The members:
The Smokin’ 45s is Paul Hoffman (vocals and harmonica), Dave Remkus and Dale Morgan (guitar and vocals), Ken Christie (bass and vocals) and drummer/vocalist Lenny Hall. The band hails from various parts of the Detroit area.
The history:
The origin of The Smokin’ 45s begins with Hoffman, Christie and Hall, who first worked together in a rock band in 1992 — the band released a couple albums in a hard rock format, but Hoffman and Remkus eventually realized their love for the blues and formed The Legendary Stone Drunk Rock and Blues Revue.
When the act began stealing the show at various gigs, the guys realized they were having more fun playing the blues and could reach a wider audience doing so. By 2002, the group amassed enough material for a full-length album, and in early ’03 changed its name to The Smokin’ 45s. In late 2003, the group recorded its debut at Stoney Creek Studios in Rochester.
What's up with the name:
“Our influences harken back to the days of 45 rpm records,” said Remkus. “We like to keep the show moving, keep it lively — hence the ‘smokin’ part.”
The style:
As individuals its members draw from a diverse roster of artists, but together they play an uptempo blues sound with rock orientation — sounding like a mix of modern acts like The Blasters, Little Charlie and the Night Cats and Rod Piazza with classics such as Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Sonny Boy Williamson and Ray Charles.
Got anything recorded?
The band’s 12-track album, Anywhere But Here, is available through its official Web site found at www.smokin45s.com, as well as online music stores www.cdbaby.com and www.towerrecords.com.
Tell us your future?
“We’re always looking to try to get decent shows a little farther out of the Detroit area (and expand our fan base,” Remkus said, adding that Ohio and Indiana are current targets. “When the weather gets warmer, we like to shift our focus towards playing festival shows and clubs with outdoor patios — places where patrons can enjoy the warmer weather.”
Website:
www.smokin45s.com
