“Let’s Straighten It Out!”, the title track from The Sully Band’s debut album, released on March 11. Chris Goldsmith (Charlie Musselwhite, Ben Harper, Big Head Todd) worked on the production for the track along with James East, a Grammy Award-winning bassist. Let’s Straighten It Out! was mostly recorded live over the course of five days at Henson Recording Studios in Los Angeles.
Bob “Sully” Sullivan and his jazzy band are now performing to exuberant crowds at regional and national events, having won “Best Live Band” at the 2020 San Diego Music Awards. Without a doubt, this vocalist and band can perform classics such as Billy Preston’s “Nothing From Nothing,” Jackie Wilson’s “Higher and Higher,” Ray Charles’ “Hallelujah, I Love Her So,” and Dr. John and Jessie Hill’s “When The Battle Is Over.” With their inventive use of horns, guitars, piano, and percussion, musicians such as The Sully Band are reinterpreting the R & B/Soul/Blues sound.
The band’s rendition of the lesser-known song “Let’s Straighten It Out” is new and modern while retaining a somber undertone. The band handles this classic with great care . As much as it pays tribute to the past, it’s very much a modern tune. It would be an understatement to refer to them as a “cover band,” since their interpretations are original and invigorating. Sully’s seductive voice is smooth and controlled, only stopping when necessary. This album will expose new generations of music lovers to some of the most well-known Soul classics.
Sully’s vocals have a firm clarity, but they also have a gritty, soulful quality that captures the intensity and passion at the core of Soul music. James East’s powerful bass provides the band with a solid foundation. Tipp Sprague, who plays saxophone, flute, and harp, and Steve Dillard, who plays trumpet and flugelhorn, make up the blazing horn section.
In addition to his ventures into the world of Soul and Blues, Sully Band singer Robert “Sully” Sullivan, is the presenter of the nationally syndicated Big Biz Show and On The Air San Diego, as well as founder/owner of The Sully Entertainment Group and Loft100 Studios, and has been named Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s San Diego & Hawaii Region’s Man of the Year.
