FIFTY AMP FUSE

Fifty Amp Fuse has become a favorite band for the celebrity set, corporations and organizations, festivals, cool music joints and private event.

Review: by Paul Laginess

I know musicians have varying viewpoints on the merits of being in a good cover band. Some purists might consider trying to sound "just like the record" an endeavor lacking in dignity. I'm betting that anyone with that attitude probably never tried to actually do it.

Speaking as a guy who now plays in a band that does a substantial amount of original material and whose thoughts generally go right to "how can we change this" when tackling OPs, and as someone who played in - arguably - the best cover band in the Detroit area for a 4 year period in the late 70s, I can say I have a great appreciation for competent bands who play other people's music. "Competent band" is a huge understatement though when it comes to Fifty Amp Fuse. Good friend, and owner of the familiar voice heard on nearly all of the Artistlaunch radio shows produced over the last 7 years, Remy Lambert, is the straw that stirs the drink, but the drink itself is a powerful concoction because there is so much talent amongst the other 4 members of the band.

It's probably easy to imagine that such a full-bodied radio-friendly voice like Remy's might also be capable of some quality singing. But this dude is scary good. His range is insane. One minute he's out Barry White-ing Barry White on Can't Get Enough of Your Love, and the next he's nailing Phillip Bailey's falsetto leads in EWF's Shining Star. Then he'll turn around and rip you a new one singing Billy Idol's Rebel Yell or doing a note perfect John Lennon, sometimes even fully costumed. Just check out their promo video for that sight and a solid taste of his other abilities.

And past Remy, the rest of the band shines brightly as well. I've long been an admirer of bassist Dave Eversole who played and sang with Bobby Louis and the Crackerjack Band for about 2 decades, one of Detroit's best cover bands going all the way back to the 60s. Great vocals and instrumental support are also provided by Allen David, Billy Kamalay and newest member Tam Johnstone on keys, rhythm guitar and drums, respectively. I haven't seen the band since Tam (son of Elton John guitarist, Davey) joined but I mean to rectify that situation soon. Remy played a CD of some of his original material for me just before he came to the US and I was very impressed. I've no doubt that the band is even better now than before even though it's hard to imagine. If you're ever in the Detroit area, make it a point to see this excellent band.