Based in San Diego, Blue Largo plays the blues that we've grown up with and don't ever want to forget. Favorites such as "Rose Room," "Lover Man," "I've Got You Under My Skin" and "How Deep Is The Ocean" are always welcome. Guitarist Eric Lieberman and vocalist Alicia Aragon interpret them with a subtle passion that can only be found in the blues. What they feel night after night on Southland gigs comes through loud and clear to establish a firm bond between our generations and folks like Ruth Brown, T-Bone Walker, Louis Jordan, Johnny Otis and Dinah Washington.

Aragon and Lieberman have added several originals to their second album, which - by the way - deserves a nomination for this year's ten-best list. "No Denyin'," "Ain't Gonna Compromise" and "Sugar Baby" capture the heart and soul of New Orleans and echo the influence that spread rapidly from the Mississippi Delta all over the world. Reflecting the magic that we recall from the early Nat King Cole Trio, Aragon delivers "Besame Mucho" in a moving rendition that oozes that universal spirit. For that one, Neal Wauchope contributes exciting piano work to wrap it all together.

Blue Largo has covered all the bases, from slow blues anthems by Leonard Feather and Julia Lee to classics by Irving Berlin and Cole Porter. Standout instrumental work from baritone saxophonist Troy Jennings, pianist Sonny Leyland, bassist Christopher Michaels and drummer Phil Rowley adds a strong measure of professional charm. The band accomplishes both a swing revival and an original expression of the love we share for the blues.

     - Jim Santella

This San Diego band's reverence for the blues of the '30s and '40s is unsurpassed. And it's displayed in every note here. Mastermind Eric Lieberman is a passionate devotee of an era where songs by Cole Porter and Irving Berlin crisscrossed with the styles of T-Bone Walker and Johnny Otis. Lieberman is a student of blues guitar, and he shows that in each and every song, never wasting a single note.

Singer Alicia Aragon has never sounded better, and horn partners Jonny Viau, Troy Jennings and Robbie Smith are impeccably in-step. Keyboard players Sonny Leyland and Neal Wauchope, drummer Phil Rowley and bassist Christopher Michaels hold the beat in the framework intended.

     - Michael Kinsman

Blue Largo performs timeless music that was introduced throughout a century that witnessed the development of jazz, blues, boogie-woogie, swing and jump blues. Guitarist Eric Lieberman has been a driving force on the Southern California blues scene for nearly twenty years. Early on, he led the Rhumboogies and Juke Stompers, co-led 47 Combo, and then organized Blue Largo in 1999. The ensemble includes sultry vocalist Alicia Aragon, soulful tenor saxophonist Jonny Viau, rollicking pianist Sue Palmer, and the ever-tasteful stability of rhythm-mates Roger Daschle on upright bass & Phil Rowley on drums.

Lieberman and Aragon lead Blue Largo with veteran expressiveness and a sincere interpretation. Their debut album includes nods to most of their primary influences. Billie Holiday's soulful ballad, "Fine and Mellow," recalls vocal history while infusing superb instrumental solo work by Lieberman and Viau. Nat King Cole's "Pitchin' Up a Boogie" reflects on a bygone era of relaxed swing. Aragon's interpretation of the ballad, "One for my Baby (and One More for the Road)," brings out the intended emotion while introducing impressive trumpet work by Robbie Smith. The singer is at her best on "Fat Daddy," where she seems to pick up extra inspiration for her storytellin' approach to a rock & roll arrangement. Aragon's distinctive way with words makes it fit.

Three instrumental numbers feature Lieberman's guitar. Tight horns and a dripping-wet tenor solo make Bill Doggett's "Honky Tonk" ooze with a universal spirit. T-Bone Walker's "Strollin' with Bone" and a slow, expressive "Sweet and Lovely" allow Lieberman's vocal guitar style to take center stage. Other San Diego area guests round out the session. Eddie Croft's tenor sax solo on Benny Goodman's "Swing Brother Swing" bounces lightly with expression. Similarly, Troy Jennings' baritone sax solo on Julia Lee's blues, "If It's Good," proves light and fluid. Audio clips of Blue Largo's music are available from www.bluelargoblues.com. The band's contact number is (858)550-0313.

     - Jim Santella