Download press photo here
|
All
Music Guide (US)- Rock-a-way
Lonesome Moon  |
Full of purest rockabilly and Western bop, the Roy Kay Trio's Rock-a-Way Lonesome Moon is a superb third album that finds the drummerless trio sounding better than ever. Having delved deep into straight-up rockabilly on the group's first two albums, guitarist/vocalist Roy Kay, lead guitarist Mike Geglia, and upright bassist Robin Cady move on to '50s country here. The result is an utterly tuneful and danceable album that reveals the trio's knack for sparkling vocal harmonies and snappy guitar twang. This is especially true on tracks like Kay's "Cold Tears" and Geglia's "Two of a Kind," which bring to mind a more rockin' version of such classic acts as the Delmore Brothers and the Blue Sky Boys. It also doesn't hurt that the album was produced in Berlin by German roots rocker Axel Praefke on vintage recording equipment, giving the album a warm period '50s sound. Third time is definitely a charm for the Roy Kay Trio with Rock-a-Way Lonesome Moon.
- Matt Collar
|
BlackCat
Rockabilly (NL)
Rock-a-way
Lonesome Moon  |
"Rock-a-way Lonesome Moon" (2006), is the third and most recent one, produced by Axel Praefcke and recorded in his studio at Lightning Recording Service in Berlin, Germany. There are 14 shiny gold nuggets on this little platter. Eleven new songs and three new covers and, oh boy, do I like'm! If you're looking for the real stuff, this is it, Sun sound, boppin' foottappers, pure rockabilly and no consessions to modern influences whatsoever. Roy Kay is blessed with a warm melodic voice and mighty fine writer skills. He writes catchy and lighthearted songs that are able to turn any sad mood quickly into a bright mood again. Mike Ceglia is one of those heavy duty guitar pickers every band should have. Great lines and accents and never overdone, but exactly what the song asks for. Same goes for Robin Cady, the bass player, who also co-writes many of the songs on this album. Of course there's a few covers on this CD and I really like Long John Roller's "Long John's Flagpole Rock" a lot, it blends in great with the rest of the songs. A whole lot of efford went into creating the authentic sound I'm listening to right now. First of all every song has been recorded on original vintage fifties gear in Axel Praefcke's studio. After that the tapes went back to Seattle and have been cut onto acetate using a genuine 1940's Presto Lathe recorder (pre-tape!) and the resulting master plate has been transferred directly onto CD. This mixed process results into the best mix a man can get between 21st century technology and authentic analogue sound. What else can I give this release but 5 stars?
|
| CK
Deluxe (US) Rock-a-way
Lonesome Moon - Pick of the Month |
This
is the third full length album from Seattle, WA's
ultra-traditional
rockabilly band, The Roy Kay Trio. "Rock-A-Way
Lonesome Moon" showcases this
talented threesome at the peak of their musical prowess,
proving why they
are one of the most promising and preeminent rockabilly
acts on the scene
today. This is a superb example of modern day/old school
rockabilly fusion,
a "folk" record in the truest sense of the word.
With a smile in his voice,
some swing in his strum and a bop in his step, Roy Kay
delivers 14 crowd
pleasing numbers, all in his trademark gentle
"western style." Guitarist
Mike Geglia's tight telecaster technique will really make
you sit up and pay
attention to the melody and you'll never miss the drummer
when you hear
Robin Cady's rhythmic bass slapping getting the job done
right.
Recorded in Germany while the boys toured Europe in 2005,
"Rock-A-Way" was
created under the auspices of AXEL PRAEFCKE (IKE & THE
CAPERS, THE ROCKIN
ROOSTERS, THE ROUND-UP BOYS); this album benefits from the
deep appreciation
for authentic American Roots Rock music that Europeans
have maintained for
decades. Using the vintage sound equipment at Lightning
Recording Services
of Berlin, these West Coast kids made a real American
rockabilly recording
that they could then import back here to the states! The
attention to detail
is all over this record -from the period perfect packaging
to the spot on
mastering- it's a keeper from start to finish!
You get eleven originals and three covers on the R.K.T.'s
"Rock-A-Way
Lonesome Moon" CD. "My Rockin' Heart" is a
twangy bopper with a breathless
beat laid down by the young rockin' Robin. You'd swear
that there are two
lead guitarists here, but it's all Geglia. Roy's call and
response lyrics
for "You're For Me" swing and sway just right
-one of my favorites here.
"She Tracked Me Down," is another brilliant
bopper with an undeniable beat.
It's wicked catchy -just try NOT to tap your toes or nod
your head! "Move
On" features Roy's hiccups and scats over
Geglia's western jazz leads.
"Lonesome Moon" would be a perfect Johnny Cash
number; it has all the
hallmarks of a classic Man In Black track. BILLY JACK
WILLS classic early
hot rod number "Cadillacin' Model A" gets a
strip down and streamline
retread courtesy of Geglia's six cylinder guitar work. Hop
on board the
rockin' express with TOMMY SCOTT's 1951 Federal single
"Rockin' and Rollin'"
and then lope along to the lazy bop of LONESOME LONG JOHN
ROLLER's classic
"Long John's Flagpole Rock."
Rockin' melodies, gentle western rhythms, smooth boppin'
beats, and
hillbilly harmonies that will sound perfect around a
campfire, in a sawdusty
honkytonk or a greasy saloon. Grab that bottle and get
ready to BOP along
with the Roy Kay Trio! Definitely for fans of traditional,
early styled
rockabilly (think HIGH NOON or early BIG SANDY and the
FLY-RITE TRIO).
"Rock-A-Way Lonesome Moon" is an excellent
platter that will garner plenty
of spins from fans of old and new rockabilly. My pick of
the ish! -Del Villareal
|
| Planet
Rockabilly
(US) Rock-a-way
Lonesome Moon |
This latest Roy Kay Trio CD is their third release and they have managed to retain the original line-up! Nice feat for any band, let alone a traditional boppin' hillbilly and country boogie trio like these boys! Roy Kay on rhythm guitar/croonin' vocals, Robin Cady drivin' rhythm on upright bass and the ultra smooth guitar pickin' Mike Geglia fill out the trio's line-up nicely!
"Rock-A-Way Lonesome Moon" was engineered and recorded by Axel Praefcke at the prolific lightning recording studios in Berlin. The recordings were later cut to acetate by Kearney Barton on an original 1940's Presto lathe. Guaranteed fantastic sound quality!
The sound on the CD follows nicely in the tradition early 50's rockabilly & country with 11 new originals. My favorites are "Everyday I'm Countin'" (mid-tempo bopper), "Two Of A Kind" (nice rockin' guitar break!) , "Move on" (another nice hillbilly bopper) and their version of "Long John's Flagpole Rock"! Roy's writing style is upbeat and lighthearted…sure to lift your spirits on a gloomy day!
|
| Jumpin'
From 6 to 6
(FR) Rock-a-way
Lonesome Moon |
|
“Rock-A-Way
Lonesome Moon” is the third album by this Seattle
drumless trio (two guitars and a bass). The previous ones
has been respectively produced by Deke Dickerson and
Ashley Kingman. For this one they went to Germany and
choose Axel Praefcke (Ike & The Capers) as
co-producer. I believe you already know all the good
things I think about them, if you don’t read “Jumpin’
from 6 to 6 #2”. And this album won’t change my mind !
All but three songs are originals mostly written by Roy.
Robin (bass) and Mike (guitar) contribute one song each.
About the music there’s no big departure from the
previous albums, you’ll find the same blend of
rockabilly (“My Rockin’ Heart”, “Move On”),
hillbilly boogie (“She Tracked Me Down” has backing
vocals very similar to Webb Pierce’s Teenage Boogie),
beautiful ballads (“I’ve Lost”, “Untie Th is
Strings”) but this time they added a touch of western
swing with “Cadillac In Model A” and its jazzy chords.
Axel did a very job job producing this record and gave it
a sound of its own. I won’t go more into details, but if
you want to hear a well produced album, good songwriting,
beautiful harmonies this one is for you. Another (the
third !!!!) future classic album from Roy and the boys.
Wouldn’t be surprised to find them on “That’ll Flat
Git It Vol. 217” in 2052. And as usual with this band,
the cover and the booklet are very well designed. - Fred
Turgis
|
BMR Radio
Network
(US) Rock-a-way
Lonesome Moon
 |
Using
rockabilly legends like Johnny Burnette, Charlie Feathers,
and Carl Perkins as starting points, the Roy Kay Trio are
a drumless rockabilly band that manages to be perfectly
rhythmic with just an acoustic guitar, an electric one,
and an upright bass. The trio plays rockabilly, hillbilly
bop and early country and always has a good time doin' it.
|
| Rockabilly
Rave
(UK) Live
|
[Washingtonians]
the ROY KAY TRIO lived up to the shining promise of their
records. Roy has a potent and confident voice and the band
was tightly rehearsed and coherent. To their credit, they
played mostly their own material. The overall effect is
akin to the Bellfuries, a very fine thing indeed. - Bill
Smoker
|
| Rockabilly
Hall of Fame (US) Live -
Green Bay |
The Roy Kay Trio took the stage
at 9 p.m [Saturday]. in the Iroquois Room. The Roy Kay Trio is a traditional rockabilly band from Seattle, and the lineup has not changed since they were formed in late 2001. Roy Kay is on vocals and acoustic guitar, Robin Cady on upright bass, and Mike Geglia on electric lead guitar and harmony vocals. They did a very nice job and the crowd couldn't stop dancing and movin' around. They did a very nice version of Johnny Powers' "Long Blond Hair," and the response from the crowd was so great that they did two encores, "The Fickle Chicken" and "Rock Island Line."
A year ago, The Roy Kay Trio released its first CD, "Knockin' ŒEm Back" that is available from Hepcat Records, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. Also hot off the presses is a new 45-RPM vinyl record, "Travel Bound." A very nice set, men!
- Barry Klein
|
| AOL
Digital city (US) Live |
Although
they've only been together since December 2001, the Roy
Kay Trio is already receiving stunning reviews both from
the press and new fans. Formed by Roy "Kay"
Konitzer, the trio's music is very raw, stripped down to its core,
and while Kay does have a smooth voice, it's his sincere
interaction with the audience that gains this group of
rockers new fans every show. -- Michael Alarcon
|
| Seattle
Weekly (US) Live |
Using
rockabilly legends like Johnny Burnette, Charlie Feathers,
and Carl Perkins as starting points, the Roy Kay Trio are
a drumless rockabilly band that manages to be perfectly
rhythmic with just an acoustic guitar, an electric one,
and an upright bass. Lyrically as well as musically, the
Trio take inspiration from country and rock genres, fusing
them into a spirited tribute to Americana. They sing about
heartache and record hops, and their aesthetic is purely
vintage, too. Surf-guitar legend Deke Dickerson produced
the band's debut record.
|
|
|
| The
Village Voice (US)
General |
|
Rockabilly
didn’t die when Elvis did; in fact, the underground,
independent scene is alive and well. Check out bands like
the Duotones, the Roy Kay Trio, and Wild Willie & Big
Deal…– A. Phillips
|
| The Green
Bay Gazette (US)
General |
|
Doran
has put together a top musical lineup. Besides such
pioneers as Jerry Lee Lewis, Ike Turner, Narvel Felts and
Sonny Burgess, the fest also includes such contemporary
high-octane acts as High Noon, the Roy Kay Trio and Jimmy
Sutton’s Four Charms. And there is plenty of flash to go
along with six days of nonstop music: vendors selling
everything from vintage clothing to old vinyl, after-hour
record hops and late-night jam sessions.
|
| All
Music Guide (US) Knockin'
Em Back |
On
its sophomore effort Knockin' Em Back, the Roy Kay Trio
delivers more high-energy rockabilly sans drums and cum
excitement. Once again showcasing the talents of
vocalist/rhythm guitarist Roy Kay, lead guitarist Mike
Geglia, and bassist Robin Cady, the trio achieves an even
tighter overall group aesthetic than on their stellar
debut, Wanderin' Mind. Produced and recorded by Big Sandy
cohorts Wally Hersom and Ashley Kingman, the album has a
vintage '50s sound that should appeal to purist rockabilly
fanatics. To these ends, Geglia has found a tasty Paul
Burlison-type balance between low twang and "chicken-pickin'"
freneticism while Cady's solid and punchy bottom-end more
than makes up for the lack of a drummer. Singer Kay's
immediately hummable originals including the danceable
"In the Middle" and the bluesy leadoff track,
"I Know," smartly outweigh cover tunes this time
around, although he does imbue such vintage nuggets as
Hank Williams' "There'll Be No Teardrops
Tonight" and the Johnny Burnette Trio's
"Lonesome Tears in My Eyes" with his usual warm
charm. ~ Matt Collar
|
|
Hi
Flyer
(FR)
Knockin'
Em Back
The
Roy Kay Trio is from Seattle USA: Roy Kay (vocals/Acoustic
Guitar), Robin Cady (Upright Bass/Backing Vocals), Mike
Geglia (Telecaster/Backing Vocals). Following their
excellent first CD "Wanderin' Mind", the guys
are back with this long play album produced by Ashley
Kingman: "Knockin' Em Back". 14 tracks of pure
authentic rockabilly (recorded live on vintage equipments
by Wally Hersom) including 3 covers (Hank Williams's
"There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight" which is my
fav, Buddy Holly's "Down the line", &
Rockabilly Trio's "Lonesome Tears In My Eyes")
and 11 self-penned tracks. Roy has a really specific
voice, that fits wonderfully with rockabilly; he is also a
good rhythm guitarist, and together with Robin on Upright
Bass, they make you forget that there's no drums, and
their music make you stomp your feet. Mike, on Telecaster
(I love the sound of this guitar), is a subtle rockabilly
guitarist. From Mid tempo songs ("She Left Me
Alone", "Overboard"), to faster ones
("Fighting Bop"), the original songs are really
good. I had the chance to catch the band live & I
haven't been disappointed, so don't miss them at the next
Rockabilly Rave. This CD is one of my favourites of the
year.
|
| |
| Mad House
Jump (DE) Knockin'
Em Back - Recomended |
The
first album of the Roy Kay Trio been a real goodie, but
the second one tops ablsolute. 14 die hard Rockabilly
tunes without drums but a real winner. Pure 50's
Rockabilly at best!!! *I Know*, *Fightin' Bop*, *Better
Beware* or *Last Time Charmed* are all the best dancefloor
hits!! The band rocks their socks off and you can't find
any bad tunes on this album!!!!! he nice booklet contains
all song lyrics. Produced by Ashley Kingman, recorded by
Wally Hersom.
|
|
Rockabilly
Hall of Fame - Rave On Reviews (US-CA)
Knockin'
Em Back
Many cool things come out of Seattle; such is the case with The Roy Kay Trio and their second CD release. A root based group, Roy Kay on Vocals and Guitar, Robin Cady on Upright Bass and backing vocals and Mike Geglia on Electric Guitar and Harmony Vocals.
This group makes pleasing sounds, never using a drummer. With Robin slapping the bass, you never miss the drums. Mike brings in his bright guitar sounds and the two work well to form a strong backing behind Roy.
With the trio in mind, they have hand picked some great cover tunes. Songs such as “Down The Line” and “Lonesome Tears In My Eyes” are excellent and can stand up next to the originals with high respect. It is wonderful to see Hank Williams “There’ll Be No Tear Drops Tonight” as the group’s sound lends itself to the true roots of Rockabilly, which is hillbilly and country.
Many of the songs were very well written by Roy and the musicians work out their own arrangements which make the parts on both the bass and lead guitar very warm and rocking. Always good when the musicians have room “to play”. The band members compliment each other extremely well.
The CD comes with an eight-page booklet with lyrics of all original songs and many photographs.
Recorded at the Electro Vox vintage recording studio in Hollywood, California. The production team of Ashley Kingman and Wally Hersom are truly a winning team.
Be sure to support this unique and talented group.
Johnny Vallis - raveonreviews@yahoo.ca |
| |
| Back
Woods beach party
(US) Knockin'
Em Back
|
|
This
one is hot – a gem in its tenacity and authenticity! The
three piece – rhythm and take off guitars with an
upright bass – move between swingin’ and frantic
rockabilly with a couple of slower ballads. Musicianship
is understated and makes each track work – no distortion
or over cranked reverb pedals here. I guess the real test
for an album like this is whether it sounds like it could
have been recorded any time in the last 50 years – it
definitely has a timeless feel. - Sarah
|
| Reveille
Rock
(UK) Knockin'
Em Back |
The
boys write most of their songs themselves, and the
selection on this new release consists of another 11
selfpenned tracks, and a few covers, including Johnny
Burnette's "Lonesome tears in my Eyes", Buddy
Holly's "Down the Line" and Hank Williams'
"There'll Be no teardrops Tonight". The Album
comes in a beautifully designed jewel case cover, which
includes an 8-page booklet with lyrics of all the
selfpenned songs and full color artwork and photographs.
The Roy kay Trio will be touring Holland and Germany in
June (2004), and they'll be playing at all the well known
rocking spots like Cruise Inn and Maloe Melo in Amsterdam,
Caddy's Diner in Purmerend. Check out the band' swebsite
for a complete list of the show dates and BE THERE!
Favourite song - "Baby Me" - Phil Terry |
|
|
|
| ROCK
Magazine (Norway) Knockin'
Em Back |
| Nearly
two years ago I reviewed the debut album of Roy Kay Trio,
an album that has given me much pleasure and that I have
played a lot. Authentic rockabilly, recorded live on
vintage 50’s equipment, and the good review was well
deserved.
The
band has been touring a lot since then and also found time
for a trip to Hollywood to record a new album. 14 tunes
this time too, and among them 11 originals. Johnny
Burnettes "Lonesome Tears In My Eyes", Buddy
Hollys "Down The Line" and Hank Williams'
"There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight" are the
cover songs. The version of "Down The Line" is
played with fuzz (yes!) and is very good, but theese are
songs we have heard many times and their own songs
therefore arise more interest.
The
Roy Kay Trio continues from their last album (...) and the
band’s deep respect for 50s roots music remains. The
Seattle-boys have a traditional approach but at the same
time are inventive. Main song writer, singer and rhythm
guitarist Roy Kay manages to vary the mood, the tempo and
the style and gives us fast and melodic rockabilly,
midtempo rockabilly and slow/bluesy rockabilly. The Roy
Kay Trio plays ONLY rockabilly.
The album is recorded live on two tracks and
slap-bass-player Robin Cady was standing close to the
mike. It swings and punches delightfully, and el-guitarist
Mike Geglia takes that little one-step-forward when he has
something extra on the menu. And that happens a lot, both
short hooks and straight guitar solos. The Roy Kay Trio is
a tight combo with a lot of good songs, and for those so
inclined it is nice to know that the Roy Kay Trio tours
Europe this summer.
|
|
| BlackCat
Rockabilly (NL)
Knockin'
Em Back |
Some
two years ago I did a write-up about The Roy Kay Trio's
debut album, and it was one heck of a debut. Authentic
rockabilly, recorded live in the studio with all vintage
tube gear, and the five star recommendation at that time
was well earned. But Roy, Mike and Robin haven't been
sitting still in the past few years. Always on the road
and still they found time time to make another great album
for us to enjoy.
The boys write most of their songs themselves, and the
selection on this new release consists of another 11
selfpenned tracks, and a few covers, including Johnny
Burnette's "Lonesome Tears In My Eyes", Buddy
Holly's "Down The Line" and Hank Williams'
"There'll Be No Teardrops Tonight". The album
comes in a beatifully designed jewel case cover, which
includes a 8-page booklet with lyrics of all selfpenned
songs and full color artwork and photographs.
The Roy Kay Trio will be touring Holland and Germany in
June (2004), and they'll be playing at all the well known
rocking spots like Cruise Inn and Maloe Melo in Amsterdam,
Caddy's Diner in Purmerend. Check out the band's website
for a complete list of the the show dates and BE THERE!
Don't forget to check out the review I wrote about the Roy
Kay Trio debut album, it also includes some more
biographical info about the band.
|
| BlackCat
Rockabilly (NL)
Wanderin'
Mind |
...bio
information provided by the Roy Kay Trio deleted from the
review...
And here's the trio's debut CD "Wanderin' Mind".
Done live in the studio with all vintage tube gear and
produced by Deke Dickerson, a full length effort with
fourteen originals and just one cover. All the above info,
of course, was provided by The Roy Kay Trio, so now let's
see how much of it is true LOL, just kidding of course. I
quite agree with their list of originators who influenced
their music, but I would like to add one more name, 'cause
I hear clearly hear the legacy of the late great Charlie
Feathers. It pleases me a lot to hear that this trio makes
original 50s style rockabilly, without the addition of
steel guitar. Not that I dislike steel guitar, but it
always gives more of a hillbilly feeling to the sound,
while the Roy Kay Trio is all rockabilly. And rockabilly
is what we like best!
They're
right about the rhythm, there's plenty of it. Even without
drums, this platter is very "boppable". The
sound of Mike's Telecaster is beautiful and very
"fifties", and Roy's got a neat countrified
voice and when Mike does his vocal harmonies, it gets even
better. The only cover on this album is Eddie Bond's
"Boppin' Bonnie". It's great to hear it revived
in it's original form (great slapping bass too!). Such a
beautiful song, I wonder why it hasn't been covered much
more often. Anyway, it's obvious that these guys have a
huge love and respect for fifties roots music, you can
hear it, and feel it too, in all of their songs. Real
gone! The trio has played all over the west coast of the
United States and is scheduled to appear at next year's
Viva Las Vegas, 2003. Well, it wouldn't surprise me if,
one of these days soon, they'd just hop over the big pond
and surprise us at some famous weekender in Europe.
- The Black Cat
|
|
All
Music Guide (US) Wanderin
Mind |
Rockabilly
purists The Ray Kay Trio forgoe the use of drums on their
debut album Wanderin' Mind -- and boy, you won't miss 'em.
Relying on the rythmic interplay between bassist Robin
Cady and rhythm guitarist/lead singer Roy "Kay"
Konitzer to get your foot tappin', the result is a low-key
and hummable collection of tunes that sound like classics
of the genre. Revealing a knack for keeping melodies
memorable and swinging, the Kay Trio recorded the album
live on vintage equipment at Kearney Barton's studio under
the '50s-centric production guidance of roots music
luminary Deke Dickerson. Besides covering the Eddie Bond
nugget "Boppin' Bonnie," all the songs on
Wanderin' Mind are originals, such as "Confused"
a terrific mid-tempo number reminiscent of early Johnny
Cash, while the uptempo and melodic "High and
Low" harkens back to the best of Buddy Holly.
Konitzer himself has a warm, congenial Ricky Nelson meets
Eddie Cochran voice and when backed with vocal harmony by
lead guitarist Mike Geglia may remind some of a more
honky-tonk Everly Brothers. Fans of the real stuff will
appreciate Wanderin' Mind for what it is -- darn good
rockabilly. -Matt Collar
|
| Reveille
Rock
(UK) Wanderin
Mind |
Three young
lads from Seattle who not only sound authentic but
look it too.
An authentic looking band with an authentic sound, with 14
original recordings and only one cover version of 'Boppin
Bonnie'.
They've got a very crisp sound and very clear vocals.
You can actually sing a long to these songs without
pretending to know the words!
The CD kicks off with the Title Track Wanderin' Mind.
This is a very good rocker with a sound not unlike Johnny
Hortons 'I'm Comin Home'.
Throughout the CD your feet keep on a tappin'. Then
you come to track 7 'She's the One', which if you close
your eyes you could imagine it being recorded in Sun
Studios in the mid 50's.
I think the Roy Kay Trio are going to be around for a
while and I look forward to seeing them at the Rockabilly
Rave in the very near future.
|
| Planet
Rockabilly
(US) Wanderin
Mind |
The
Roy Kay Trio have been doing their best to entertain folks
for over a year now. Hailing from Seattle, WA this three
piece band is starting to expand their horizons and has
released a full length CD entitled "Wanderin'
Mind". Produced by Deke Dickerson and
recorded using vintage equipment, the cd has a very
traditional rockabilly sound. Leaning towards the billy
side, the band uses smooth playing and vocals throughout
the cd. A mid-paced tempo is used throughout most of the
songs, which seems to be the downside of a drummerless
band. My favorites are Wanderin' Mind, Boppin Bonnie and
Go Now. Fans of High Noon will be sure to love it. Pick it
up at www.hepcatrecords.com
or www.roykaytrio.com
and be sure to check them out at VLV 2003.
|
| Mike
Murray, Whole
Lotta Shakin' radio show WITR (US)
Wanderin
Mind |
| Wanderin
Mind: 15 stripped down Hoppin' melodies & Boppin'
Rythyms to get any dance floor movin'!
|
|
|
