The band gives a taste of the project with “Drivin’ On”
Take a slow ride with Foghat as they release their new album, Sonic Mojo, on November 10th via the band’s label, Foghat Records, distributed by Select-O-Hits. The band’s 17th studio album will be their first in seven years, and available on a single CD with 12 tracks and a six-page gatefold cover, as well as an 11-track, limited edition 180-gram, purple neon vinyl. CD and vinyl pre-orders, including autographed copies, and merchandise bundles are available to pre-order via the band’s website.
The album’s first single, “Drivin’ On,” is also now available, co-written by the late Kim Simmonds from Savoy Brown.
“She’s a Little Bit of Everything,” also co-written by the late Kim Simmonds, will be available on September 23rd, with “I Don’t Appreciate You” to follow on October 20th, which was written by all four Foghat members.
From the opening notes of their 1972 self-titled classic to their bombastic multi-platinum gem, Foghat Live, to 2016’s slide guitar soaked Under the Influence and right on through to their upcoming album, Sonic Mojo, Foghat has always been about the music. Music played loud. Music played live and music played that makes you want to move.
On the new project, founding member, drummer and leader of the pack Roger Earl is joined by stalwart guitarist, engineer and co-producer Bryan Bassett (Wild Cherry, Molly Hatchet), fun-loving, low-end thumper, fan-favorite bassist Rodney O’Quinn (Pat Travers Band), and on lead vocals and guitar, Scott Holt (Buddy Guy) who has been the singer/guitarist of the band’s recent side project Earl & the Agitators since 2015. In typical Foghat fashion, there are a few surprises included on the album as well.
Three songs on Sonic Mojo have special meaning for Roger Earl, as they were co-written by Kim Simmonds, the man who gave Roger his first break back in 1967 as a member of Savoy Brown. Sadly, shortly after writing these songs, Kim passed away.
The first of the three Kim Simmonds co-writes, “Drivin’ On,” is the debut single from the project. Vocalist/guitarist Scott Holt smiles as he proudly sums up what this bluesy rocker means to the band, “A song like ‘Drivin’ On’ celebrates the swamp funk blues of Slim Harpo and the cosmic boogie of John Lee Hooker.” Part blues, part ZZ Top and part Foghat, this tune is destined to become a live, fan favorite.
“She’s a Little Bit of Everything” (also co-written by the late Kim Simmonds), just like Foghat’s classic “Slow Ride” that starts off with nothing but a drumbeat, followed by fuzzy guitar and, just like that famous song, this one also celebrates woman, albeit in a totally classier way! The third Simmonds co-write is the most emotional of the bunch. “Time Slips Away” penned when Kim was terminally ill, delivers a strong message that is both beautiful and emotional.
Kim isn’t the only surprise on the album, however. Roger has a famous brother named Colin Earl, most known for the song “In the Summertime” by Mungo Jerry. Together, the two brothers and the rest of the band created the most unique tune on the album titled “Wish I’d a Been There.” The song is an ode to country music legend Hank Williams.
Foghat does country?
Well…sort of, but not really. This fun song shows that this band, even after 50+ years of making music, isn’t afraid of trying something new. And…like everything else they’ve tried, they do it well.
Sonic Mojo also sees Foghat tip their hat to great artists that came before them, as well as giving plenty of winks and nods from the current lineup. While there are songs on the album written by Willie Dixon, (“Let Me Love You Baby”), B.B. King (“She’s Dynamite”), and Chuck Berry (“Promised Land”), Foghat shows they can still boogie with the best of them.
Elder statesman, and band leader, Roger Earl has played with enough of the greats to know when he’s in good company. “I love playing and working with this band. During my almost 60-year music career, I have had the honor of playing with some really great musicians. Lonesome Dave, Rod Price, Craig MacGregor, Erik Cartwright, Nick Jameson, Tony Stevens, and Jeff Howell to name some that have graced this band. Many have sadly passed, and some have retired or moved on, but I have to say that the current lineup has been one of the most inspirational for me, personally. Writing with Scott and Bryan has come easy. Words and ideas just seem to fall out at any time and another song is in the works. And Rodney’s input and bass playing has been invaluable. We are a band in every sense of the word.”
Formed in 1971 when Lonesome Dave Peverett and Roger Earl left the British blues-rock band, Savoy Brown, Foghat has earned eight Gold records, one Platinum record and one double platinum record. They continue to release new music every few years, and they’ve never stopped touring and recording although there have been several ups and downs and changes over the years. They sadly lost Lonesome Dave Peverett in 2000, Rod Price in 2005, and Craig MacGregor in 2018, but Roger Earl keeps banging and kicking to keep Foghat’s musical legacy going.
