THE TOM PRINCIPATO BAND IS RAISING THE ROOF ON NEW CD

THE TOM PRINCIPATO BAND IS RAISING THE ROOF ON NEW CD,
DUE MARCH 4, 2008, ON POWERHOUSE RECORDS

WASHINGTON, DC – Powerhouse Records announces a February 19, 2008, release date for Raising the Roof, the new album from guitarist extraordinaire Tom Principato and his band, distributed nationally by Redeye Distribution.

Long-acknowledged as one of the premier guitarists in the world, Tom Principato’s latest CD builds on the universal acclaim for his 2005 release, Guitar Gumbo, which won awards from the Washington Area Music Association (WAMA) for “Best Blues Recording” and “Best Blues Vocalist.” With these new honors, Tom has now won a total of 22 “Wammies.” In addition, a song from that album, “If Love Is Blind,” written by Dave Kitchen, was named “Song of the Year.”

The Tom Principato Band has made a name for itself around the world with extensive touring throughout North America, as well as regular appearances in Norway, Sweden, Germany, Belgium, Holland, Switzerland, Austria, France, Italy, Spain, Finland, Greece and Turkey, among others. In addition to Principato on guitar and vocals, the band features John Perry on bass and backup vocals, Joe Wells on drums and Josh Howell on congas and percussion.

On Raising the Roof, the Tom Principato Band is joined by long-time DC-area favorite Tommy Lepson, who contributes his soulful Hammond B3 organ playing and vocals, as well as several other special guests. The new album showcases nine songs (including 6 originals) that demonstrate the breadth of Tom’s musical influences ranging from blues, jazz and rock, to funk, reggae and New Orleans sounds.

The three covers include a jazzy workout of Jimmy Smith’s “8 Counts for Rita,” a cooking take on J.J. Cale’s “Lies,” and a new version of Louis Jordan’s “Fish Fry” that brings on the funk and Jamaican flavors to this R&B classic, a long-time staple of the band’s live shows.

The Tom Principato Band will begin a world-wide tour in support of Raising the Roof shortly after its release, including showcase club dates and festival shows.

In a career that spans over 40 years, Tom Principato has established himself as a world-class guitarist, and with the formation of his Powerhouse Records, he has released critically-acclaimed music and video from such additional stellar talent as guitarists Roy Buchanan and Danny Gatton as well as The Nighthawks.

For more information on The Tom Principato Band or Powerhouse Records, visit www.tomprincipato.com or www.powerhouserecords.com.