The Dave Edwards Band – The Red Light Is On …Recorded live – one take/no overdubs – on WHFR (Henry Ford Community College Radio Station) on July 12, 2012. Who knew? Not us – that’s for sure. We arrived on a pretty mid-summer afternoon with the intention of performing the songs of Dave Edwards. Dave had picked ten of his favorite songs that he had written over the years. Everyone set up quietly and quickly. No pressure, we thought we would just play and Dave would talk about some upcoming shows. You know - have some fun and lickedity split. The minutes before the 5 PM broadcast turned to seconds. Is everybody ready? Yep. Here we go. The red light, which is a protective sign that warns outsiders not to enter the studio when lit, is on…Loosen Up begins and you can even hear Dave trying to get comfortable – he’s a little unsure of the opening lyrics*, but everyone goes on spiritedly!Then, that “IT” thing happened. Where, by God, everyone is knee deep in the pocket and time and space stops for those 5 musicians in the room. It’s one thing to get good performances – they are pros - but it’s truly another to get SPECIAL performances. For me, some of these actually BEAT the studio-recorded versions! These familiar songs take on a new life with this intimate backing.This is Dave’s music and show. Dave who is blessed with a voice evocative of Sam Cooke and Otis Redding is in top form. Master of The Box, Mitch Purdy, brings perfect time and subtle rhythmic grooves that are unique to each song. Mitch also plays his mandolin – bringing some funky flavor. There is the deep bottom of the Stand Up Bass that Kenny Pesick is just inside of. April's sugary voice complements and adds another dimension to the character and color of these songs, and Bob? Forget about it. At one point he sounds like Muddy Waters channeling The Byrds ... Eight Miles High era. What you will hear are jaw dropping performances of the highest order. Roger & Margaret White were the perfect hosts, helping create this sonic biography of the four decade career of Dave Edwards, founding member and vocalist of The Look. There is one song that Dave did not write on this recording (but did record on his Lone Survivor record) – the broadcast closing Can’t Keep A Good Man Down, which was written by Bob Monteleone. We have added a new song Music Everyday that was recorded just after Pickin’ Singles (our last effort) was put to bed at Tree Farm Studio and additionally includes Myles Rutledge on the drums and backing vocals. We hope at some point that you will be able to listen to this record in it’s entirety. You will hear the singer and this collective of musicians not only walking, but dancing along the tightrope of performing live music. Safe travels until next time.Jeff AmatoFootnote: *That’s one of 3 clams (mistakes) on the whole record – try and find the other 2.