Bad Influence

Got What You Need

Bad Blues Records

The Bad Influence band was formed in 1988 by Michael “Jr.” Tash. They recorded their debut album “Where You Been” in 1997. The bands 2001 follow-up recording, had my favorite album title, “Tastes Like Chicken”. Their last, self produced, recording 2011’s “Under The Influence” helped to further establish the band on the international scene.

The band lineup for this Washington D.C. unit has been together for the last twenty-five years. Guitarist Tash is joined by Roger Edsall, harmonica, slide guitar and vocals; Bob Mallardi, bass and vocals; and David Thaler, drums. The album, with liner notes from Bill Wax, is co-produced by Tash, Edsall and Timm Biery.

Edsall is the bands primary songwriter. On their 2001 release he authored the contemporary, radio-friendly “Love Dot Com”, and my love for the band was sealed. Edsall has written four more songs for this new album. Opening with his vocal on the houserockin’ title track, lead guitarist Tash takes an impressive solo, while Ray Tilkens sits in on organ. “Lid Flippin’ Short” features Edsall on slide. Bassist Mallardi sings “I’m your Male Man, I got a package just for you” showcasing Edsall on harmonica, with another extended solo from Tash. Drummer Thaler’s unbridled passion is unleashed on these, and again on “Nuthin’ Less Than a Dime”; the latter sung by Mallardi with additional harmony from background singers Mary Shaver and Tom Swanton.

The band mixes it up on nine selected covers from a diverse assortment of artists. Included are James Harman’s “My Little Girl”; “William Clarke’s “Party, Party”; Chuck Berry’s “Wee, Wee Hours”; Rockin’ Sidney’s “Don’t Mess With My Toot, Toot”; Willie Dixon’s “My Babe”; James Brown’s “I Feel Good”; Bo Diddley’s “I Can Tell”; Sonny Boy Williamson II’s “Eyesight To The Blind”; and Little Walter’s “Blue Midnight”.

Bandleader Tash states “The most important thing is that everybody has fun, the audience and us…whether we’re playing an original song or a classic, we’re going to put our hearts and souls into it in a way that people can hear, see and practically touch.”

This total band effort features ensemble playing and addictive grooves. Once again Bad Influence delivers the goods.

Richard Ludmerer