Billy Price – Dog Eat Dog Review

By Tom Faddis

Billy Price is a blues/soul singer that has a long history in the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania music scene. Now calling Baltimore, MD his home, Price continues to build his catalog and reputation as a unique soul and blues singer. He earned national attention during his three-year association with guitarist Roy Buchanan and sang on two of Buchanan’s LPs, That’s What I’m Here For and Live Stock. Since then, with the Keystone Rhythm Band, the Billy Price Band, and solo projects, Price has recorded and released a total of 17 albums, CDs, and DVDs. In April 2016, he was officially recognized and inducted as a Pittsburgh Rock ’n Roll Legend. His new album, Dog Eat Dog, also produced by Andersen, on Gulf Coast Records was released in August of 2019. The musicians are: Kid Andersen (guitars) Alex Pettersen (drums), Jerry Jemmott (bass), Jim Pugh (keys), Eric Spaulding (tenor sax), Jack Sanford (baritone sax), John Halbleib (trumpet), Jon Otis (congas), backup singers (Vicki Randle, Lisa Leuschner Andersen, Charlie Owen and the Sons of the Soul Revivers), and guest appearances by Rick Estrin, Alabama Mike, and Mike Zito. The album delivers twelves tracks that are filled with Price’s unmistakable vocals and style.

“Working On Your Chain Gang” opens Dog Eat Dog. Written by Price and Jim Britton, this is the perfect feel and style that Price’s voice excels at and the band is exceptional. The lyrics are playful, the horns are popin’ and the soulful R&B groove is right in the dance pocket. The background singers add a richness to the track and is a nice blend of male and female voices. Kid Andersen performs an inspired guitar solo that is building, bluesy and energetic.  The band as a whole is a well-oiled machine, delivering a full sound that cradles Price’s soulful singing.

Bobby Byrd’s “We’re In Love” is given an impressive re-working. With horns hitting, organ swells, stimulating vocal backgrounds and a walking bassline, this tune is a real gem within this set. Price’s singing is relaxed and full of style. His upper register singing is strong and adds to the energy.  The playing and arrangement pay its respect to the heritage, while still bringing the tune into the modern soul blues idiom. Price is keeping the flame alive and keeping the music alive for generations to come. Eric Spaulding plays a beautiful saxophone solo with his warm and gravely tone.

Its good to hear Billy Price still cranking out albums. Each one outdoes the next and he is showing no signs of slowing his pace.  The energy and writing are superb, only outmatched by the performance contained on each track. Looking for some great blues, Dog Eat Dog will hit the spot with tasty morsels.

About the author

Tom Faddis