"I've known this band since their early collaborations, and some bands, you just know, have a good, long run ahead of them. Soul-rockin', yes. Soul-stirrin', yes. Soul-satisfyin', only if you like your blues electrified, deep-fried, and BBQ'd. Stand up and enjoy the show!" – Sharon Pomaville, Big City Rhythm & Blues Magazine
Scheduled for release on May 19, 2010, Hounds Tooth’s CD, Soul Rockin (Tweed Tone Records), is a guitar-driven, modern blues album that focuses on original music with a few high-energy covers added to the mix. The CD has been receiving some great early reviews:
"Hounds Tooth is no longer under the radar. Their new CD, Soul Rockin, will push this band into the fast lane of the blues world, keep your eye on these guys!" - Scott Gregory, Entertainment Director, River City Blues Society
Hounds Tooth will tour throughout the Midwest during summer in support of their new CD playing festivals and some of the top blues rooms. Guitarist/vocalist JD Optekar showcases his song-writing talents on the new CD and his fluid jump-style phrasing contrasts nicely with the explosive playing of Jared James Nichols. Nichols, who appeared in the Earwig Documentary, Six Generations of Blues, lends his fretboard skills to the CD and his vocals on 3 tracks. Bob Noll (bass) and Jeff Oscarson (drums) anchor the rhythm section.
WAMI Nominee for Best Blues Band 2010 and 2009
Shepherd Express Best Blues Band Runner-Up 2009 and 2008
Voted Best Blues Band in the Shepherd Express' Best of Milwaukee 2006
After some time away from the scene for the past 5 years, Joe is excited about playing the blues in one of the top recognized bands in the region and bringing his own style of music to Hounds Tooth.
JD likes to keep it simple on stage: guitar, cord, and amp. And he has adopted one of the Dr. Z credos, "life is too short for bad tone." Currently you will find JD playing his Lentz DL90 Goldtop, Croyden, or SSL through his Tone-King Metropolitan or one of his Dr. Z amps.
To see more photos of JD and his gear, click on his photo.
Jeff’s powerful and funky beats are the backbone of Hounds Tooth's Soul Rockin Blues sound. He joined Hounds Tooth in June of 2006 and has been playing drums since the age of 12, professionally since 2002. Jeff's diverse drumming influences include John Bonham, Chad Smith, Chris Layton, Brad Wilk, and Stewart Copeland. He also currently studies drumming with Del Bennett. Some of his previous bands include the blues/rock group 94 South and the alternative rock cover band Fat Camp.
