Freedom rock

Souped up cars and the Racketeers -- life doesn't get better than this

by Joe Longone

Wormtown rocked this Fourth of July weekend. People were out celebrating summer and life in the freest country on the planet. I had my own perfect picture of Americana: while relaxing on a lounge chair in the open court of the Crowne Plaza with fireworks painting the night sky above, and exhaust from the Nationals filling the air, I watched the Racketeers rip through some savage rockabilly and rhythm and blues.

As my head bobbed digging their clean, lean sounds, I thought about two things that haven't changed for the better since the 1950s -- cars and rock and roll. As proud owners of America's once wildly imaginative autos cruised up and down Main Street, I was captivated by four musicians who were in love with a music once known for its innocence and vitality.

Dana Stewart is the Racketeers' singer and drummer. He stood while pumping a bass drum and whacking the hell out of a sneer. Bob Wilson slapped at a big standup bass, while guitarists Jon Porth and Tom Umberger shook and strutted as they played. This Boston-based quartet did a splendid job of mixing their well-crafted originals with well-chosen covers by the likes of Big Al Downing and Billy Lee Riley. Decked out in retro-gear with slicked back hair, they were the spitting image of the '50s hepcats who originally inspired them to start a band.

I talked to the guys after their set and was surprised to find out just how big the current rockabilly revival had become.

"There's a real rockabilly grapevine," said Porth. "It's a lot like the one punk had about 15 years ago."

Umberger agreed, "It's one big happy family. Everybody knows each other no matter which city we travel to. We all get together to drink, dance, and have a ball."

"What I like about the present scene is that every band seems to be playing authentic rockabilly, not the neo-billy of past revivals," said Stewart.

Stewart should know. He left the high-flying Amazing Royal Crowns (then the Royal Crowns) a year ago to find a more traditional outfit. It didn't take long for him to find what he was looking for. His current bandmates were already friends and fellow rock-and-roll fanatics. In one short year, the Racketeers have toured a good chunk of the country, playing Denver, Pittsburgh, and New York City.

They played with the legendary Ronnie Dawson and opened for the Mighty, Mighty Bosstones. Check out their killer new four-song EP, The Racketeers (Crazy Gator). It breathes the spirit of Eddie Cochran and Gene Vincent with every note.

Stealth report

Those who get down to Sir Morgan's Cove next Friday (July 18) may see music history in the making. Stealth will be making their first area appearance. Led by Ex-Bad Brains bassist Darryl Jenifer, this talented quartet also include heralded rap artist G-Pace (Roguish Armament), ex-Dog Eat Dog drummer Dave Maltby, and guitarist Marc Pagan. Each member's various background in rap, hardcore, punk, and reggae make for a combo with great promise.

After the critically acclaimed outfit Bad Brains dissolved in 1995, Jenifer got together with longtime pal and producer Paget, and they soon became Stealth. They have already toured with the Sex Pistols, and they have just released their debut recording Stealth . . . Death of the Brains. The Cove gig is their only scheduled New England show.

Eleni's closed

For the past five years, Eleni's Midnight Cafe has been one of this city's cultural centers. The restaurant, open only on the weekends, not only served up some great chow but also opened its arms to artists of all stripes. Many of the country's better folk artists performed at this Grafton Hill landmark, and in recent years, Worcester poetry slammers called it their home.

"It just wasn't making it," says Eleni Papadakis, owner and the club's namesake. "I had some wonderful memories, and I leave with no regrets."

Eleni's will celebrate its last hours this weekend (July 12 and 13) with "Eleni's Irish Wake."

Mitchum rocked

Robert Mitchum will always be remembered as the rebellious outsider and one of Hollywood's best leading men. But you may not know that he was also one of the great rock-and-roll actors. The famed movie star recorded a number of albums in the late '50s and early '60s and had a hit with "Thunder Road." Check out such films as Night of the Hunter, Cape Fear (the 1960 version), and Five Card Stud to see this manic genius at work.