The code of the sideman, it’s like the NDAs of Rock and Roll, you don’t make waves, you don’t talk “out of school”, and you don’t ask for personal favors (like hey, you wanna play on a track I’m producing). As I listen to this one, I am greatly amused at how transparent my influences are. Obviously a nod (or more) to Green Onions but the sonic crunch is Zep all the way. I am also moved as I reflect on just how patient Rich and Vino are, putting up with my “play this like this” vibe. (I don’t do that anymore, now I say, play what YOU hear and feel) Thanks Rich and Vino, I love you guys. Well, I hope you all enjoy this one, until then Sayonara.
Oh, wait, one more thing, the artwork* on this one directly speaks to my feelings about Bob Britt’s move in his recent musical adventure (remember the code).
Sayonara (feat. Bob Britt)
Bob Britt - Lead Guitar
Rich Kirch - Rhythm Guitar
Alvino M. Bennett - Drums
Frank Swart - Bass
Streamable everywhere Weds. 8/12/26
*This is a woodblock print by Kuniyoshi (1797-1861), one of the last recognized masters of ukiyo-e, from his series “Stories of the True Loyalty of the Faithful Samurai” (Seichu gishi den), published between 1847 and 1848. The figure depicted is one of the 47 Rōnin, specifically identified in the text as Chitose Yagorō Noriyasu (千歳矢五郎則休), one of forty-seven individual portraits in the series.
The story behind it: the forty-seven rōnin avenged the death of their master in the early 18th century, after their lord was forced to commit seppuku for drawing a weapon in the palace. It’s arguably the most culturally significant loyalty-and-revenge narrative in Japanese history, still retold constantly in film, TV, and kabuki. These are emblematic of loyalty, sacrifice, and determination in Japanese culture, not decorative samurai imagery, they’re specific portraits of specific historical/legendary men known by name and story. - Fuji Arts
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