In Orbit

With their fourth album, 'In Orbit', Brian Lee & the Orbiters continue their ascent from the Pacific Northwest to broad national recognition. Their recent 'Identity Theft' album reached #15 on the Living Blues Radio Chart during 2012, and they're back with a fresh new collection of originals and favorites from the blues tradition. The Orbiters' sound embraces a breadth of regional blues styles, interpreting that heritage with a contemporary sensibility. 'In Orbit' delivers on this concept with great conviction and mastery. Brian Lee's engaging vocals, compelling song writing, and superb harmonica, slide guitar, and guitar work form the nucleus of the Orbiters sound. Guitarist Steve Yonck provides the perfect complement to Brian with his emotive, muscular style and tough tone. Drummer Russ Kammerer plays with aplomb whether driving hard or supporting with subtlety and finesse. Bassist Hank Yanda effortlessly grooves throughout, locked on the rhythm while adding harmonic sophistication. In Orbit features several tunes with a Chicago lean, kicking off with Sonny Boy Williamson's "Ninety Nine" - a hard driving harp tune on the perennial subject of having too little cash. Lee and his band play it sparse and tough on Billy Boy Arnold's "I Wish You Would" and Hound Dog Taylor's "See Me In The Evening", and then tear it up on the crowd pleasing Elmore James number, "Shake Your Money Maker." Lee's "I've Been Thinking" heads in a soulful R&B direction, augmented by his punchy slide guitar and vocals. "You Give Me Nothing But The Blues" features a stylish interpretion of this Max Longmire/Guitar Slim New Orleans gem. With "Back on the Ground", Lee writes of surviving a whirlwind relationship, and he and the band create a modern, hard driving setting for the message. Two instrumentals serve as a showcase for Steve Yonck's searing guitar work. With "Lucky Lou", Yonck pays tribute to Jody Williams, whom he has had the pleasure of backing. On "Texas Hop", Yonck pulls out all the stops, inspired by the Texas/West Coast stylings of Pee Wee Crayton and T-Bone Walker. Lee's original "Bucket of Chicken Wings" combines resolute slide guitar, compelling lyrics, and a current R&B rhythmic sense to create a song with a unique contemporary feel. Two further originals wrap up the album: the hot west coast jump tune "Knock It Off" and a closing mood piece, "Playing In The Dark." The latter blends 1930's Mississippi Delta slide guitar motifs with a harmonically intriguing accompaniment. Brian Lee & the Orbiters received the Washington Blues Society's "Best of the Blues" award for "Best Traditional Band" in 2013, and for "Best Recording" and "Best Songwriter" in 2012. In addition to placing on the Living Blues Radio Chart, the Orbiters' previous album Identity Theft hit #1 on the Roots Music Report for nationwide airplay for Washington based bands. Brian Lee & the Orbiters' In Orbit takes traditional blues to a stellar new level!