It takes uncommon skill to pull off Zydeco-blues-rockabilly infused Americana and Blind Pig recording artists. Contino are just the band to do it. This track from the Las Vegas based band’slatest CD, “Back Porch Dogma,” even features a spicy guest turn from Maria Muldaur on vocals. Here on “Big Tent”, hand-claps, a typically cheerful musical device, turn menacing atop ominous minor chords and apocalyptic lyrics (“c’mon children, save your soul!”). What you won’t hear – auto-tuning, synthesizers, guitar effects, studio wizardry, for this is nothing but pure, straight-up talent and seasoned musicianship. What you will hear – soulful vocals, deftly played slide guitar (actually, everything’s deftly played here!), smoky blues harp, driving drums.Listening to band leader Pete Contino’s roiling accordion, you can almost taste the pulled pork. In recent years, Contino toured Europe with Robben Ford, and opened for Dr. John and Buckwheat Zydeco.
