The Tail Gators

"Guitarist Don Leady has recorded frequently as a solo artist and with various other bands since the Tail Gators' final release in the mid 90's. He's been busy the past couple of years remastering and releasing various Tail Gator live performances, but recently released a super cool EP, Blues Nebula (LeRay Records). The six-song instrumental set is a mix of blues, R&B, country, and jazz with a pitch of surf guitar.

The title track kicks things off. It will remind listeners a bit of the melody of King Curtis' “Soul Serenade” and mixes in a bit of Duane Eddy, a little Booker T-esque organ, and some surf guitar for good measure. “Wall CfA2” is described by Leady as “Wall of Sound meets R&B,” an apt description because the layered guitars gives this track a retro, 60's rock n' roll feel. Meanwhile, “Young Joe Clark” is a groovy variation of the old folk song with a jazz and blues guitar overlay.

“Orbit Boogie” is a gritty boogie tune with deft fretwork from Leady, “Spy Rings” is a fun track that could serve as a theme song for one of those old school Secret Agent movies or TV shows, and “Whoop!” is a country-flavored two-stepper with a droning Hill Country rhythm and slide guitar.

Leady played guitar, rhythm guitar, bass, percussion, and organ on all six tracks, truly a one-man-band effort. Blues Nebula is an entertaining set for fans of guitar of any genre."

- Graham Clarke, Blues Bytes