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Artie Tobia Band

Back in the day, people would play an LP and enjoy the album cover while playing the music. We're trying to bring back a little of that feeling here with some album information, some music, and video.

Lyrics for Mercy Wright

Mercy Wright – on The Parade (Blue Knuckles Music©2001) Red Tail Hawk Records


Artwork mock up for back of The Parade cd

Mercy Wright Mercy Wright oh I need you tonight
Lord won’t have a little mercy
on poor old Mercy Wright
I got a call from San Antonio it was a woman in a fight
Said that she was calling needed a little Jesus in her life
Seems she had some trouble with her body and her soul
wants someone to reach out and touch her Salvation was her goal
Mercy Wright Mercy Wright oh I need you tonight
Lord won’t have a little mercy
On poor old Mercy Wright
As she spoke her words I heard her voice begin to crack
she paused for a moment trying to fight her tears back.
You could tell that her life had been filled up with pain
I heard they put her away one time does that make old Mercy insane
Mercy Wright Mercy Wright oh I need you tonight
Lord won’t have a little mercy
On poor old Mercy Wright
Then she pulled her thoughts away from her pain
Tried to steer herself out of the dark clouds and rain
She was running from the devil who was dangling his noose
She turned toward the future the blue skies of hope gave her a boost
Mercy Wright Mercy Wright oh I need you tonight
Lord won’t have a little mercy
On poor old Mercy Wright

Chase The Sun

In this album, “Chase The Sun”, Artie Tobia has penned a musical novel giving us a glimpse into the semi-fictional life of the Vagabond.  “In many ways the Vagabond served as a surrogate for my own life ” says Tobia. The story unfolds over thirteen song chapters, revealing a flawed man on a journey with dreams, passions, and romantic notions. He is everybody out there “searching for the sweet life.”  “Chase the Sun” grew from the reality that life has many surprises, disappointments and triumphs. Love found, love lost. Dreams dashed, dreams realized. Freedom. Longing. Life and death. They are there for all of us. But they are not what shape us so much as the meaning that we give to them.  Enjoy the ride and never stop chasing the sun. 

The Parade

The Parade is a diverse collection of stories about people, places and events. The title track is an emotional struggle between hope and anger over what is and what should be.  A trip through Memphis and a dying woman from Texas introduce us to some of the people with whom our storyteller has crossed paths. A carefree summertime romp in Dogwood Tree Blues allows the listener to shift gears and maintain interest. Flowers of Evil is a direct hit on the tragedies that our young people face today as well as society's pains.  The closing tune, a goodbye from a son to his father is sure to leave some listeners wanting for more. It is a slice of Americana, a blend of rock, folk, country and blues, sure to appeal to a broad range of listener. 

Still In The Way

  In early '89 Artie Tobia formed Five O'clock Shadow, the name coming from a late night conversation in a local tavern with his friend Joe. As with many bands it went through a few incarnations over the coming weeks and months but finally the line up solidified. After the first gig in the storied Greenwich Village things moved quickly.Playing anywhere they could, they built a loyal following through one thing... the music.The driving guitar of Tim Fitzgerald punctuated the raspy blues solid vocals of Artie Tobia. Complimented by the dynamic and tight groove of the rhythm section of Bob "Baboom" Petti on bass and Rob Garcia on drums it all comes together in a magical way.   
   
Lyrical content that is reflective of the smoldering and seductive world that is out there.  The songs will carry you through lost love, the seedy underworld of drug pushers, lost souls on the street, evocative women that can blind a man's judgment, broken hearts and some good old lustful thinking...  Like in Mexico which tells the story of a man who will drive all the way South of the Border just to get his.... Or Sweet Heat which drips with fanciful burning desires for a man's new dish...  Crazy Mary was an acquaintance of the band and it tells the tale of her fall from the corporate world to the streets of New York City.  Among other highlights is the title track Still In the Way.  A song which begs for an understanding and answer from a confused lover...it is a classic rock blues tune. 

 

 

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