Jon Spencer and the HITmakers

industrial noise.”

By Doug Deutsch

Jon Spencer has been called an “indie-punk blues legend,” and that sounds about right.

Spencer, a supremely talented guitarist-singer-songwriter will bring his latest musical incarnation, the HITmakers, to the Anchor Rock Club in Atlantic City this Friday, Feb. 3.

He has either played in or fronted a number of memorable groups including Boss Hog, in which he played in with his wife Cristina Martinez, and once signed to Geffen Records; the Blues Explosion, Heavy Trash and Pussy Galore, the latter being a garage-rock band whose first album I remember receiving to review from Caroline Records in the mid-1980s.

We caught up with Spencer last week during his tour, which had him playing in Montreal that night, and asked about the HITmaker’s sound.

“I would describe it as rock ‘n’ roll, but perhaps I have a slightly different definition of the term from most people,” said Spencer, 57. “I believe that rock ‘n’ roll is a strange, beautiful and somewhat dangerous artform, and the HITmakers try to present the best form of that by combining elements of blues, rockabilly, punk rock, and

Joining Spencer in the HITmakers are Sam Coomes (vocals, synthesizers); Andy Zammit on drums and percussionist Bob Bert, of whom Spencer glowingly says, “Bob Bert plays trash on all of the HITmakers songs. Sometimes swinging two hammers. His drum kit is assembled from the finest pieces of scrap metal and old car parts.”

Spencer is also known for reviving interest in blues legend R.L. Burnside, who started touring and working with The Blues Explosion in the mid-1990s, which greatly revitalized Burnside’s career. Coomes and Bert appear on Jon’s latest album, “Spencer Gets It Lit.”

Bert also spent time with the great New York-noise rock group, Sonic Youth.

Spencer’s influences are, in his words, 60s garage punk as found on compilations like “Back From The Grave,” along with more well-known groups like The Seeds, The Chocolate Watchband, The Thirteenth Floor Elevators, The Music Machine, French Ye-Ye, even The Rolling Stones.

“Atlantic City seems like a swinging place. I once saw Tom Jones there in the early 90s. I hope to be able to bring some of his fire to the Anchor Rock Club.”

Opening for Jon Spencer and the HITmakers are The Bobby Lees, a fun, noisy foursome from Woodstock, N.Y. fronted by the hard-rock female growl of vocalist-guitarist Sam Quartin, who also acts with a role in new horror film, “Candy Land.”

The Bobby Lees have played The Caines in Tulsa, where Quartin now lives, and where others such as The Sex Pistols made their mark on pop culture. They’re new to me, but I’m now a fan.

I’m looking forward to the Spring 2023 Exit Zero Jazz Festival, May 5-7 at the Cape May Convention Hall Main Stage, on 714 Beach Ave. in Cape May.

The tasty lineup includes Samara Joy, Arturo O'Farrill and the Afro Latin Jazz Orchestra; Carlos Henriquez: Tito Puente and Tito Rodriguez Centennial Celebration, Orrin Evans' Philly Jawn vs. Adonis Rose New Orleans All-Stars, all in a beautiful shore setting. Credit to promoter Michael Kline for being able to present shows of this quality.

Three different types of three-day passes can be purchased at https:// www.exitzerojazzfestival.com/tickets.

On Friday, Feb. 17, just in time for Mardi Gras, Exit Zero presents renowned zydeco player Terrance Simien in concert at the Congress Hall Ballroom, also in Cape May. That should be fun.

Band(s) Of The Week: Rage Against The 90s features three of the area’s best tribute acts – Know Your Enemy (Rage Against The Machine tribute); Lounge Act (Nirvana); and Penntera (Pantera tribute). Anchor Rock Club, Friday, Feb. 10. Info/tix: https://www.tixr.com/groups/anchorrockclub/events/rage-againstthe-90-s-51879.

A large, warm wave of love came over the Anchor Rock Club last Saturday at the Celebration of Life for Paul Glaser. Not only did virtually everyone associated with the WLFR 91.7 FM Lake Fred Radio station attend, many of whom took the stage to tell their individual, unique interactions with

Glaser through the years. There were past and present WLFR deejays such as present-day staples Johnny Fones and Bob Portella; from the past, Nancy J (who brought along brother Paul Juestrich, formerly of Philly hardcore legends Deadspot and now playing guitar in rising Philly hardcore group The End AD).

Various members from some great area bands, both past and present, did short but mighty threesong sets, including Chumlee (with two keyboards), Stokes Street, The Callow Gentry, Kielbossannova, Malcolm Tent with 1adam12, Adam Berardo; members of Noise Museum and long ago, The Improbables; Dear Darkhead; and Cigar Box Stompers.

Performers included Sara Holt (Molly Ringworm), Bongo Dave, Bill Bengle, John Menzel, Tim Nolan, William LaPeze, Desi Berardo, Kevin Murphy, David Reis, JS Grites, Dan Walker, Eric Festentine, Paul More’, Brent Simonsen, Kevin Harrington and Rob Weiss.

Kudos to local musician Niko Berardo from AC’s Bare Bodkin; and Sherry Glaser, Paul’s sister-in-law, for assembling such a special tribute.

Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug also hàs experience writing for the one time shore-based weekly publication, Whoot! He also was a team member with Chip Braymes Advertising. Doug loves bicycling and aspires to bring the Blues to Atlantic City. He can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail. com and www.facebook.com/ dougdeutschpublicity.