Okay, you've been slamming around local bars, clubs, and juke joints for a few years and lapping up all the gigs you can get in an effort to make a dent in the local music scene and make a name for yourself. But, what do you do after that? 'The trick is to get to the next level and play out of the area and get the record played all over the country," says vocalist Leslie Zimay, of the Huntington- based Blues band, Cadillac Moon, about their plan to expand their fan base. Sounds easy enough, but only if it were that simple. "The plan is to get the CD out there and that's the hardest part. The rest is fate."
Cadillac Moon (who were Long Island Music Fesitival winners in 1995) have had a very successful time within the local circuit. Local critics have been raving about these guys since the very beginning. While there have been a few changes within the band (changing vocalist, bassists and keyboardists) they always kept their high quality of music at the forefront. Founder & Guitarist, Mike Nugent and drummer Cliff Hackford are the only two original members of the band but are very happy with the current line-up of Frank Ferrara (guitar), Mark Mancini (Keys) & Ruben Austin (Bass), which has been together for almost 3 years. "We are inevitably compared to the former Cadillac Moon from time to time, " says Zimay, "But, we have new fans that see us as a completely new group and they seem to like what they hear."
Like most blues artists these guys really know their stuff; Each member of Cadillac Moon brings with more years of experience than they would care to talk about. They are all over 45 years old and have been playing music for over 25 years, blending a unique mix of funk, blues and jazz into one solid and original sound.
Lesiie Zimay, the beautiful (married) soul singer, is certainly no stranger to the limelght. In fact, she has been performing all her life. Fronting bands since she was 14 and singing everything from Blues to standards with her edgy sultry style and raw passion, Leslie has had an impressive career full of bragging rights. She opened for Peggy Lee and Petula Clark at the Empire Room, Julio Iglesias at the Essex House in New York and Impressionist Fred Travelina on Long Island and has lent background vocals to Ben E. King and Bo Diddley's recordings. "Bo was quite a character and it was a blast to be involved with such a legend," remembers the bluesy soul singer. "I still have that record somewhere in mv old collection. Ben E. King was such a gentleman and revered by so many singers and musicians. Working with him was a thrill of a lifetime."
Zimay and the rest of CM are working their tails off for new thrills and trying to take their band from unsigned local act to national recognition. "We hope to shop (the new CD) around and see what happens," explains Zimay. Their latest CD Blue Moon Rhythm was recently featured at a CD release party at the Downtown sharing the night with yours truly - Good Times Magazine , as we celebrated the 10th anniversary of the LlMF.
Whether they ever make it off this island or not one thing is for sure: they are giving it their best to make it happen. "Besides playing the local clubs that are posted on our website (www.cadillacmoon.com) we will be appearing at the Riverhead Blues Festival on July 20th, the Live After Five Festival in Patchogue on August 9th and The Barbecue BattleI Blues Festival in Richmond, Virginia on Labor Day Weekend, says Zimay. "We have a great time on stage and I think it shows. We feel really comfortable and that makes everyone feel at home including the audience." Cadillac Moon play Digger O'Dell's in Riverhead Friday, June 7 (9:30), Ye Olde Triple Inn at 263 West 54th Street in Manhattan on Wednesday, June 12 (8:30) and Jessica's Lounge in East Meadow on Friday, June 14 (10.00).
