The Original Blues Brothers
The Last Shade Of Blue Before Black

Quotes

"Maybe it’s the energy and atmosphere of their nearly overdub-free, “live”-in-the-studio approach that makes for the consistent good-vibes character of this set".
rootsmusicreport.com

"…The Last Shade of Blue Before Black - a title speaking volumes…a live-in-the-studio exercise in big-band, horn-driven R&B. Opening with the Jimmy Reed standard "Baby, What You Want Me To Do," it delivers undiminished pleasure, reminding us happily why r&b is so often called good-time music. Be on the lookout in particular, not quite midway through, for "You Left the Water Running." Now, there's r&b songwriting".
Rambles.net

"…you have to check it out. It’s fun and funky and you don’t have to listen to “Rawhide”!"
“New Blues News”, WTJU 91.1 FM, U. of Virginia

"Like the best show band you've ever heard totally jacked up on Red Bull, The Original Blues Brothers Band picks up where they left off…This disc simply smokes from the jump and continues relentlessly to the finish. Available wherever fine albums are sold, and strongly recommended. This one's going onto my short list for consideration as best album of the year. You'll probably feel the same way, too!"
BluesBlastMagazine.com

"…That's pretty much the vibe here, good times and plenty of guest solos…there's plenty to enjoy from the group's own trio of vocalists, Bobby Harden, Tommy McDonnell and Rob Paparozzi, and with seasoned band vets…all the performances are grade A. In film terms, this album is a lot more like the first movie than the regrettable second". 
top100canadianblog.blogspot.ca

"…sounds and feels as good as you’d dare hope and then some. Mixing blues and funk, these songs keep The Blues Brothers spirit alive without feeling like its cashing in on Jake & Elwood’s legacy…the sound is tight and lively, powered by some seriously excellent musicianship. Bottom line, The Last Shade Of Blue Before Black is the sound of a group of incredibly talented musicians having a blast, laying these tracks down on tape without thought of commercial success (is there such a thing anymore?) but rather because they’re simply too good not to share. Great music and passionate playing always make sticking around worthwhile, and this set is about as uplifting and enjoyable as it gets".
5 star review
The Rock Doctor

"With a line-up like this, one would expect classic soul and blues...and that is exactly what the band delivers. This is soulful, bluesy, and funky enough to bring a smile to James Brown's face.  This is a party, small enough to put in your pocket.  Pour yourself a drink, turn up the volume and be prepared to take it to the dance floor.  Classics made famous by Jimmy Reed, Rufus Thomas, Willie Dixon, Otis Redding, James Brown and more are treated with the utmost respect and delivered in such a way that if your feet don't start movin'...you best call the coroner.  Classic soul and blues, done by masters who've been playing it for more years than I can count.  This one is a keeper."
Refections In Blue

"…the essence of the band. Basically, recorded live, they are sprawling pieces that one can envision in a smoky bar late at night. The Lou Marini title track album ender is seven minutes of proving that the band is still relevant. For those of use who were actually around in 1978 when the Blues Brothers debuted as a one-time skit on Saturday Night Live, it's good to have them still around. And be sure to turn up the volume".
www.dailyvault.com

"Expertly played and highly entertaining, fans of the original band will not be disappointed with The Last Shade of Blue Before Black".
Living Blues Magazine

"This latest go round, The Last Shade of Blue Before Black, is the best yet…There's a lot of outfits purporting to be blues bands, but this one's hard to top. It's great to hear a horn section that sounds this muscular but doesn't overpower the arrangements. The band pays homage to the Muscle Shoals and Stax Records sound but doesn't copy the originals note for note, letting the material expand and grow as some of the original creators breathe new life into it. Let's just hope the title isn't prophetic, and this isn't the last shade of blue before the final blackout curtain comes down. This band of blues brothers deserves a few more encores"
nodepression.com