- The Red Devils (blues band)
The Red Devils were a
Los Angeles based band who playedblues-rock music. They were active during the late 1980s and early 1990s.The band members included drummer
Bill Bateman (also ofThe Blasters ), guitarist Dave Lee, bassistJohnny Ray Bartel (also ofThe Knitters ), guitarist Paul "The Kid" Size, and band leader and harmonica playerLester Butler .The Red Devils
King King 1992
Musical visionaries in their lifetime are often criticized for blasphemously blending musical styles. Such was the case with Lester Butler. His last album, 13, melded the roots of American music, blues and alternative rock. Yet Butler could also get down and blow some hardcore blues, backing luminaries Billy Boy Arnold, King Ernest and Finis Tasby.
His first band, the Red Devils, received the attention of producer Rick Rubin (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Mick Jagger, Tom Petty) while playing their favorite haunt, the King King. With Rubin, they released their only album, which was named after that haunt. Their sound attracted the likes of Jagger, who took them into the studio, but the tracks were never used for Jagger's album Wandering Spirit.
Alex Schultz, fresh from Rod Piazza and the Mighty Flyers, teamed with Butler to form 13. Though abhorred by blues purists, the group broke ground, especially in Europe where they drew high praise from rock bands, who in turn gave 13 opening slots for their shows. 13 was a step away from stardom when Butler died unexpectedly at age 38.
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Discography
King King
Track List1. Automatic Love 3:262. Goin' To The Church Butler 4:073. She's Dangerous Dixon 5:024. I Wish You Would Arnold 3:015. Cross My Heart Miller 4:286. Tail Dragger Dixon 5:247. Devil Woman Size 6:578. No Fightin' Butler 5:569. Mr. Highway Man Howlin' Wolf 3:3510. I'm Ready Dixon 3:4611. Quarter To Twelve Little Walter 7:0312. Better Cut That Out Sonny Boy Williamson 4:59
Reviews
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:gpfqxqugld6e All Music Guide - review of "King King"]
* [http://www.guypetersreviews.com/reddevils.php Guys Music Review Site - review of "King King"]External links
* [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:azfixqe5ld0e~T0 All Music Guide - The Red Devils]
* [http://thebluesandthensome.blogspot.com/2006/06/paul-kid-size-ripping-guts-out-of.html The Blues and Then Some - Paul "The Kid" Size Ripping The Guts Out Of The Blues]
* [http://youtube.com/watch?v=fBx0GxmAPPc YouTube clip of The Red Devils live at The PinkPop Festival 1993]
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