Page 21 - ION Indie Magazine MayJune 2019

The name came about when Bob Russell decided to go from a solo
act to a band format. Bob wanted something that reflected his roots,
derived from playing in the 60s and 70s in Chicago. He played in a lot
of warehouses in Chicago, near and around transportation, mostly
around trains. Coming up with the actual name seemed to take
forever, but one day while he was driving in the downtown area of
Tucson, he was looking at all the warehouses and started thinking
about his Chicago days. After a bit of banter back and forth -- with the
record company throwing out different ideas -- Midnight Transit Co.
seemed the best fit as it felt reminiscent of the old days, but yet, it still
sounded fresh.

Speaking of warehouses…Midnight Transit Co. Performed a show at
191 Toole, which is right in the heart of warehouse city in Tucson.
This intimate venue looked as if it would have some of the best blues
around on any night of the week. Midnight Transit Co. kicked off the
evening with some funky blues and rock. What a nice surprise they
were…with Bob Russell on guitar and vocals, Les Merrihew on
drums, Stefin Gordon on bass and vocals, Rob Francis on keys, and
Rene R Andreotta on guitar and vocals. They performed a really
catchy, rhythmic set. This is one tight and talented band!

The venue was semi-filled with people eager to see the great Midnight
Transit Co., who are known for rocking the blues with visceral, 70s-
style guitar riffs, bodied with soulful vocals and all-around great tunes.
I’ve chatted in the past with Bob but never saw him perform live, and
I was thrilled to be witnessing one of the great under-rated bands of
our time. Midnight Transit Co. is one helluva blues rock band with
dazzling intensity and feel.

The dance floor was filling up with people of all ages, but mostly
upwards of 45. The vibe kinda reminded me of Woodstock (if I would
have attended). Guitar solos were downright smooth -- still edgy and
intense but with soul and life. The five of them put on a performance
that no one in that audience will soon forget. But it was more than
world-class musicianship…Midnight Transit Co. delivered dynamic,
all raw emotion and energy, giving themselves over completely to
their music. If there is a way to describe them, it would be originally
authentic. Watching them perform with heart, I sensed something
different, something rare, something down-to-earth in the way they
performed.

There was some kind of magic happening on the stage and to see it
up close and personal, instead of just sitting in the back of the club
entertaining the bartenders, was indeed awesome. In the end, their
music was refreshing for me. This band is definitely one to keep an
eye out for!