful horns, wailing harmonica, fiery guitar, a swingin' rhythm section, and convincing vocals. . . . a beautiful musical portrayal that comes with deep feeling."
Jim Santella - Southland Blues
"Like a bowl of fruit tossed into a blender, the whole is more than the sum of its parts. Musically, that same principle equals inventiveness, risk-taking, and things that are new."
George P. Seedorff - Big City Blues Magazine
The Hangan Brothers - Mars Market
“Uptown enough for even the smokiest room."
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George Seedorf - Big City Blues Magazine
The Hangan Brothers - Life is a Hard Blues
“The rhythm of the Hangan Brothers acoustic band couldn't get any tighter if it was played by a one-man band. It's one of those rare recordings that one listen is never enough. It sounds good, it feels good and it is good "
Phil Lloyd - American Harmonica Newsletter
“These are traditional-leaning blues with lots of spunk and sparks of brilliance...the Hangan Brothers keep it sweet and simple, nothing but the blues."
Mark A. Cole - Big City Blues Magazine

Videos



Noseology | Shakedown Mambo | Official Music Video

Poet Rick Smith Playing Harmonica at San Gabriel Valley Poets

Foolin Around With You

A Closer Walk / CC Ryder


Photos
