Rick Rourke: Press

"4 out of 5 stars"Three Sides To Every Story is a compelling listen.Three Sides To
Every Story is not a blues album in the strict sense,but Rourke brings plenty of blues feeling to the table.Rourke's focus is roots rock and Americana with blues and
soul elements,and many of his songs recall the rootsier side of FM rock as it existed in the 1960's and 1970's.The direct or indirect influences on this early 2013 release include among others,Eric Clapton,Van Morrison,JJCale and Bob Dylan.
"Ordinary Man" with it's blue-collar imagery,is not unlike something that Bruce
Springsteen would write.In fact,the song would have fit right in o Springsteen's
most recent album Wrecking Ball.When Rourke employs blue-collar imagery on "Ordinary
Man"and "My Last Job",it doesn't sound the least bit contrived.it Sounds honest and
gutsy.
Mr Henderson has written for Billboard,Spin.Creem,Jazz Times,Cash Box and CDReview

As the closer to the triple-bill, Rick Rourke fronted his band Lost Wages, pointing out to the crowd that he and his group would have been just as proud to have been the opener, rather than the headliner. It isn’t about star-power or popularity when it comes to Rourke; it’s all about the music. Whether co-fronting the Bluz House Rockers, the Out Of Control Rhythm & Blues Band or his own outfit, Rourke is a superbly soulful vocalist, a great guitarist and an intuitive R&B saxophonist-harpist. With the aid of former Lonnie Brooks guitarist Larry Clyman, bassist Lucas Ruedy and drummer Doug Kline, Rourke and company brought the house down with their dynamic, high-energy songs.

"rough and tumble roots music in the vein of Chuck Berry, John Hiatt or Willie Dixon.
"one of the Capital Region's
most soulful rock vocalists"

"Caffe Lena brings to Saratoga world-class songwriters from all over the US and Europe.Once in a while we find an artist of that caliber right in our own back yard.Rick Rourke
and Lost Wages is a perfect
example."

"Lost Wages",Mr Rourke
granted my fantasy-to hear
some gritty,singer-songwriter songwriting with
balls that wasnt full of shit.
thank you Mr Rourke.

This is a cd i've been waiting for and anticipating greatly and it does not dissapoint. An intensely crafted socially conscious disc. "Blown Away" is a station favorite and in heavy rotation at WSPN. A must have in anyone's collection, and you got to make a point to see them live for a real treat.

Rick Rourke has the soul of a grizzled poet.He plays
down-home country flavored blues rock while
telling stories and commenting on modern times.he kicks off the album with "Fortune and Fame",a high energy blues
number about crappy tv
and vapid celebrities.
"Situations getting tense
when we make heroes out
fools"'he warns.Im thankful
for one more voice of reason.I want to send this
cd toall the people who still care about which club
Paris Hilton is hitting tonight.
Rourke does pull a few
playfull punches here and there."Blown Away" actually blends in latin influences and some astonishing violin work from
Craig Thaler.{Thaler's scorching strings are a whole separate reason to
check out this cd}We also
get a touch of humor and
a gospel-tinged road song
in "Truck Stop Jesus".Still
Rick manages to keep his
dusty boots on the ground
and keep this musical road
trip from careening all over the place.He sings mystic storytelling ballads
and foot-stomping country
blues sizzlers.
Rourke's as straightforward as they come,and his music is honest and passionate with
sparks of quick humor and
human drama.Pop open a longneck and give it a listen.

on January 20. Rick Rourke is one of my favorite musicians in the world. Not only does he have an incredible blues voice, super guitar chops and a monster R & B saxophone sound, but Rick is one of the most passionate-about-music musicians you’ll ever meet. He and his band Lost Wages had just played an Obama inauguration party. It was past 10 p.m. The band was packing away their gear, and Rick looked at me and said, ‘I’m going to a blues jam. You want to go? Grab your camera.’ Playing to a packed house, the jam went way past midnight. Rick’s saxophone transformed the room.