Punk Rock Girls - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings' cover of "Punk Rock Girls" by American punk rock band, the Queers. Track is from the 1999 album "Hi-Ho-Silver!" by Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings on Llist Records.

Happy Birthday, Tommy Conwell!

Another birthday and forever cool. 

Happy Birthday, Tommy Conwell! [January 14, 1962] 

🎸🎶🎉😎

Audio Rumble’s Countdown to 2020 – Fave Performances (2010-2019)

#10 - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at The Bay Center at Ruddertowne, Dewey Beach, Delaware, on Aug. 21, 2010.
This concert was a rehearsal of sorts for TCYR’s “reunion” concert at The Blockley three months later that year in Philadelphia. From all evidence, this Delaware show was a great one!



The Blockley concert on November 6, 2010, was touted as a big show for the Young Rumblers—the first time the band would be headlining in the Philly city limits since the early 90’s. The location was also the site of the old Chestnut Cabaret at 38th and Chestnut St., a historically important music venue for the Rumblers.

With the original line-up of Tommy, Chris, Rob, Jim and Paul, it was a great concert event!

#9 - Travel Lanes at MilkBoy Philly on April 12, 2013, promoting the band's EP, “Hey, Hey, It’s Travel Lanes.”
Featuring John Bicer pounding out the beat on drums, Derek Feinberg on guitar, Mitch Cojocariu providing background vocal and bass support, and Flight of Mavis/Buzz Zeemer’s singer/songwriter Frank Brown singing and playing guitar.

The band’s performance was sprinkled with new songs from the EP, old Buzz Zeemer classics, one Flight of Mavis cover (“Rain Fallin’ Down) and a David Bowie cover song. This band just rocks!



The latest version of Travel Lanes includes Frank, Mitch, John, Jim Fogarty on guitar and Albert Kleinschmidt on keyboards.

Travel Lanes next show will be their Record Release Show at 118 North in Wayne, PA on Friday, Feb. 28, 2020, with Dave Cope and the Sass opening. Tickets here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/travel-lanes-album-release-tic…

#8 - In 2011, Steve Acito's fan video compilation from David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket all-star Philly jam at World Cafe Live, celebrating the release of their new single, "You Can't Sit Down."



#7 - Tommy Conwell at Coffee Works on March 3, 2013 🎶 

In the last decade, Tommy Conwell has been performing and re-visiting some of his older, unreleased songs. In 2013, Tommy updated the lyrics to an unreleased demo called “Until the End” – and played the song acoustically at Coffee Works in Voorhees, NJ.

The song is now track #7 on the new Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers’ “Showboats and Grandstanders album, released in 2019. 

#6 - Tommy Conwell at Haddon Heights in 2012 

Performing a cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker’s “American Girl”--with an excellent guitar solo from Cliff Hillis at the end. And Jim Hannum on drums! 

Part of the Sundown Music Series held during the summer on Wednesday nights at the McLaughlin-Norcoss Dell in Haddon Lake Park in Haddon Heights, NJ. 

#5 - In 2012, Tommy Conwell and TJ Tindall dueling guitar solos during "Workout" -- it’s In the Pocket! 😎🎸🎶 



Capturing Tommy Conwell and TJ Tindall's guitar duel on video during the TCYR classic "Workout" -- in January 2012 at the New Hope Winter Festival -- is one of the greatest pieces of concert footage I'll ever hope to record.

The whole experience made me feel like I was channeling Martin Scorsese filming “The Band” documentary. That's how I feel about the greatness of David Uosikkinen's In The Pocket -- such an accomplished and first-rate group of musicians! 

#4 – Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform their old classics!

When Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform and bring out old-school song gems like “Cruisin’ Slow” and bring it with the same energy that they used to play the songs back in the day…that’s amazing!

In this concert at Ardmore Music Hall in 2014, listen to that extra kick (at 2:25 mark) that Jim Hannum brings to the track! 

#3 - Reunion of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings 

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings began a decade of “reunion” shows on Saturday, December 17, 2011, at Tom n Jerry's in Folsom, PA. 

With Pat Coppa on bass; Paul Ramagano on drums; Tommy Conwell on guitar, vocals; and Darryl Ray Jenkins on saxophone, their sets were sprinkled here and there over the last several years. TC and the Little Kings had a great performance at the Rockabilly Rumble on Aug. 17, 2014, at World Cafe Live at the Queen in Wilmington. 

In April 2018, Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings [Pat Coppa on bass; Paul Ramagano on drums; Tommy Conwell on guitar, vocals; and Darryl Jenkins on saxophone] performed two amazing sets at 118 North, in Wayne, PA. They also performed again in December.

TCLK Set 1 Video (4/14/18)
TCLK Set 2 Video (4/14/18)

As videographer Chris Cafiero states: "The quality of the music, lyrics and performances is as fine as anyone could ask for. This is Tommy Conwell doing music on his own terms."

Sadly, Darryl Ray died on May 2, 2019, but we’ll always have the memories of these great performances.

God bless Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings! ❤️

#2 - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at the Electric Factory, 11/23/12 

It was a magical Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving, and with an intro from WMMR’s Pierre Robert, this was an epic night--Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers live at the Electric Factory! Different about this gig was that Tommy Conwell (along with Chris Day) was everywhere in Philly that week promoting the concert: an acoustic set on WMMR's Preston and Steve show, an interview on CBS Philly, and TC on 88.5 WXPN with an acoustic set and stories. It briefly felt like the 80’s all over again! 😎🎸🎶 

#1 - Tommy Conwell and The Young Rumblers "Showboats and Grandstanders" record release party at The Foundry Room at The Fillmore in Philadelphia. 

WMMR DJ Jacky Bam Bam later shared with me his amazement of the “real-deal rock n’ roll” sound of the Young Rumblers at this concert and the awesome inclusion of the horns—“No one does rock n’ roll horns anymore!!!” (I heard this quote from Jacky on the phone while driving down a Texas highway, so it was a variation of that…couldn’t exactly take notes while driving!) 😊

The concert was the culmination of several years of studio work that finally saw the release of the first Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers’ album in 30 years called, "Showboats and Grandstanders"—made possible by TCYR fans through a crowdfunding campaign. The album dropped on June 18, and the official record release party was later that week on Saturday, June 22, at the Foundry. 

Tommy, Paul, Jim, Rob and Chris played songs from the new album as well as many favorites from the 80s! Some highlights: Cliff Hillis, engineer on Showboats and Grandstanders, was a special guest and played with the band on “Until the End.” Tommy Conwell, Chris Day and Jay Davidson served an all-out blues jam during “Million Pretty Girls.” Check out the concert in glorious 4K on YouTube. 

Happy New Year in 2020! 😀 
❤️ from Audio Rumble

Tribute to Darryl Ray - Ardmore Music Hall, 6/30/2019

The Ardmore Music Hall hosted a matinee concert on June 30 for a tribute to musician Darryl Ray. Proceeds benefited the children of Darryl Jenkins.

A bevy of fellow musicians paid tribute including Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings, Dynagroove, Rockett 88, Matt Wallace and the Blues and the Darryl Ray Band.

DJ Caterina fell in love with the music of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings in the early 2000s while a college disc jockey at UT-Dallas. 

See Audio Rumble's well-documented adulation here.

RIP Darryl Ray. I will miss you.

Also read:  "Five Years On - Darryl Ray" (2024)

All YouTube videos courtesy of Stephen Haldis.

The Sky is Crying
 

More performances: 

• "Honey Hush"- Tommy Conwell, Little Kings, Matt Wallace in the final jam 
  
• "Pony Time" - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings
• "It's Raining" - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings
• "I Want to Walk You Home" - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings
• "All God's Children Wanna Rock" - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings
• "Bottle Woman” and “Betty Jean" - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings w/ Anna McGlocklin 
• "Goin' Back to Philly" - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings w/ Chris Day
• Rockett 88 with Dr. Harmonica (Mark Kenneally) and Quentin Jones
• Dynagroove
• Darryl Ray Band
• Matt Wallace and the Blues

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - 118 North in Wayne, PA

Pat Coppa on bass; Paul Ramagano on drums; Tommy Conwell on guitar, vocals; and Darryl Jenkins on saxophone!  

Someday DJ Caterina will see Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings play live...someday!

But the next best thing is posted on YouTube in glorious 4K video! It's the Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings show on 4/14/18 at 118 North, in Wayne, PA.

As videographer Chris Cafiero states: "The quality of the music, lyrics and performances is as fine as anyone could ask for. This is Tommy Conwell doing music on his own terms."

Couldn't have said it better myself!

Set 1:

0:45 Here I Come
3:57 Hi-Ho-Silver!
7:25 All God’s Children Wanna Rock
9:40 Bo Diddley
13:35 That’s All
17:48 Tommy w/ Spanish-style guitar solo
19:52 Take Your Hands Out Of My Pockets
28:40 Want You To Feel Good Too
31:33 Betty Jean
34:40 Everything’s Gonna Be Alright
39:39 Smarty Pants
42:55 Nice n Naughty
46:35 Bad Haircut
49:40 Guitar Trouble
54:00 Scotland the Brave
1:02:42 Pony Time
1:05:50 Bip Bop Bip

Set 2:

Tommy Conwell Cool Blues - [Brant Buckley Interview]

Thank you to Brant Buckley for this way cool interview with Tommy Conwell. Tommy talks about being influenced by Jimmie Vaughan, ‪the most recent Little Kings concert, the upcoming and much anticipated Young Rumblers album and much more! 🎸🎶

Tommy Conwell Cool Blues

Interview by Brant Buckley

          
          Tommy Conwell is a US guitarist, songwriter, and performer. He is best known as the frontman for the Philadelphia-based band Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers. The band had a #1 US mainstream rock hit in 1988 with "I'm Not Your Man."
          His music appeared in the following original motion picture soundtracks:  Shout-"Devil Call Me Back Home" (Written by Tommy Conwell and performed by Otis Rush) and "More Than A Kiss" (Written and performed by Tommy Conwell). Chasers- "Rock With You" (Written By Tommy Conwell, M. Rauer) Performed By Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers.

Who are your blues heroes? Which single blues guitar player comes through most in your playing?

Jimmie Vaughan comes through most. In the early to mid 80’s he was at his peak with the Thunderbirds and his music was so accessible. It was freakishly unique. It continues to be. He's often imitated but never duplicated just like his brother. I wanted to be Jimmie Vaughan. He was a big influence on me and I still try to be Jimmie Vaughan from time to time. I have realized it’s impossible. I don’t waste much energy there. Also, I realized it’s not a goal worth pursuing. I’m a big fan. From my Columbia days, “Let Me Love You Too,” “Work Out,” and “Nice and Naughty” are indicative of him. I’m usually jamming and doing my best Jimmie Vaughan imitation. He blew my world apart. As far as others I like Freddie King, Albert King, Gatemouth Brown, Albert Collins, Hound Dog Taylor, Elmore James, Lil’ Ed, and Muddy Waters. I just did a blues festival in Lancaster with Lil' Ed and the Blues Imperials. He’s great. One of my favorite Muddy Waters albums is Unk in Funk. It’s not very popular and I have no idea why. I love that album. One of my all-time favorites is Junior Wells. He is so scary and legit. When he is on, you can’t top him. This is where I am coming from.

Did you write I’m Not Your Man? Did you immediately know it was a hit? How did this song launch you?

I wrote it with a woman named Marcy Wagman who had a Nashville pedigree. I didn’t know her before we started writing. I learned all of the rules they have down there and they have a lot of rules. You can’t do this, you can’t do that, which is great because she taught them to me. I came in with the nexus of the song, but she helped me polish it. That’s a good song. I didn’t know it would be my most popular song. The obvious is not obvious to me.

What elements make your music? Any zone like musical states while performing?

We had a good gig the other night with The Little Kings. The Columbia records are cool, but the Kings records are more fun. The Young Rumblers are working on a new album now. When I play with The Little Kings I am much more likely to get into the zone. When you are doing your radio songs it’s different. I was talking to my wife and she said you are more yourself with The Kings than with The Rumblers. With The Rumblers I just want to give the audience a hug for being there. They spend all this money and stand around waiting for us to come on and you have to play the songs. I just want to play the songs. 

With the Rumblers, the band is not rough and ready. With the Kings, everyone will follow whatever I do. They just have to get the key and the feel and we will go. Getting in the zone is a lot like anything else. 

How elusive is recording in the zone?

It’s luck. Sometimes the demo is better than the record. There is a lot of luck involved, but I will say on my end mental preparation is really good. I try to be mentally prepared when I have a gig. I don’t put myself in the car and go to the address. For me the performance starts the minute you drive into the parking lot. They are looking at you like this is the dude that we are paying to watch. They’re thinking is he a dick or is he cool? Is he nice? Is he happy? Is he a jerk? Is he depressed? From the moment I drive onto the parking lot my body language is putting things out. I am always better when I am talking and playing. I need to talk. Also, I have to put a little thought into my sound. Sometimes you get lucky. Sometimes there’s no thought. I can increase my odds of having a transcendent show by being mentally prepared and honoring the audience before I even get there.

Who’s your favorite artist that you played with live and why?

There are so many. We toured with George Thorogood, Chicago, Colin James, Robert Plant, Dickey Betts, David Bowie, and Rod Stewart. Not too many straight blues guys. We played with Buddy Guy in Belgium. Willy Deville was on that show. My favorite has to be George Thorogood or Chicago. Chicago has a lot of easy ballads, but when they break out the 70’s stuff, they will blow your mind. They were sweet as pie. I liked them when I was a kid. Thorogood’s music is one quarter of the experience. I imagine he is still doing it pretty good. He’s the best live. I learned so much from him. When I was 20 years old, I joined a band called Rocket 88. Mark Kenneally played harmonica. They call him Dr. Harmonica. He learned the blues with George Thorogood. George is the greatest performer and has a huge bag of tricks. He uses every one of them every night. Everything funny that he has ever said onstage has been catalogued. He uses that every night. He moves like a dancer. He’s just unbelievable. I haven’t seen him in a while. To me, he is tough to beat.

Could you talk about your 1969 Guild X500? Where and when did you get it? What does it mean to you? How’d the knife carving signatures start?

That is a blues thing to get autographs on your guitar. I have seen other people do that. I think the first one to autograph it was Dickey Betts. I have a lot of autographs on there. They only go on if you are really cool. I bought that guitar when I was in 10th grade. I wanted to play jazz. During my first guitar lesson, the teacher said who do you want play like and I said Frank Zappa. That still cracks me up. He turned me onto Pat Martino during my first lesson. Also, we both agreed we liked George Benson who is cool. His album "Breezin'" was out at the time. Pat Martino blew my mind. Pat is my number one jazz influence. I saved up my money and bought that guitar from a guy around the corner for $500 when I was in high school. It was so beautiful and pristine. I played a lot of blues on it and some Chuck Berry. The guitar has a sweet neck and great tone. I have never seen another one that’s as good. Guitars are like people. They are all unique. That guitar just had something. Maybe it was old enough and they made it right. I bought another one as a backup and I have seen other ones here and there. None of them are as good. I met one guy who used one and played through a super. He was a real player. He played through a super just like I used to. His and mine are the only good ones I have seen. This isn’t a starter guitar that I would recommend to anyone. Mine just happened to be real cool.

What are you currently working on? Is there anything else you want to achieve?

There is a lot of stuff that I want to achieve. It is amazing to hear myself say that because for a long time I didn’t feel that way. I am working on an album with the Young Rumblers which is pretty cool but also a major pain in the ass. Everybody’s schedule is brutal. It is taking forever… It’s fun being with those guys. We are really like brothers and have been through a lot together. On the new record, I am using the acoustic guitar and there will be a few guitar solos and a couple rootsy, bluesy things. There will be some interesting things if you are a guitar picker. I am still playing my early 70’s telecaster. I am also using a guitar that a friend of mine made called a J Guitar. I am borrowing some acoustic guitars. I am playing through an Allessandro Working Dog. It’s a nice boutique high end amp. I love amps. I like amps better than guitars. If I collect something, I would rather collect an amp. They are so cool. As I get older, I am interested in authenticity. I want to see how close to the bone I can get. I want to see how real to the heart I can get. I want to see how real of a song I can write. I am still chasing that.

Chuck Berry [1926-2017]

Legends never die. Rest In Peace to a Rock 'n' Roll pioneer and legend, Chuck Berry, 1926-2017. 

Fans of TCYR know that Chuck Berry songs have been in Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers' setlists since the beginning. 

Video: Tommy Conwell talks about his musical influences and Chuck Berry (80's).  
 


Video: Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform a cover of Chuck Berry's "Back in the USA" at the Pennsylvania State Fair, in Bensalem, PA, Memorial Day 1989. 



More Chuck Berry covers --

• House of Blue Lights - Tommy Conwell's Young Rumblers at the Ambler Cabaret, 1986.

• Around and Around - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers recorded live at the Bottom Line, New York City, USA, 1988.
  

• Almost Grown - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings live at Grape Street Pub, 1999.
  

Interview with Tommy Conwell: CIGARS, BOOZE & CONVERSATION [with Darryl Ray]

Interview with Tommy Conwell -- it's a Q and A with Darryl Ray on Cigars, Booze and Conversation! 

Tommy: There would be no Little Kings without Darryl Ray. 
Darryl: I hear ya. 

AND... possibly a new Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers album in 2017? YES! YES! YES!

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - Prime Time Pub in NE Philly

Thanks to Joe Kohnow for sharing with Audio Rumble - 

"Here are a few photos of Tommy jammin' on 'Johnny B. Goode' with my old band, Oscar Can't Win, when we opened up for him and the Little Kings at the Prime Time Pub in NE Philly." 
[Sept. 1996]

Boogie Pickin' | Want You To Feel Good Too - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings perform "Boogie Pickin'" and "Want You To Feel Good Too" live at The Stone Pony - July 31, 1999.

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - 1997 Philly Inquirer Review

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings are featured on the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lifestyle and Entertainment Magazine section with a review of new release, Sho’ Gone Crazy! on Monday, September 8, 1997. 

Read the review by music journalist Tom Moon: 

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - Sho’ Gone Crazy! (Llist Records - 3½ stars): 
After more than a decade providing audiences with rousing live-music experiences, Tommy Conwell has at last made a record that documents his madcap sense of rock and roll and love for the blues. Conwell plays guitar you can get stung by, and here unleashes a stream of disarmingly nonchalant riffage – on the swinging instrumental Moanin’ and the anarchistic jump Pony Time – whose flexibility and concision shame most guitar-mag poster boys. Though Sho’ Gone Crazy! is full of basic 12-bar blues and rockabilly, it’s never tedious. Sounding as if he’s simply got to rock the house, Conwell invigorates music that provides him with an obvious life energy.
~ Tom Moon

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings, Rockabilly Rumble - Aug. 17, 2014

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performed at last night's Rockabilly Rumble at World Cafe Live at the Queen.

And to quote me, DJ Caterina:

"How was I not at this concert--these are all my favorite Tommy Conwell songs!!!"

Setlist:

• Pony Time
• All God's Children Wanna Rock
• That's All
• Betty Jean
• Boogie Pickin'
• Bip Bop Bip
• Miss Shake It
• I'm Not Your Man
• Workout
• Roll With Me Honey
• Moanin'
• Want You To Feel Good Too
• Get Down and Ride
• Guitar Trouble
• Honey Hush  

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings - Betty Jean, King Kong

It's Rockabilly Rumble weekend! Tommy Conwell is scheduled to perform at World Cafe Live - Wilmington on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Here's the evening schedule:

Rockabilly Rumble 2014 Music Schedule
Daytime: Doors open at 12pm 1:00pm
 
- 5:25pm: Bryan Russo and the Tragic Figures (Upstairs Live Indoors) 
- 5:35pm: The Bullets (Outdoor Stage)
- 6:20pm: Citizen’s Band Radio (Upstairs Live Indoors) 
- 7:00pm: Full Blown Cherry (Downstairs Live Indoors) 
- 8:00pm: Daniele Stallone and His Loud Roll Shuffle (Downstairs Live Indoors) 
- 9:00pm: Tommy Conwell Band (Downstairs Live Indoors) 
 
So get your rumble on!

And give a listen to Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performing "Betty Jean" live at The Rusty Nail in Ardmore, PA (July 31, 1999).


Bonus! Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performing "King Kong" at Grape Street Pub, November 13, 1999.

Thoughts On a Weeknight

Poor Me (live) - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings

Happy 86^th birthday today to Fats Domino! 

Here's a cover of Fats Domino's "Poor Me" performed by Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings live at the Rusty Nail in Ardmore, PA.
[July 31, 1999]

Moanin' - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings

A review of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings' cover of "Moanin'" - courtesy of blog, Kool Kovers - "dedicated to showcasing excellent cover versions and lesser known original recordings of popular songs."

Both the song and the album entitled "Moanin'" by drummer Art Blakey and his Jazz Messengers are cornerstones of not just the storied Blue Note record label, but of hard bop and modern jazz.

Recorded and released in 1958, "Moanin'" is on the short list of jazz standards like "Back At The Chicken Shack" by Jimmy Smith or "Maiden Voyage" by Herbie Hancock. The blues-based theme gives it an instantly recognizable central melody and the body of the tune swings like crazy. The song was written by pianist Bobby Timmons and features saxman Benny Golson (of "Killer Joe" fame) and trumpeter Lee Morgan, who went on to his own successful recordings for Blue Note, such as "The Sidewinder".

As a drummer, Art Blakey had power and originality, favoring a dark cymbal sound punctuated by frequent snare and bass drum accents in triplets or cross-rhythms. Blakey is also widely credited with the invention of the "push roll"; a snare roll that starts quietly and rapidly increases in volume. An example of this quick riff can be heard in the opening minutes of "Moanin'". Blakey frequently employed it to dramatically signal a change to a different section of the tune.

Get your cool on and dig Art Blakey's classic, "Moanin'". The song lasts about 9 minutes, but if you let the groove pull you in, the time will fly right on by. Enjoy!

If there ever was a band that wanted their crowd to party like it's 1959, it was Tommy Conwell's Little Kings, a band named after a local cream ale sold in 7 ounce bottles. (Larger sizes were available, but that defeated the purpose of the 7 ouncers.)

Straight outta the bars of Philadelphia, Conwell had a taste of national success in the late 1980's with his band, the Young Rumblers, who cut two albums for Columbia, "Rumble" and "Guitar Trouble", and one for MCA in 1992, entitled "Neuroticus Maximus" which that label chose not to release. To this day, Conwell still doesn't know why. I've heard it. It's of that era, but it's a good record. You can listen to it and buy an Mp3 version of the album at Tommy's website. This is another good example of why it's smart to own your master tapes.

After the MCA debacle, Conwell took a break from the big time music business, except for a two-album stint on the down-low as the unbilled guitarist for Philly pop band, Buzz Zeemer. In 1997, Tommy got back to basics and assembled the Little Kings; a sturdy roots 'n blues, rock 'n roll band with a reputation for high energy, groove and chops to spare. Don't be fooled by the goofball cover art. This band was dangerous and Conwell himself was well known as a showman with a decidedly old school sensibility who was, and still is, very capable of humbling lesser guitarists. Tommy made two records with the Little Kings for the now defunct Llist label out of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, entitled "Sho Gone Crazy!" and "Hi-Ho Silver". Although out of print, both are highly recommended and guaranteed to wake up a sluggish party. Like the one you're at right now.

So crack open a cream ale shorty and crank up this rippin' version of "Moanin'" by Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings! Hi-Ho Silver indeed.

Two essentials for your jazz collection are the albums "Moanin'" and "A Night In Tunisia" by Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers. Vinyl should be available too. You can get music direct from Tommy Conwell at his website or at Amazon Mp3. Tommy is still playing the bars and clubs in and around Philadelphia. His guitar skills have only improved with time. I understand you can even get some lessons from him, if you're in the area.

Support local artists and musicians how, where and when you can, wherever you live.

Come On Home Tonight (demo) - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings

A demo of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings playing a song called, Come On Home Tonight.

Bottle Woman (demo) - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings

 
A demo track of Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings performing Bottle Woman.
 
"Bottle Woman" also appears on the Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings' LList Records-produced "Sho' Gone Crazy" in 1997. You can buy it at the Tommy Conwell Store, of course.

Tanqueray (live) - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings [featuring Darryl Ray]

Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings perform "Tanqueray" featuring Darryl Ray on vocals. Live at Grape Street Pub in Manayunk, PA. [11/13/1999]

"Tanqueray" was written by Johnnie Johnson and Keith Richards. Johnson was a pianist and blues musician whose work with Chuck Berry led to his induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. This song is featured on Johnnie Johnson's 1992 album, Johnnie B. Bad.

Honey Hush (live) - Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings

"Honey Hush" performed live by Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings at The Rusty Nail in Ardmore, PA. (July 31, 1999)