Media & press kit
Photos, posters & press for the Phat noiZ
Press-ready photos and artwork, plus the reviews that followed the band's breakthrough record, Wet My Beak.
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CD review — Blues Revue
All reviews →By Tom Hyslop · Blues Revue
Using a compact, somewhat different lineup seems to be a good way to nail a contemporary soul-blues sound. It's worked well from a commercial standpoint for Tommy Castro; let's hope East St. Louis' Alvin Jett & the Phat noiZ Blues Band achieve similar success. Jett, who earned his stripes playing with Tommy Bankhead, plays fluid, cutting, mostly understated guitar and has a commanding, gruff vocal style.
The band — Matt Davis (bass), Jeremy West (drums), and Frank Bauer (sax) — lays down fine, funky arrangements. “Your Blues Ain't Like Mine” is a convincing slow blues; “Bluesman” balances slick changes against retro lyrics and rhythms; “East Side Women” is a straight shuffle played clean, no concessions. “What Must A Player Do” is a completely successful contemporary blues; “China Doll” plays eastern tricks with the pentatonic scale yet has a similarly modern sound. Best are the soul-influenced tracks: the P-funk/James Brown/Kool & the Gang hybrids “Phat noiZ” and “Wet My Beak”; “Coming My Way”, part Solomon Burke, part Tyrone Davis; the southern soul of “I Got My Pride.” Wet My Beak (self release) is highly recommended. This band should be playing festivals this summer.