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Bring It On Home, the debut album from Indiana newcomers Head Honchos, is a family affair. Father and son, side by side, guitars in hand and the blues in their hearts. The elder of the two, Rocco Calipari Sr, ain’t no new kid on the block, time already well served with respected outfit Howard And The White Boys. The younger - you guessed it - Rocco Calipari Jr, is his father’s equal, the mix of youthful exuberance and maturity serving the pair well as they blast out a smart mix of originals and covers. Aided by drummer Scott Schultz and alternating bass-men Roberto Agosto and CC Copeland, where this outfit truly make their mark is through their chosen blues-attack. Long known for its serious, maudlin, ‘heavy’ outlook, here the blues are delivered with a glint in its eye and the intention to bring the good times. Sprinkling a little funk here, a slice of soul there and some mighty fine fret frolics just about everywhere, the one thing you’re assured by the time the thirteen tracks have had their way with you, is that you’ll be grinning from ear to ear. “Lucky’s Train” even alluding to that fact, the lyrics talking of a shit eating grin as a deep harmonica fuelled groove thunders into the station.

Whether it’s the more familiar tones of “Fire On The Bayou” and “Going Down”, or the brand new and undoubtedly spanking “Not For Me”, with its tribal beats, and “Whiskey Devil” and its darting guitar and horns, there’s an irresistible up-tempo vibe that runs so deep through these songs that you just have to give in to it. The mix of the album from Mike Regan assures there’s also a clear picture of exactly what’s going on, while the mastering work from Grooveyard Records regular Stavros Papadopoulos is remarkably bright. Although the sheer force of the kick-drum and bass guitar in the opening pair of cuts on this album, does, at volume, dance maybe just a little too readily in your chest.

That, however, is the only minor quibble as “That Drivin’ Beat” careens past with no little precision and poise, and “Work” hits home with real force and passion. With Rocco Snr possessing a hugely convincing vocal bark and a serous flair on the frets, it’s Jnr who locks in tight with the rhythm men, as they lay down the unmovable foundations and allow the melodies and solos to weave their spell. Bring It On Home is exciting, it’s vibrant, but most of all, this debut from the Head Honchos is damn good fun.

Steven Reid / Sea Of Tranquility (September 2018)
 

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Every now and then I hear a guitarist in a band and just know that if he ever ventured off and fronted his own band he would record some outstanding music. I remember well seeing John Mayall in concert several years ago and being blown away watching Buddy Whittington front the band without Mayall for a few tunes to open the set. It took a few years but the day finally came when he put out his first and very fine solo recording.

A good while back, I reviewed the CD “Made in Chicago” from one of my favorite bands Howard and the White Boys. I recall writing about their then formidable lineup which included a guitarist named Rocco Calipari whose work I enjoyed very much. When I heard that Rocco had recently recorded a work with his own band, Head Honchos, I was anxious to hear his solo work.

I am pleased to report that this recording did not disappoint. “Bring It On Home” is the debut release from Calipari and his band Head Honchos and it is a very fine piece of work. Calipari has assembled a first rate group of musicians including his very talented son Rocco Jr. on second guitar, and a top flight rhythm section featuring a most excellent duo of C.C. Copeland and Roberto Agosto on bass and yet another outstanding Chicago drummer Steve Schultz. The music is pure blues/rock, lots of molten slide or wah heavy guitar work, some Chicago style blues some more modern, very emotional, pulse pounding bass guitar, and sledgehammer drumming. Rocco’s vocals are very good and well suited to their overall sound. The material is a mix of covers and very fine original tracks. If this band can stay together and find material to record that plays to their collective strengths, they have a chance to reach a very large audience all over the world and perhaps become something truly very special. Rocco Sr. is a terrific player and singer and Rocco Jr. continues to develop into an upper tier player. It has to be a tremendous blessing to have a son play in a band with you, especially when he adds so much to the finished product. This is a band churning out consistently excellent material and one certainly worthy of keeping your eye on for future recordings.

The music centers around the two headed blues/rock driven monster guitars of Rocco I and II. There is some harp, keyboards, and a few horns at points but this recording and band is undeniably dominated by the collective Calapari guitar licks. The songs are hard driving and mostly up-tempo and the absence of filler material will be much to your liking. Hard to pick favorites, as they are all candidates for that honor, but I especially liked their cover of Freddie King’s “Going Down”, “Whiskey Devil”, which for my money is both the best song in the set and their best original recording as well, and Wilson Pickett’s “99 ½ Won’t Do”. But, as I said you will like it all and really any of the songs could make a case to be on my favorite list.

“Bring It On Home” is available from the fine folks at Grooveyard Records at this link, and if you are not buying from Grooveyard you are missing a LOT of great recordings. Be sure to visit the band online at their official site www.theheadhonchosband.com and tell them we sent you their way.

Tom Branson / Bluesrock Reviews (May 2019)
 

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Head Honchos have just delivered a master class in leaning into it. Bring It On Home, their debut, is raunchy, dual guitar-driven blues/ rock that shakes the rafters.

Though hailing from Indiana there’s plenty of the Deep South in this treasure chest of scrappy tunes. Echoes of Skynyrd can be heard and felt all over this disc, recommended to fans of Johnny Winter, SRV, Robin Trower and Walter Trout- style blues badness. Head Honchos are new, powered by the father/son guitar duo of Rocco Calipari Sr. and Jr., and they get into some serious jam action. Rocco Sr. is a long-time member of Howard & The White Boys, and he has schooled his son well in the ways of the blues.

It’s tempting to call Bring It On Home rock & roll because the energy of the whole band is so forceful and relentless. Besides, my favorite rock is always blues-based… but this is straight up, hard-ass blues. Nothing here gets done by half measures, and when they play nothing is held back. The rhythm section has plenty of flex, the Hammond adds just right shade of blue, there’s some fine harp work, and the guitar solos are hellacious. Plus, they save the ballad for the end of the record.

Father & son guitar hot shots with a great band to help pull it all together; Head Honchos’ Bring It On Home isn’t just good, it’s shit-hot rockin’ blues- better get yourself some.

John Kereiff - The Rock Doctor / Gonzookanagan (May 2019)
 

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There’s a new band in town and it’s called the Head Honchos. Their premiere platter is titled Bring It On Home. But first, for those not up on their indie artists, a bit o’ background on the band in question. The Head Honchos are an Indiana-born band with a family feel. The roster includes Rocco Calipari Sr. (guitar and lead vocals), his son Rocco Calipari Jr. (guitar), Scott Schultz (drums and backing vocals). and (on this album) both Roberto Agosto and CC Copeland on bass. The band's signature sound is a musical mashup of music genres including hard rock, blues, southern rock, soul and funk.

Guest musicians include Steve Ball (keyboards), Phil Smith (percussion), Jo Jo Dotlich (harmonica), Joe J.B. Brown (saxophone), and Mitch Goldman (trumpet). The father and son element (as well as covers and new songs) here provides an obvious blend of maturity and the freshness of youth. There are five covers and eight originals. It’s a groove-anchored, blues rock recording with a southern rock tinge.

The CD opens on “Not For Me.” The song gets things stirring quickly enough and is reminiscent of late 1960s-early 1970s R&B. It has a tribal touch to it. “Old And Tired” has an admittedly old school feel complete with a bit of a funky blues vibe. “Work” kicks up things up a notch. It includes the signature sound energetic vocals and killer guitar work. “Come Strong” has that previously-mentioned southern rock touch amidst the straight-ahead blues-rock It’s undoubtedly a great dance tune at their live shows. “Next To You” features a good drum groove and some memorable slide guitar. It’s perfect for a movie soundtrack when the protagonist spots the love of his life for the first time. You get the idea. “Mean Old World” is the group’s cover of the classic T-Bone Walker song. The familiar “Fire On The Bayou” is a cover of a song by Cyril Neville and The Meters. “Lucky’s Train” is another example of what the band can do both in terms of songwriting and musicianship. It certainly works well enough and has its own identity but suffers slightly in its placement on the album. “Whiskey Devil” is an early fave of the critics. It has a memorable, nigh irresistible up-tempo vibe to it that makes it work. “That Driving Beat” is a road trip track that really moves. It’s a rockin’ cover of a song by Willie Mitchell. “99 ½ Won’t Do” is another cover. Here the band adapts one by Wilson Pickett and company. ”Going Down” is another early fan favorite. It’s the band’s own version of a Don Nix number. The album endnote is “Soul Free.” It's their final stand out stand-alone cut. It works well as a sign-off song.

Overall, this is a noteworthy new effort. The band sounds like they had fun recording it and that often transfers to the listener. Obviously inspired by the greats, this combo of covers and original audio offerings makes for a worthy initial outing. So check out the Head Honchos’ Bring It On Home, feel “That Driving Beat” and set your “Soul Free.”

Will Phoenix / Steemit (March 2019)
 

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Head Honchos is a blues rock formation formed around father and son Calipari. Rocco Sr. is a veteran who once was a member of Howard & the White Boys and played with Buddy Guy, Son Seals and Bo Diddley, among others. His son Rocco Jr. already played with his father's band at the age of fifteen and studied guitar with Carl Verheyen and Scott Henderson, among others. Together with bass player Roberto Agusto and drummer Roger Femali they form the Head Honchos.

With "Bring It On Home" their debut album was recently released with thirteen songs, a combination of their own work and covers. Immediately from the first track, "Not For Me", the full throttle is on and that tempo stays high almost on the whole album. The single moment of rest in the form of, for example, a sacred blues provides much needed variation. These are covers of the Neville Brothers ("Fire On The Bayou") and Wilson Pickett / Eddie Floyd ("99 1-2 Won't Do"), because besides solid blues rock the men apparently also have a weakness for funk and soul. Songs that deserve extra mention in my opinion are the self-written "Not For Me", in which the two guitars enter into a big duel, the funky "Fire On The Bayou" and the southern rock song "Soul Free", which ends the CD. A great CD from an excellent band.

Eric Campfens / Barn Owl Blues (March 2019)
 

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Recently Double-D sent me a new group, The Head Honchos, out of Indiana and their first album, Bring It On Home. Trouble is, it came in as an electronic file, and as many of you know, my ability with computers lies more in the psychology of the human-machine paradigm that actually knowing how to run one of the damn things. Fortunately, I was able to figure out how to listen to the album, and it’s a good thing I did, because it is a hard rocking blues album – and while that’s not usually my strong suit, I found that the group, which is comprised of the father and son guitar team of Rocco Calipari Sr. and Jr.; Roberto Agosto and C.C. Copeland split time on bass; and Scott Schultz on drums. Special guests on this album include Steve Bell on keys; Phil Smith on additional percussion; Jo Jo Dotlich on harp; Joe J. Brown on sax; and Mitch Goldman on trumpet.

The album starts off at a blistering pace with the pounding high energy of Not For Me. This song is one for the heavy rock blues fans with some solid guitar runs and heavy percussion taking over the breaks. It’s doubtful that the classic blues lovers will embrace but for those that love over the top rock mixed with their blues, buckle in, it’s going to be a wild ride. The Honchos get funky with the next number. Old And Tired has got a solid rock beat that reminds me of late ‘70’s works that dropped in a little dance beat to go with the rock. While hard rock blues is generally not my cup of tea, the younger listeners that I shared this with were breaking into spontaneous air-guitar demonstrations. Next up is a quick, almost punk rock energetic son titled Work. Few truer words than “Everybody’s got to work for a living” have been spoken. Or in this case, sung. By now the traditional blues fans may have moved on leaving the rest of the album for those who love the harder edged material. Good song and impressive in its attitude. The band brings the tempo down to 11 with Come Strong. It’s a powerful song, almost a ballad in comparison to the first few numbers. One thing that is truly impressive is Schultz’ percussion and Calipari père et fils‘ guitar. Both are tightly controlled but give the impression that they could veer off into the stratosphere without notice. Nice trick. Next To You brings out a little funk along with some solid guitar licks. It’s easy to see why The Head Honchos have invited comparisons to the likes of Johnny Winter and Stevie Ray Vaughan. While that’s mighty lofty company to hang with, they deserve the praise. This is another good time dance inducing number that has got to be a crowd pleaser live. They follow up with a smoking track. Mean Old World showcases some sweet guitar runs and this is the kind of song that blues rock fans grab onto and play over and over. I admit that this is my favorite song off the album so far. It’s blues enough to make you happy with a rock edge that’s reminiscent of some of Gary Moore’s work and I’ve always enjoyed his approach. There’s some nice keyboard work on Fire On The Bayou, another song with the intensity turned up way past 11. It has a ton of energy and attitude and this one, along with the previous track should be getting some serious airplay. I would love to catch this one live, just to see the interplay between the band members. They trade licks like the best jazz bands and that’s pretty high praise. The opening of Lucky’s Train is one that sucks you into the song quickly and appeases my blues loving heart. Unfortunately for producers of blues terrestrial radio shows, there’s a phrase (“shit-eating grin”) that might limit air play. Shame, because the song rocks, and features some nice harp work by Jo Jo Dotlich. The drive keeps going with the next number, Whiskey Devil. I’ve met that devil on a few occasions and this song brings back memories of many a lost night. I like this song a lot and it truly packs a punch. They follow up with the aptly named That Driving Beat. The beat does drive and it drives hard. It would be hard to pass on getting out of your seat and hitting the dance floor on this one. The Honchos slow things down a little for 99 1/2 Won’t Do. It’s a ballad but on their own terms, nothing too slow and sentimental and with some killer guitar licks. Listening to this group, you might have to go way back to find two such accomplished guitarists in the same band. For six string fans, this album has been a treat. Things don’t slow down for long as the Honchos kick into overdrive on Going Down. This is vintage Allman Brothers sounding and they nail it from the first lick through the entire song. Very good song and one that should also get airplay. The album closes with a seven-minute jam on Soul Free. Coupled with the previous track cements my opinion that they favorably compare with the Allmans. This is a lovely anthem that is a great closer and showcases the bands prodigious talents.

If you don’t get out to The Head Honchos’ home in Indiana very much, you might have to make a trip to the Hoosier State in order to catch them live. Probably not for long however as news of this strong album moves out to the rest of the world. I can easily see them playing major festivals and converting new fans the way that Bring It On Home converted me.

Professor Johnny P. / Juke Joint Bog Spot (February 2019)
 

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The blues are a dynamic art form, and when they are rocking they are even better. Head Honchos truly deliver on both accounts in their latest release, Bring It On Home, with 13 outstanding blues rock tracks. Every one is worthy of attention, making these songs perfect for radio airplay and placement consideration for television and film. The blues guitar will grab your attention while the smoky vocals will keep your toes tapping and your ears on full alert. This one belongs on repeat. Even though it was released back in July, we think it will become a timeless part of your collection.

Recommendation: Definitely Get this one if you love a rocking blues beat.

LA Music Critic (December 2018)
 

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The region father and son guitar duo of Rocco Sr. and Rocco Jr Calipari highlight the hard rocking blues tinged album from the Head Honchos on Grooveyard Records. The album is electrifying with Rocco Sr. , a consummate guitar virtuoso having passed on his talent to Rocco Jr. The dueling guitars lay down electrifying grooves on the 13 songs on the album. Rocco Sr. Brings his blues vocals to an outright great inaugural release of originals and some classic covers. The album is available on most music downloading sites. Definitely worth a listen....And turn it up loud!

John King / 2018 Top 15 Album Entertainer Magazine (December 2018)
 

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Bring It On Home, the new album by The Head Honchos is a fully produced masterpiece by Indiana’s own Father and Son team of Rocco Sr. and Rocco Jr. Calipari, Blues / Rock Artists of merit in the local and national music scene. Rocco Sr. is well known for his work with the Chicago music world and his time with Blues band Howard And The White Boys, while his son, Rocco Jr., has been dubbed an “Axe-Slinger” whom has taken what his father has taught him and added his own flair to it, making the sound his own.

Bring It On Home is 13 tracks of solid Blues Mastery, with both a classical and modern “Rock & Roll” feel to a well-honed example of Master Class Music, to be loved and enjoyed, with performance skills envied by many. The bands powerhouse groove is led by dual guitar sound that rips open the silence, chord progressions and rhythms that sink deep and lock you in.

We will examine and highlight the best tracks, though there are many, a few stand out as key pieces of musical prowess and sheer Genius, “Not For Me”, “Work”, “Mean Old World”, “Fire On The Bayou”, “Whiskey Devil” and “Soul Free” are stand up and stand out tracks, songs that I feel channel the inspirations of the greats of our past, riffs inspired by the greats, insuring the legacy of R&B forever.

The Head Honchos brings to both the live music scene and recording experience music with intense body moving rhythms and emotionally charged guitar expressions. Grounded on the foundations of American blues, rock, soul, and funk, The Head Honchos launch every tune with an irresistible invitation to kick back, let go, and enthusiastically enjoy.

The Calipari’s “Detroit Schooled” vocals will leave no doubt of the unapologetic American Blues Identity and an artistic celebration, The Head Honchos introduce great music to an appreciative audience.

Joseph Timmons / IndiePulse Music (December 2018)
 

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Rocco Calipari Sr. is a recognized blues rock guitarist from Chicago, he played with Buddy Guy, Bo Diddeley, Chuck Berry, Son Seals etc. This Rocco has a son, Rocco Jr. , and that has grown undeniably with his father's blues rock. It is therefore not surprising that he picked up the guitar. Father who, as founder and member of Howard and the Whiteboys, left his traces in the bluesrock in the US but also in Europe. Father and son Calipari are lovers of the spicy blues rock genre and found hearing at Grooveyard Records = then you know you know what you're getting. Many guitar virtuosos have already found shelter here, I call Lance Lopez, Indigenous, Jesse Jay Johnson, Bryce Janey, Tony Spinner, etc.

From the first number is the gas, but it must be said it is not just ragging with father and son Rocco alias The Head Honchos . As they say themselves, their musical preference, in addition to blues rock, also has old soul and funk, as witnessed by the well-designed covers of Wilson Pickett and The Neville Brothers. With input from musical friends with a Hammond, the harmonica and some horns they bring a nice mix of songs. I can not say otherwise this is blues rock from which I come from my chair. Recorded with good friend and engineer Mike Reagen, in Mike's own studio The Barn in Indiana, this production sounds like a clock.

The CD starts tempo with Not For Me, followed by Old An Tired with a nice slide. Nice drawn-out solos by father and son Rocco and improvising on each others input. Work with a nice funky slant is a very fast song with stomping bass work, chopping drums, top blues rock. That they have more in-house they let them hear with Come Strong, who is inclined to Southern rock. The work is reminiscent of Robert John and the Wreck, also the joking Hammond in the background. After this steaming start of the album father and son take some gas back and throw a nice slowblues pestle in the form of (Van Morrison) Mean Old World , where Rocco jr puts down a nice solo. With (The Neville Brothers) Fire On The Bayou , The Head Honchos throw a funky song, each band member gets the highlights, followed by more than wah wah solo. These are the nicely decorated tracks. As they also show with (Willy Mictchels) That Driving Beat, an irresistibly tasty performance with horns. And what about (Wilson Pickett) , 99 1-2 Will not Do, where the groove is right in your hips. Rocco senior sung with conviction. Here also a tough performance through the bladder section and ripping guitar work. The knocked-down Going Down by Don Nix I skip for a while because you close with your best song. With the thick seven minutes of Soul Free they put down a beautiful song that deserves full attention. This is Southern rock from the top shelf, clearly inspired by Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Allman brothers. Velvet gently opening followed by that characteristic sound, fine vocals, building to an end full of guitar solos, piano work, and a floating Hammond. It brings you in a relaxed mood. A beautiful plate deliver the Head Honchos here.

Jos Verhagen / Blues Magazine - Holland (September 2018)
 

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Already reading the band name and the title kinda made me think this could be southern influenced, shit kickin’ hard rock. The CD starts off with ”Not For Me” and I wasn’t that far off target. It’s definitely shit kickin’ hard rock, but I guess it’s more bluesy than southern. ”Old And Tired” continues in a cool swing funk heavy blues vibe, actually with a touch of Stevie Salas, with is great in my book. Nice phat groove! ”Work” kicks up the tempo a notch. Slide guitar, chunky Hammond organ and a cook funky groove. Great energetic vocals and killer guitar licks. In ”Come Strong” they do give it a southern rock touch, but it also has a straight ahead blues rock vibe to it. It’s a track that has ”dance” written all over it. ”Next To You” kicks it off with a cool drum groove and some slide guitar. One of my favorites is the super grooving ”Whiskey Devil” and the band’s kick ass version of ”Going Down”. A really cool, groove oriented, swinging blues rock album with a southern touch.

Janne Stark / Stark Music Reviews (September 2018)
 

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“Head Honchos’ new CD ‘Bring it on Home’ is a musical phenomenon. Plain and simple. Perfectly crafted blues-rock from start to finish — with no filler — the music grabs you and doesn’t let you go. Each track — eight originals and five covers — is a masterpiece, performed with precision, feeling, and power. The twin guitars of Rocco Calipari Sr. and Jr. far surpass Duane and Dickey, or any other guitar team for that matter, displaying virtuoso chops that have to be heard to be believed. There’s nothing these men can’t do with their guitars! The nuanced, tasty and endlessly energetic music on this CD is further enhanced by a stellar rhythm section and several guest artists, all contributing to the overall sound with masterful musicianship. The band as a whole takes us through avenues of funk, jazz, rock, blues, and every other delectable sound you can imagine — but all with an intense, musical expertise that is rarely found in the modern world. These cats are about as good as it gets. Check out this CD and hear what real blues-rock is all about!”

Steven J. Rosen / Author + Journalist (August 2018)
 

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'Bring It On Home' is the debut studio album by Head Honchos, a blues rock band from Indiana. The core of the band are two guitarists, father and son Calipari. Rocco Calipari Sr. has been blues guitarist for some time and is part of Howard And The White Boys, a blues band from Chicago. His son Rocco Calipari Jr. is a rising talent who learned everything from his father.

On 'Bring It On Home' you'll find thirteen tracks with "kick-ass, blues-based, dual heavy guitar rockers" that blues rock guitar fans from Johnny Winter, SRV, Robin Trower, Walter Trout, Indigenous, Chris Duarte and Buddaheads undoubtedly will appeal.

Besides the original Calipari songs there are also some covers on the debut album. The Calipari's chose after a series of five originals with which they open, for T-Bone Walker's "Mean Old World", Neville Brother's "Fire On the Bayou" (with some extra percussion from Phil Smith), Willie Mitchell's "That Driving Beat", Eddie Floyd's shuffle "99 ½ Will not Do" (with Joe JB Brown on sax and Mitch Goldman on trumpet) and the Don Nix classic "Going Down".

Stay on it, the eight originals. The opener "Not For Me" is already a trendsetter, with Calipari Sr. that powerfully does the vocals and the dueling guitars that determine the number in solos. "Old and Tired" is a funky blues song in which we hear a modest Steve Ball on keys and "Work" extends an extension here. "Come Strong" is a rock song with Roberto Agosto as one of the two drummers, who set the tight pace here. "Next to You" opens with a lot of slide and in "Lucky's Train" (with Jo Jo Dotlich on harmonica) it is Scott Schultz who is also drummer on the other tracks. "Whiskey Devil" (a song with a lot of guitar pedal effects) is the somewhat different track in this blues bit, while "Soul Free" shows the final part of the album which is a showcase for the Southern side of the Calipari duo.

Head Honchos' debut 'Bring It On Home' introduces us to Rocco Calipari Sr. & Jr. It is a blues band that offers excellent variety and will appeal to blues & rock fans.

Eric Schuurmans / Rootstime (August 2018)
 

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