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 Standard Times February 07, 2008 y by Sean McCarthy
Standard-Times correspondent
Blues Train Band celebrates CD release
They are a band of a different stripe — a local blues quintet that thrives on their diversity as much as their grooveability.
And this Saturday you can catch the Blues Train Band as they celebrate the release of their self-titled debut CD at the Whaling Museum, beginning at 6 p.m. The night will open with a reception in the Jacobs Family Gallery with complimentary hors d'oeuvre from Partners Village Store and Waterstreet Cafe, and a cash bar from Cardoza's. At 7, the party moves into the museum theater for a performance of the original songs that are contained on the CD.
"This album is about our diversity," says bassist Gerry Dupont. "There's definitely an eclectic mix."
"People tell me it's more than a collection of songs that sound the same," says vocalist, guitarist, and harmonica player Jack Jennings. "Every song brings something new to the table. In a sense it's like a real train — each car has a function that makes the train run and accommodates the passengers."
"It's the collective decision of the band not to sound like anyone else," says vocalist/keyboardist Dori Legge. "Even when we're playing someone else's songs we put our own twist on them."
 The ability to perform creatively in this format is a release for guitarist.vocalist Donn Legge, who has a master's degree in jazz guitar and teaches music full-time at Whitman-Hanson High School.
"We're not going out there and playing straight jazz," Mr. Legge says. "It's another whole side of music with a wide variety of opportunitites. This band is a great outlet for me. It helps keep me going."
Mr. Dupont gives a lot of the credit for the band's success to the talents of frontpersons Ms. Legge and Mr. Jennings. "To me, it's as though Dori and Jack are two of the main charged particles and that myself, Don and Paul are the grounding wires. You never know what things Dori and Jack are going to do creatively. I really enjoy playing with those guys."
"Our audiences have come to enjoy our performances," Ms. Legge. "They often tell us 'You guys look like you're having so much fun. We don't stand there like robots, we interact and jump around. We bring a lot of energy and charisma to the stage. Even though I'm a 40-something there's still some sex appeal. I'm not opposed to wearing a leather skirt, even if it drives my kids crazy."
"Danceability is an important priority for us," Mr. Jennings says. "We love our audiences. It's important for them to have fun."
"We play this music because we love it," says Ms. Legge. "Our original music is a bit beyond the blues. Our writing styles includes jazz and rock. We're not a typical blues band. Our age has something to do with that — we all have careers and families so we can afford to have some fun when we get together."
 The band, begun by Mr. Jennings seven years ago, was originally known as just Blues Train but had to expand the name to the Blues Train Band when a California band claimed the copyright.
The 11-song CD was recorded at Bongo Beach Studios in Fall River. The entire process lasted from January 2007 to last November.
"We've written these songs for our own interest but I'd love to hear them being played on someone else's car stereo," says drummer Paul Raymond.We want people to come and listen to our music, share some food and wine in a beautiful setting," says Ms. Legge. "It's not a bad way to start your Saturday night out."
Admission is free; CDs will be available for purchase.
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