Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys come to Helsinki

HUDSON — It’s gonna be a rock ‘n’ roll blowout when one of Club Helsinki Hudson’s all-time favorite artists -- Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys - rock the house on Friday, November 8, at 9 p.m..

Rockabilly and other pre- and early-rock ‘n’ roll styles, including Western swing, honkytonk, doo-wop, jump blues, and country boogie, never go out of style. And that’s why Big Sandy and His Fly-Rite Boys have been successful at keeping the flame of early rock ‘n’ roll alive for over a quarter-century. Led from the beginning by Robert Williams, aka Big Sandy, the group has expanded its musical scope over the last three decades from its roots in rockabilly - which garnered them a place in the Rockabilly Hall of Fame - to incorporate the full range of pre- and early-rock ‘n’ roll influences. Hearing Big Sandy instantly puts a listener in mind of early greats like Buddy Holly, Roy Orbison, Buck Owens, Chuck Berry, and, of course, Elvis Presley.

Over the last three decades, Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys have kept up a constant cycle of traveling back and forth across the lower 48, then traveling to Europe and beyond, spreading the gospel of old-fashioned American rockabilly. They bring with them a brand of American music that has earned them an induction into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame, several national television appearances, guest spots on the Grand Ole Opry, and a slew of adoring fans.

“I truly love being out on the road, and I feel blessed to have the opportunity to sing my songs all over the world,” says Big Sandy. “But when I’m away from the U.S. for too long, it’s like I need a recharge... like I need a solid dose of everything Americana. Give me a Chuck Berry song while rolling down the interstate, or a truck stop conversation with a waitress who once danced with Lefty Frizzell, and I’m good for another three thousand miles.”

To see how it’s done, check them out performing “Love That Man” at MerleFest a few years ago. Listen to the big, chunky guitar lines, the Jordanaires-like backing vocals, and Big Sandy’s Elvis-like natural vibrato on “Chalk It Up to the Blues.”

The group’s approach encompasses a bit of Western swing mixed with gospel on “My Sinful Ways Are Over,” and their version of “Backdoor Dan” demonstrates their love of jump-blues and early R&B.

You might even hear some Freddy Fender music - the group is scheduled to release a tribute album to the Tejano singer soon - perhaps “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.”

Big Sandy talks about rockabilly and his group’s sound on Kansas City Live! before launching into an in-studio version of “Chalk It Up to the Blues.”

Most of us were too young to have experienced the thrill of rockabilly the first time around. That’s why it’s so great to have Big Sandy and his Fly-Rite Boys to re-create that sound and experience.

Remember - for reservations in the Restaurant or in the club call 518.828.4800. To purchase tickets online go here. For the most up-to-date concert information, always visit Club Helsinki Hudson.