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>> NEW STYLE AND VINTAGE GUITAR ADD TO LATEST ALBUM PRINCIPATO FINDS NEW BLUES MUSES

D.C. blues mainstay Tom Principato tries out a new sound

Date published: 11/20/2008

BY 'DOC' HENLEY SMYTHE

FOR THE FREE LANCE-STAR

On the heels of the recent presidential election, voters are hoping that change will be good for the nation's capital.

However, Washington-based guitarist Tom Principato has already proved to his blues constituents throughout the area that change can be for the better.

For more than 40 years and 11 solo albums, Principato and his Fender Telecaster have ably led the blues lobby in D.C. But with the vigor of a newly inaugurated president, Principato has upped the stakes recently.

He brings a fresh, funky feel to the blues that's sure to have patrons out of their seats and onto their feet Saturday night at Colonial Tavern.

In a phone interview from his home in Falls Church, Princi-pato spoke about the new sound.

"It's sort of a mutation of those styles that I've always liked to do. I've just stumbled on it the last few years," he said.

"I've always done the chicken-pickin' Telecaster thing, but I'd never really thought to combine it with the New-Orleans-style, syncopated, funky rhythms that we're playing. The two fit together perfectly."

Principato is quick to acknowledge his band's contributions, too. "It's been a good long stint with this core rhythm section," he noted.

Bassist John Perry has been playing with Principato for more than 12 years. ("Wow! I've never played that long with anyone," Principato laughed.)

Drummer Joe Welsh joined about 6 years ago, followed by conga player Josh Howell, who became a full-time member a few years back after recording with the band.

This band's new sound can be heard on their latest album, "Raising the Roof." Bristling with great grooves, Principato's signature guitar work is at the forefront--and better than ever.

He attributes this to a vintage edition of his instrument of choice. "You can get a lot of really colorful overtones and squawks and noises out of a Telecaster. It's got that bright, twangy, really expressive sound," he said.

"I stumbled onto a special one about five years ago. It's from 1960, and I'm fortunate to own it, because it's one of those one-in-a-thousand guitars that just sounds fantastic. That's the one you hear on the albums."

What: Tom Principato Band Where: Colonial Tavern, 406 Lafayette Blvd. When: Saturday, 10 p.m. Cost: $10 Info: 540/373-1313 Web: irishbrigadetavern.com

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Date published: 11/20/2008