Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves

Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves
Have A Good Time Tonight

By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © December 2024

Because the southwest coast of Florida, from Naples to Tampa and beyond, is such a hotbed of top-notch blues artists, it doesn’t surprise me that prior to hearing Have A Good Time Tonight, the second release by Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves (and seventh overall for Sandy), I had not ever heard of this band. But now that I’ve listened, they will certainly be on my radar during my future trips across Alligator Alley.

Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves are band leader and songwriter Sandy Atkinson on vocals, acoustic guitar and washboard; Cannon Quinn on guitar; Jeff Stick Davis on bass; Dennis McCarthy on drums; Dean Germain on keyboards; Thor Stevens on saxophone; and special guest Sarasota Slim on guitar and harmonica. Of the disc’s twelve tracks, nine are originals from Sandy.

If you’re a fan of “The Voice”, then you’ve seen those blind auditions where within seconds, all four judges immediately – and almost simultaneously – press their buttons. It doesn’t happen too often, but when it does it’s always because of a unique voice. “Have A Good Time Tonight”, the disc’s title track, is one of those songs, and Sandy – with a brilliant blend of sass and sultry – is that voice. Musically, with everyone being individually highlighted, it’s a great introduction to The True Loves. This dance floor filler features a rockin’ rhythm that gets taken up several levels by the fiery piano and sax leads; scorching guitar leads; and party style vocals all designed for you to have a good time tonight.

Although a man is most likely to be the caller in this kind of a situation, I’m sure some ladies are also guilty of dialing the digits from time to time. I’m talking about the post breakup bootie-call call. In Sandy’s case she simply tells her sex seeking ex that he “Got the Wrong Number”, but he dialed it right. Gotta love it! Great rhythm driven track with strong drum work and deep bass lines from Dennis and Jeff, respectively; and rockin’ piano leads from Dean.

Anyone who’s ever been there certainly knows that “Memphis Gets Crazy”. That said, this track – which Sandy assured me is fictional – is about some of that craziness…..like waking up in the morning and finding someone in your bed. His explanation: “It’s okay baby, Memphis gets crazy sometime”. See, nothing to worry about. This is another rhythm smoker highlighted by serious sax blowin’ by Thor; scorching slide guitar by Cannon; and more killer piano runs by Dean.

You don’t often hear the word sultry in the description of a singer’s style when you’re about to mention a melancholic song, but with Sandy, it just comes naturally. On a slow and low-down dirty blues song titled “Way Deep Down In The Blues”, Sandy, with an emotional, soulful, and sultry style, puts on one of her best performances. Musically, led by fabulous slow blues guitar licks from Sarasota Slim, the guys are in the perfect slow blues rhythm groove.

The name of this track is “Ain’t No Sin”, and thank God for that. It’s what’s keeping the whole band from going to hell. You see, the full line goes like this ……it ain’t no sin to rock ‘n’ roll – and that’s exactly what they’re all doin’.

Every time I hear this song, I can’t help but wonder that when John Hiatt sat down to write “Feels Like Rain” he said to himself “I am going to write such a beautiful song that so many others will want to cover and it will sound just as beautiful when they do”? The song has that kind of effect. However, I’m sure he didn’t think that and I’m equally sure not everyone doing it will make it sound beautiful. That said, Sandy Atkinson not only nailed her rendition, but she gave one of the better performances of the song that I’ve ever heard. Kudos to the band for keeping it soft, slow and flawless behind her.

Remember my unique voice comment up at the top of this review? Well, it won’t be any more evident than on a cover of Chester Burnett’s “Cause Of It All”. From the opening line of “My baby caught a train, left me all alone ……………” , I was mesmerized. As a matter of fact, it’s also one of the best musical efforts of the lot as well. From the songs intro, and throughout, the keyboard and guitar work from Dean and Cannon are nothing short of masterful; and the rhythm and percussion Jeff and Dennis are laying down have that more ‘powerful than a locomotive’ sound.

“Not Gonna Miss You” is the kind of song that a Kelsea Ballerini or a Lainey Wilson would take straight to the top of the country charts. As a matter of fact, I can already hear the thousands of fans at the show singing along with the “Not gonna miss you, I’m not gonna miss you, not gonna miss you when you’re gone” chorus line. That said, Sandy and the guys have quite the country vibe of their own going on with this one. Interestingly, as I was listening to the song’s lyrics, I thought to myself that this is one of those “don’t let the door hit you in the ass on the way out” kind of songs and sure enough, at the very end of the song, and after the music stops, Sandy coyly says “Don’t let the door….you know”. Fun track for sure.
Other tracks on the excellent release by Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves are: “Mama Bear”; “Junkies & Hookers”; “Web Top Checker” (David York, aka Rock Bottom); and “No More Me And You”.

To find out more about her and the band just go to www.sandyatkinson.net.
Remember, when you do contact Sandy, please tell her the Blewzzman sent you.