Name Droppers
Let's Live Together
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © June 2026
Although the group has been around since the 1980s, when they were known as Charlie Karp and the Name Droppers, it wasn't until shortly after Charlie's passing back in 2019 that they officially became The Name Droppers. Since the release of their first album in 2020, Let's Live Together is the band's sixth release in as many years. That's impressive!
The Name Droppers, original members of the legendary Johnny Winter and Charlie Karp Bands, are: Bobby T. Torello on drums; Grammy winner Scott Spray on bass; Ron Rifkin on piano, organ and lead & background vocals; and Rafe Klein on guitar and lead & background vocals; with Simone Brown on lead and background vocals. Additional musicians include: Crispin Cioe on saxophone; Tim Dehuff on guitar; Jay Willie on slide guitar; Richard Hunter on harmonica; and Kevin Monroe & Devotion on choir. Of the 10 tracks on Let's Live Together, five are originals.
The next time you're at a blues show, a quick look around the room will most likely find you noticing a large amount of the attendees who, like Rafe, are dealing with a case of "Grey Haired Blues" - there's just no getting around the genre's demographic. On a song he wrote, although Rafe admits to his "roof being covered in snow" he also boasts that "there's still a fire below". With a rockin' rhythm backed up by some smokin' piano and sax leads; and excellent lead and backing vocals, this dance floor filler is a great introduction to the whole band.
The title track, an original called "Let's Live Together", is a cornucopia of musical styles. I'm hearing some rock; some soul; some R&B; a whole lotta funk; a bit of disco; definitely some blues; and even a bit of Gospel. This topical number relates the sadness in the news that causes us the blues, and the efforts we should all make to stop it. We do indeed have our work cut out. Super rhythm, hot sax runs and fabulous lead and backing vocals are just a few of this one's many highlights.
If you tell me you listened to "Heartbreak City" and weren't dancin' - or at least moving one or more of your body parts - I'll flat out call you a liar. As a matter of fact, I'm willing to bet that within this original track's first thirty seconds - which featured deep bass lines from Scott, vigorous drumming from Bobby, and rich and robust sax leads from Crispin - your whole body will be gyrating...mine sure was. With what appears to be common on all tracks, this time with Ron and Simone teaming up, the vocals were once again outstanding.
Showcasing such vocal versality on "Gotta Serve Somebody" (B. Dylan), Rafe actually caused me to contact the band to confirm that it was indeed him singing. Along with hymnal quality help from Kevin Monroe & Devotion this one features some of the disc's finest vocals. As always, this time led by torrid B3 organ runs, the rhythm is once again absolutely outstanding.
Be careful who may be listening as you sing-a-long to the "Hold me tight, talk dirty" chorus line on "Talk Dirty" (C. Karp, D. Hull, A. Resnick) a song that goes back to the Charlie Karp and The Name Droppers days. Along with his usually great vocals, Rafe's all over the guitar on this one as well.
On a song he wrote titled "Watch Pocket", drummer Bobby T showcases his gritty vocal style while guest guitarist Jay Willie puts on a killer slide performance. Lyrically, Bobby claims that since his woman left him, "There's a hole in his watch poctket 'cause time keeps slipping away".
This is not your Muddy Waters' "Mannish Boy" (M. Morganfield, E. McDaniel- aka Bo Diddley, M. London). Oh, it's the same song alright, but totally made their own by The Name Droppers. Hearing it may make you think back to when Ike and Tina did "Proud Mary" and Tina claimed, "We're going to take the beginning of this song and do it nice and easy, then we're going to do the finish rough". As with the Muddy's version, this one features great vocals and blues guitar licks (Rafe), solid slow (until it's not) blues rhythm by Bobby T and Scott, and killer blues harmonica by Richard Hunter.
Other tracks on this excellent release from The Name Droppers include: "Chain Of Fools" (D. Covey); "Don't Cry Over Me" (F. Durazzo); and "Love Lightnin'" (C. Karp, R. Klein).
To find out more about the Name Droppers, just go to - www.thenamedroppers.net. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please drop the Blewzzman's name.
