Roomful of Blues: Dave Howard (vocals, harmonica); Chris Vachon (guitar); Rich Lataille (alto saxophone, tenor saxophone); Mark Earley (tenor saxophone, baritone saxophone); Bob Enos (trumpet); Travis Colby (piano, organ); Dimitry Gorodetsky (upright bass, electric bass); Ephraim Lowell (drums).

Additional personnel: Bethie Vachon (vocals).

The hard-edged, horn-fueled R&B band Roomful of Blues has been going strong since the 1960s, building its reputation with electrifying live shows and an irresistible blend of blues, swing, rock, and soul. RAISIN' A RUCKUS (2008)shows the group has lost none of its punch. New lead singer Dave Howard brings his gruff, growling pipes to the Roomful's brass-tacks charge, and the rhythm section, horns, and lead instruments have never sounded better. With a sound that nods to the jump blues of yesteryear, but with steely contemporary edge, RAISIN' A RUCKUS does precisely what its title suggests. Get your dancing shoes and head for the floor.

Down Beat (p.63) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "Updating vintage numbers, the Cajun r&b anthem 'Big Mamou' among others, remains a band strong point. Roomful is still in a class by itself."

Dirty Linen (p.42) - "'Black Night' showcases Roomful' ability to grind down on a sizzling slow blues, and guitarist Chris Vachon's solos take the song to the next level."

Dirty Linen (p.77) - "With 50, alumni, Roomful of Blues is all about the skilled artists who uphold the tradition and reputation of the name. RAISIN' A RUCKUS carries on."