"Ten Down: Live at the Bypass"

Oreo Blue

Oreo Blue celebrates a decade of quality blues music with the release of its latest CD, "Ten Down: Live at the Bypass."

"Ten Down" is perhaps the first CD from a local artist to be enhanced with a music video. Performances of "Two Frogs Boogie," a rock-a-billy Oreo Blue song, are blended with scenes of the band playing around in the studio and at a photo shoot.

"Ten Down" is the sixth independent release from the group since it started recording in 1995. The CD is a collection of 10 original songs mixed with four legendary blues covers, including John Lee Hooker's "Dimples." From the almost Latin feel of opening track "I'm Standing Here" to the confessional "Things I've Done and Seen," the CD demonstrates the band's playfulness with styles and genres.

Members say "Ten Down" has captured Oreo Blue's quintessential sound, what they categorize as "hip-shaking, soul-melting, world-class blues." The CD is indeed a great sampling of the band's energetic live shows; it was recorded at a sold-out concert last New Year's Eve at the Bypass in Joplin, Mo.

Oreo Blue's CD is available at Sound Warehouse, Hastings Books Music & Video, all Oreo Blue shows and at www.oreoblue.com.

-- Amy M. Cotham