Black Leather Blues Dustin Douglas & the Electric Gentlemen
Album info
Album-Release:
2023
HRA-Release:
14.04.2023
Album including Album cover
- 1 Why Would You Say Such a Thing 02:34
- 2 Burnin' Down 03:37
- 3 Broken 03:02
- 4 Good Love 05:34
- 5 Change 04:32
- 6 What You See 03:27
- 7 C'est La Vie 04:55
- 8 Gonna Take This Train 03:06
- 9 Do Watcha Gotta Do 03:22
- 10 Barely Holding On 05:29
Info for Black Leather Blues
Dustin Douglas & the Electric Gentlemen's dynamic, heavy, swagger- injected, sexy & dirty, blues-influenced rock n’ roll brings vintage sound and vibe to modern ears. The band’s much-anticipated third album Black Leather Blues via Mo Mojo Records underlines this and much more.
“All I’m trying to do is continue the tradition of The Stones, Zeppelin and The Faces,” says Dustin Douglas. “Take the traditional blues spirit, mix it with some heavy rock n’ roll and play it for a new generation.
But it ain’t your poppa’s blues,” he adds. “I listen to Rage Against the Machine as much as I listen to Muddy Waters. That blend of influences is what makes it unique.”
Fronted by the transcendent lead guitarist/singer/songwriter Dustin Douglas, The Electric Gentlemen—rounded out by drummer Tommy Smallcomb and bassist Matt "The Dane" Gabriel—command the stage with virtuosic musicianship and classic-rock spirit mixed with punk rock attitude that leaves even the most discerning music fans falling in love with their style at the end of any live show.
On the 10-song Black Leather Blues, Pennsylvania’s Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen put the pedal to the floor, asking for no mercy with heavy riffs, huge hooks and memorable, blues-inspired rock n’ roll rhythms that takes listeners on a familiar yet fresh musical journey.
"Black Leather Blues" was recorded at Eight Days a Week Studios in Northumberland, PA by Paul Smith (Badlees) who engineered and co-produced the album with Douglas. It was mixed by Brian Moncarz (Alice Cooper, Our Lady Peace, Phillip Sayce) and mastered by Brian Lucey (Black Keys, Royal Blood, Arctic Monkeys, Buddy Guy, Doyle Bramhall II, Green Day, Liam Gallagher, Elvis Costello.)
The album was launched with the single/video “Broken,” described by Rock and Blues Muse as “a soul-cleansing shot of progressive blues/rock minimalism that’s as much about the space between the notes as the notes themselves. Dustin Douglas is a first-class guitar shaman, weaving together spellbinding riffs and solos that transport listeners directly into his world.” The publication added: “His vocals are strident and strong, expressing the hard blues inherent in 21st Century life.”
The album’s second single/video is the rhythmically dynamic and lyrically pointed “Why Would You Say Such A Thing,” which underlines the band’s ability to create modern blues-rock with plenty of attitude and drama. “From the moment I wrote it, I felt it would be a signature song for us,” says Douglas. “It defines what we do as a band. It has a big riff, danceable rhythm, catchy chorus and an ole’ school broken-hearted, blues-inspired lyric.” “Why Would You Say Such a Thing” is destined to be one of the band’s best-received songs.”
"Black Leather Blues" is the follow-up album to DDEG’s 2018 release, Break It Down which charted on The Blues Album Charts, Blues Singles Charts and Blues-Rock Single Charts. In 2018, the band took home two Steamtown Music Awards (Scranton, PA) for both “Blues Artist Of The Year“ and “Album Of The Year.” Notably, again in 2019, they found themselves with 3 Steamtown Nominations—Guitarist Of The Year, Video Of The Year for “Broken” and Live Performers Of The Year—as well as an Independent Blues Music Award nomination for Blues/Rock Song of The Year for “Out of My Mind.” On top of that, the Central PA Music Hall Of Fame nominated the band in 2021 and 2022 for “Blues Rock Band Of The Year.”
Blues rock is often played badly but like any genre, there are those that can rise above the mediocrity and demonstrate a real flair. This album will give you only a glimpse of how strong this trio’s riveting live show is. (Jim Hynes- Senior Writer, Elmore Magazine)
Dustin Douglas, vocals, guitar
Matt Gabriel, bass
Tommy Smallcomb, drums
Dustin Douglas & the Electric Gentlemen
Based out of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Dustin Douglas & The Electric Gentlemen who deliver a unique sound as they capture the spirit of 1960s blues-rock power trios and fuse it with grooves styled along the lines of guitar gods Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughan, the Black Crowes and Led Zeppelin.
The unit is led by former child prodigy Douglas, who handles guitar, vocal and songwriting duties. One of the most sought-after sessions players in Northeastern Pennsylvania and now a seasoned touring veteran, he made his performing debut at age 13 and has remained active ever since.
His first band, the power trio Lemongelli, released three independent albums and served as opening act to several top acts, including Cheap Trick, Eddie Money and Def Leppard. Later, he joined The Badlees, legendary rockers in the Keystone State, appearing on the CD Epiphones And Empty Rooms and supporting Bob Seger on his 2013 arena tour.
As a front man, he released two more albums as a soloist before deciding to delve deeply into his blues-rock roots. He and The Electric Gentlemen – bassist Matt “The Dane” Gabriel and drummer Tommy Smallcomb – have been together since 2015. Their first, self-titled release sold out of its first pressing, leading up to this EP, which includes four covers and one original.
This album contains no booklet.