The Disreputable Few
Ain’t Who I was
Colonel Records
Over the years Los Angeles musicians Mark Tremalgia (guitar), Randy Ray Mitchell (guitar), Paul Ill (bass) and Don Potruch (drums) have loaned their skills to artists including Bob Weir, Butch Trucks, Linda Perry and Billy Gibbons. Now these accomplished rockers have pulled together as an ensemble that runs under the banner of the Disreputable Few. It’s their turn to grab a little spotlight on this new release, an eight-track full-length titled Ain’t Who I Was. The group encompasses a sound reminiscent at times of the Allman Brothers, The Black Crowes and other compelling outfits rooted in psychedelic blues. The disc is bookended by electric and acoustic versions of “Ain’t Who I Was” — the hard-driving ditty after which the CD is named. In between those grittily pleasing end cuts, the group demonstrates impressive songwriting chops on “California Calling,” “Peace Pipe,” “Hang On” and “Groundhog Day,” while delving into full-on jam mode for the sonically expansive “Farmer Brian.” These players possess the kind of experience that allows them to both rock and breathe in just the right places.
The Disreputable Few doing what they do. From left to right: Randy Ray Mitchel, Don Potruch, Mark Tremalgia and Paul Ill.
