by Rhetta Akamatsu

For almost a decade, The Cazanovas have been my choice for best Atlanta blues group, Despite some new, tough competition, they still hold that position. Saturday night at Darwin’s in Sandy Springs, they demonstrated why.

Harmonica virtuoso and vocalist Maurice Nazarro and guitar wizard Danny Vinson have always been part of the group, and drummer Pete Maier is a long-time member as well. More recent additions have been Harold Patillo on bass and Valerie Waters on keyboards. It is a great lineup, with Waters and Patillo adding more sparks to what was already an electrifying band.

Now when the band play their original tunes like “Walk With Me” or “Who’s Foolin’ Who,” or covers of Bo Diddley and other great artists, there’s not only Vinson’s sizzling guitar and Nazarro’s smooth vocals and riveting harmonica, but Waters is adding delightful keyboard solos and every band member is throwing themselves into the jams and taking solos of their own. Just as important, they all look comfortable on the stage and like they are having fun.

The Cazanovas are always entertaining and create great synergy with any audience. That’s how it was Saturday night at Darwin’s and that’s how it’s been all of the many times my husband and I have seen them. They always keep us coming back for more!

The Cazanovas also host the legendary Darwin’s jam on Wednesday night, another thing you should not miss if you can make it to it!