On a Sunday evening in June, 1984, the legendary Iron City Houserockers played one of their best shows ever to a frenzied audience who had packed into the infamous Decade rock club. The night was bittersweet, as it was to be the last gig ever played by the band.  I had been lucky enough to be in the audience that night and witness what appeared to be the end of something very special.  However, a feature article covering the farewell concert and demise of the band in the University of Pittsburgh newspaper later that week offered hope. It was announced the leader of the Houserockers, Joe Grushecky, had plans to embark on a solo career. 

Little did the music world realize, Joe Grushecky's best music still lay ahead of him.  Anyone familiar with Grushecky's story knows that his body of work has received critical acclaim throughout the rock community, from his debut national recording in 1979 through his recent work with rock icon Bruce Springsteen.  It was written and broadcast from New York to Los Angeles that Joe Grushecky deserved to be recognized as an artist with talent equal to some of the most noted in the business. As has been the case with some of the greatest rock innovators, Joe has yet to attain the commercial success he is due. 

Grushecky's lifetime of sacrifice has provided one big upside.  He continues to work hard at producing masterfully written songs.  While many artists who strike it rich early in their career live off a hit or two the rest of their lives, Grushecky has had to "earn" his living by continuing to mine a rich vein of talent within himself.  He has proven over the years that those personal resources don't evaporate over time.  Look at Bob Dylan's recent Grammy recognized success.  Isn't U2 producing some of their most relevant music over twenty years into their careers?  Grushecky's most recent songwriting rivals anything he has produced over his wonderful career. 

Joe Grushecky's newest offering, his 12th release, stands up to all that has come before it.  Grushecky's brand new CD, "Fingerprints" (available on Schoolhouse Records), is a fourteen song collection of the most personal material he has ever written.  From hard rockers to beautifully played ballads to techno rock to an ode to R&B, this CD showcases Grushecky's ability to remain contemporary without forsaking just what made rock n' roll so great to begin with.  The wide range of music on "Fingerprints" promises to keep every listening a fresh, new experience. 

From the opening track, "You and Tonight", it is clear the Grushecky magic is still as powerful as ever.  Rocking hard is still in this man's blood and he proves it with the previously mentioned rocker, as well as in "Crazy World", "I Won't Let My Spirit Fall" and "I'll Give You Something To Cry About."  "Crazy World" is the perfect remedy for the frustrations encountered in our modern society, complete with the notorious Grushecky growl..."I try not to take it so personally...But sometimes I just cannot help myself."  The absurdity of life is vividly illustrated in the lyrics, "The schools in our cities are deserted and dark...But we got enough money to build a new ballpark."

The gorgeous trilogy of "I Remember It", "That's All I Want From You" and "Rainy Day in Pittsburgh" are gems mined from Grushecky's rich experiences, culled from years in recording studios.  Remember could have been recorded at Sun Records.  "All I Want" is a daily valentine to a partner in life.  And, "Rainy Day" is quite possibly the most beautiful song I've ever heard.  It is reminiscent of Van Morrison's best creations.

The title track and "Hey Lefty" reveal lessons learned only through the grace of experience and reflection on the blessings of life.  "Lefty" is a tribute to Grushecky's departed father-in-law. The CD is dedicated to his memory as well.  

"Easy Money" features a funky beat provided by Rick Witkowski's electric Dobro and pulsating guitar work by Grushecky.  It's easy to imagine "Talk Is Cheap" being done by U2. 

"Lucky Man" is an R&B romp that pays homage to all those great R&B groups from the 60's and 70's.  Providing incredible harmony on background vocals are Pittsburgh music scene veterans: B.E. Taylor, Donnie Marsico, Herman Granati and Rick Witkowski.   "Spanish Blood" was inspired by experiences acquired during Grushecky's frequent tours of Spain. 

"The Wall" continues Grushecky's commitment to remembering the fallen members of his generation in Viet Nam, started with the old Houserocker classic "Saints and Sinners." For a generation that was unfamiliar with paying the ultimate sacrifice for our way of life until 9/11, the lyrics found here resonate even more profoundly in this day, "They were just kids so young so far away from home...Who we asked to give it all."

"Fingerprints" is Joe Grushecky's initial true solo venture.  Sans his longtime back-up band, The Houserockers, he enlisted the help of friends and family on these recording sessions.  Friends who contributed on select cuts are as follows: Rick Witkowski on electric guitar, Spanish guitar, bass and percussion, in addition to vocals; Hermie Granati, another Pittsburgh legend, lends his magical touch on keyboards, piano and vocals; Eddie Brown on bass; former Brick Alley Band guitarist Frank Soriano played acoustic guitar on "All I Want"; Tom Belin, bass; Jamie Peck, organ; Tony Mora, drums; and Jannie Saxon, vocals.  The Grushecky family does their part as well as Joe's wife, LeeAnn, adds vocals and thirteen year old son, John, plays drums and earns co-writing credit on "Talk Is Cheap."  This solo effort also afforded Grushecky himself the opportunity to perform nearly all of the guitar work, a task usually shared with Bill Toms, the Houserockers phenomenal lead guitarist.  Grushecky's incendiary guitar riffs have been featured throughout his live performances and are finally captured in the studio throughout "Fingerprints."  The CD was produced by Grushecky and Witkowski, mastered by Jim Piontkowski and recorded at Witkowski's Studio L.

Joe Grushecky once said in an interview, the point is to make music that "moves your feet and your brains at the same time."  Nobody has ever made better intelligent rock and roll than this American original.