In a business where megastars are born seemingly overnight, there are the Subdudes.
Four guys somewhere between 35 and 40-plus, the Subdudes are finding musical success at a time when most guys not in the spotlight have traded barroom appearances for session gigs.A new album, "Primitive Streak" (High Street), and new-found radio appeal for their unique brand of rock 'n' roll, blues and "roots" music has made them one of the hottest bands around.
It is a long time coming for a bunch of guys who have played together on and off since high school.
"I can't say we're surprised, but we are gratified," said John Mag-nie, the band's keyboardist, sometime vocalist and anointed spokes-man. "I think there has been a growing interest in the kind of music that influenced us, and we are the beneficiaries."
Magnie and the rest of the Subdudes, Johnny Ray Allen (bass), Steve Amedee (percussion) and Tommy Malone (vocals and guitar), have been crisscrossing the country for a couple of months now in support of the new album. They stop at the House of Blues in West Hollywood on Saturday night along with guitarist Willie Williams, formerly of the legendary New Orleans gospel group Zion Harmonizers, who has been sitting in for the live shows.
The new record has been selling well behind a good push from High Street Records, a division of Windham Hill, but it wasn't always like this. Back in the '80s, the Subdudes got a record deal from Atlantic, which released three albums for the band. But the relationship went sour when the band felt it wasn't getting the right support, and they ended up at the small High Street.
The Subdudes scored critical success with "Annunciation," in 1994, but didn't really break through the radio barriers until "Primitive Streak." They will play before a packed room on Saturday in L.A., opening for the Band.
"We've really gotten a mixed response," said Magnie. "In places where we have been on the radio, we have been very well received, but in other places, it's not been as good.
"But we're used to trying to convince people."