The BluesBox Bayou Band
review by Jamie Tafoya
The BlueBox Bayou Band is no garden variety band. Hailing from Sonora California, they are Pete Grimaldi (Accordion, Vocals) Julie Johnson (Bass) Frank Grimaldi (Guitar), Jimi Hildreth (Rub Board) and Peter DeMattos (Drums). These band mates have a passion for music and it shows. The Grimaldi brothers (Pete and Frank) cut their teeth over the years in local clubs, including the venerable Eagles Hall in Modesto California. Jimi Hildreth actual owns a hotel in Louisiana, loves Cajun culture and housed Katrina victims after the hurricane. Julie Johnson is a classically trained musician and school teacher.
With a very loyal fan base, The BluesBox Bayou Band is led by the talented Pete Grimaldi and they have released several respectable albums over the years. Like most hard working local bands, they play numerous small clubs in Northern California and additionally do the festival circuit including; The Isleton Crawdad Festival, The Gilroy Garlic Festival and The American Music Brookings, Oregon Festival. Did I mention they make annual pilgrimage to Louisiana every year?
Their music is mix of Cajun, Zydeco, Blues and American Roots. Grimaldi writes many of the bands songs and the group has shown tremendous growth over the years. They have also managed to weather some personnel changes as drummer Peter DeMattos has stepped up to the plate to deliver a crisp and proficient backbeat for the band to jam to.
This is a band that should be on your radar and definitely seen in concert. They have proved to be consistent, persistent and inspired. I look forward to many years of being entertained by them and remain grateful that they, and others, are keeping roots music alive in a world that is without a doubt moving too fast for my taste. Like a good home cooked meal this album is unpretentious, well prepared and full of love. I’d like seconds.
Jaime Tafoya is freelance writer, concert producer and president of Ceres Marketing LLC he can be reached at: jaime_tafoya@hotmail.com
Vicki – “Put on your dancing shoes! This band is one of my all-time favorites. They will make you want to dance the night away. You will have too much fun! Don't miss the opportunity to catch one of their gigs. You won't be disappointed!”
Carol – “Great Group!!! A lot of talent.”.
Joyce G. – “This is a great group. It’s fun to dance to their music - especially their original songs written by lead singer Pete Grimaldi.”
Jimmy V. – “Whole lot a fun!!”
Gary L. – “More fun than wrestling alligators!”
