For 15 years, The Steady 45s have been swinging and swaying in their hometown of Los Angeles and around the world, interpreting the sounds of 1960s Jamaica in a "L.A. way." The band are torchbearers of the music that predated reggae: ska and rocksteady. Think big horn sections, buoyant bass lines and three-part harmonies that are impossible not to dance to.
The Steady 45s continue to delight audiences internationally and on major local stages, including the Hollywood Bowl, with original tunes and pitch-perfect covers. They've also studied at the feet of Jamaican legends, serving as the backing band for greats including Derrick Morgan, Pat Kelly, The Pioneers, Monty Morris, Keith & Tex, and Stranger Cole. Those experiences have imbued the 45s with the authenticity to create music that honors the past while sparking excitement in the present.
Now, The Steady 45s turn back the clock to celebrate the music of another legend: Soul pioneer Sam Cooke. Their new single "Moovin' & Groovin'" b/w "Whole Lotta Woman" puts a skaful spin on classics by the man whose work inspired Jamaican musicians back in the day.
Vocalist Andre Cruz brings bounce to 1962 Cooke deep cut "Moovin' and Groovin,'" a story about a guy hoping to become a better dancer to win a girl over, interpreted by the 45s with a ska-meets-boogie-woogie beat. Aggrolites frontman Jesse Wagner takes the lead on "Whole Lotta Woman," adding some "dirty reggae" vocals the 45s’ doo wop inspired harmonies.
The single is the first release from a forthcoming set of three 7” singles titled Cooking For Sam. "Giving Sam Cooke this unique tribute is super important, because not only do we get to show love to the man credited with creating soul music, but we get to introduce him to an audience that maybe doesn't know him as well, " Cruz says.
Tracklist
A. Moovin’ and Groovin’
B. Whole Lotta Woman
Musicians
Alfredo Barrios - Trumpet
Andre Cruz - Lead Vox/BGV (Side A)
Anthony Medina - Piano (Side B)
Eric Alvarez - Drums (Side A)
Eric Mauries - Bass (Side A)
Esteban Flores Valenzuela - Piano (Side A)
Fritz Zar - Drums/BGV (Side В)
lan Jacks - Tenor Sax/BGV
Jesse Wagner - Lead Vox/BGV (Side B)
Joe Nieves - Guitar/BGV/Percussion/Bass (Side B)
Robert Verdugo - Trombone
