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Kenny Tsakanikas, "Tsak," for short, (and pronounced "Sack"), started out playing the drums as a youngster, but soon found out he was better suited to the guitar, listening to and learning from cats like Johnny Winter and Albert Collins.  He played in and around the DC area until 1981, when personal and business concerns forced him to temporarily retire.  In 2005, Kenny and long-time friend Avery Horton, Jr. re-formed as 56 Deluxe, and they have just released their first CD, "Like I Do."  It is eleven guitar-driven tracks that are tailor-made for partying!  There are nine originals and two covers, and a very special guest that we'll talk more about later.

56 Deluxe is Kenny on guitar and vocals, Avery T. Horton, Jr, on bass, James Holt on keys, Frank Perez on sax, and Andy G. on drums.  And, being located in South Florida, these guys really know how to throw a party!  It's really too bad there wasn't a DVD to accompany this set, too, because 56 Deluxe is as much a "visual" as well as an aural treat.  What Kenny refers to as the "56 Deluxe Girls" are a bounteous bevy of beauties who appear with the band as part of the live shows, and who are prominently featured on the album cover art.

The music is as hot as the babes, too.  The leadoff cut has Kenny and his guitar wonderin' out loud to his cheatin' lover, "does he do it Like I Do?"  More party music abounds with the high-powered "Down South Florida," with the keys and sax getting in some serious licks, and, a "showcase" song for the women, "My Tastee Cake."  Kenny digs deep down into some slow-blues territory on "Full Time Lover," ripping off a searing solo at the bridge.

We had three favorites, too. On the rowdy "12-Step Boogie," poor Kenny laments the lack of fun around the house "now that we got sober."  The rockin' set closer, "I'll Take You With Me," segues' into a bonus track recorded with Kenny's good friend and 2006 IBC Band winner Joey Gilmore.  And, it's Kenny and Joey in fine form on their duet of the Chick Willis chestnut, "Stoop Down Baby," which oughta be the South Florida Official Party Anthem!

Kenny Tsak is a soulful guitarist who plays with a ton of passion, likening it to an extension of his soul.  And, when his fans respond in kind, that is his ultimate reward.  Good times are ready to roll when you put on a copy of "L:ke I Do!!"     Until next time....Sheryl and Don Crow.