If you’re looking for a way to "chill" from the week’s stress, you’ll find one at the Walt Street Pub, in Red Bank, NJ. That’s especially true, if you happen to stop by when The Chuck Lambert Band is playing. These guys serve up a selection of Chicago-Style, Texas-Style, and funky blues, with just a dash of original songs added to spice up the night.

Chuck Lambert is the quintessential "leader of the band." There’s no mistaking that fact, just by looking at him. He has a hat, sunglasses, and an "attitude" that says, "I’m in charge here." But he also creates a relaxed atmosphere of friendliness and respect, which encourages the other members to "strut their stuff," too.

The band is accomplished, confident, and so "tight," it’s hard to believe that they’ve been together for barely three years.

Chuck Lambert, a resident of Red Bank, is a former member of The Tim McCabe Blues Gang. While touring with the band in the ‘70’s, he backed up blues legends such as, John Lee Hooker, J.B. Hotto and Screamin’ Jay Hawkins. Chuck also toured with The Parliament Funkadelics. During that time, he studied guitar with the late jazz guitar teacher, Harry Leachey, the Newark-based jazz guitarist, Jimmy Ponder, Professor Ted Dunbar of Rutgers/Livingston College, and jazz guitarist Freddie Green.

Chuck is an interesting performer to watch. His husky voice is in direct contrast to his smooth guitar playing. He holds his guitar almost as if he’s holding a machine gun, and he can fire out string after string of blues "bullets." But, when he wants to, he can also get his Les Paul to sound as soft as an acoustic 12-string guitar. He’s engaging and his subtle exchanges with the audience keep the crowd listening and dancing.

Chuck trades leads and rhythms with Gary Funicelli, an equally talented guitarist, who balances out the band’s sound beautifully. Gary’s "laid back" demeanor makes playing his ’59 Stratocaster look effortless. But don’t let his "cool" fool you. This guy knows what he’s doing.

The rhythm section of the band is skillfully handled by Pete Maier, drums, and Bo Child, bass. These two players create a strong, solid undercurrent, which pulsates through the band’s sound like a heartbeat.

Pete Maier, a resident of Neptune, NJ, has the band’s most eclectic musical background. Before setting into the blues genre, he played drums with bands that played everything from rock, funk, and country to jazz. He’s a solid player and a master of the blues "sound," but you can’t help but hear a little of the other influences, too. The jazz sound is the most persistent. But, Pete’s blend of styles is an asset to the band, not a hindrance, and he gives the rhythm a unique "flavor."

Bo Child, a resident of West Windsor, is a solid, articulate bass player. He has a clean, straightforward style. Of all the band members, he seems to have his roots most firmly planted in traditional blues. This guy is tight and "right on the money" every time.

Chris DiCicco is the band’s blues harp player. A resident of Wanamassa, Chris has been playing the harp for only three years, but plays astonishingly well. Small in stature, he gets one of the biggest sounds out of a harp that I’ve ever heard.

Among my favorites are the band’s renditions of Backdoor Man, Sweet Home Chicago and Put the Shoe on the Other Foot.

The Chuck Lambert Band is currently working on a CD called, ‘Bout Time, which is due to be released before the end of the year. They’ll be back at The Walt Street Pub this Saturday, May 27^th. The show starts at 10:00 PM. They will also be performing at The Riverfest on Saturday, June 3^rd at 2:00. Check them out. You’ll be glad you did.