Franc Robert & The Boxcar Tourists

I met Franc Robert last year at the IBC’s in Memphis, first saw him sitting jamming away late at night, and he could play that lap steel pretty well. So when I got this release I jumped at it to hear what he would do with a full band of his own.

Straight outta the box he hits the ground running with ‘Let’s Go Jukin”. A tribute to the quality and variety of Blues clubs down in Georgia & Florida he names names and the band rolls and thunders straight through. Smokin Joe Sadowski on harp and Lee Pons tickling those 88's create a great wall of sound that makes ya wanna jump AirTran and get yourself down there.= to get with the jukin’.

Franc knows the Blues Highway really well. We get a glimpse of riding the rails in ‘Coal Burnin Locomotive’ where we are reminded that no hobos allowed. With a beat and feel of said locomotive but with a Foghat familiarity he sets the rails afire with some nasty slide work over top of the chug-a-chug drum beat of Dave Simmons. Train songs in the Blues can be overdone but not here, this is a honest expose of life on the rails well done by Franc and the band.

The Blues used to rule Memphis town, yeh but now it’s a tad different. Yes there are still Blues in the clubs and some damn fine stuff too, but its not where the money is for a lot of clubs – sad but glad there are still some Blues clubs out there. Mr. Robert addresses this in a sweet Blues number called “Beale Street Memories” lyrics that are a roll-call of the Blues artists that ruled the Memphis streets. Displaying some tasty work on his trusty six-string he cuts a wide path and in doing so opens the clubs and the streets once again to all Blues performers. Nicely done.

The title track is a country flavored swing, chicken lickin’-finger pickin’ call to all to take all of life’s disappointments, troubles and bad times and stick them in that pot of “Mulligan Stew”. Good thought, just don’t eat too much (just sayin’).

In a nice minor blues number ‘Your Crying Eyes’ Franc’s guitar duels with himself as Lee Pons fills the background with some tasty keyboard work.

This all original twelve track release shows us that Mr. Robert is indeed familiar with the road and that it has a place in his blood as a working musician he tells us the story of that life and in doing so helps to find his inner voice. The road is long and he seems capable of handling the twists and turns of that road and progressing nicely in the future. - Blues411.com

I met Franc Robert last year at the IBC’s in Memphis, first saw him sitting jamming away late at night, and he could play that lap steel pretty well. So when I got this release I jumped at it to hear what he would do with a full band of his own.

Straight outta the box he hits the ground running with ‘Let’s Go Jukin”. A tribute to the quality and variety of Blues clubs down in Georgia & Florida he names names and the band rolls and thunders straight through. Smokin Joe Sadowski on harp and Lee Pons tickling those 88's create a great wall of sound that makes ya wanna jump AirTran and get yourself down there.= to get with the jukin’.

Franc knows the Blues Highway really well. We get a glimpse of riding the rails in ‘Coal Burnin Locomotive’ where we are reminded that no hobos allowed. With a beat and feel of said locomotive but with a Foghat familiarity he sets the rails afire with some nasty slide work over top of the chug-a-chug drum beat of Dave Simmons. Train songs in the Blues can be overdone but not here, this is a honest expose of life on the rails well done by Franc and the band.

The Blues used to rule Memphis town, yeh but now it’s a tad different. Yes there are still Blues in the clubs and some damn fine stuff too, but its not where the money is for a lot of clubs – sad but glad there are still some Blues clubs out there. Mr. Robert addresses this in a sweet Blues number called “Beale Street Memories” lyrics that are a roll-call of the Blues artists that ruled the Memphis streets. Displaying some tasty work on his trusty six-string he cuts a wide path and in doing so opens the clubs and the streets once again to all Blues performers. Nicely done.

The title track is a country flavored swing, chicken lickin’-finger pickin’ call to all to take all of life’s disappointments, troubles and bad times and stick them in that pot of “Mulligan Stew”. Good thought, just don’t eat too much (just sayin’).

In a nice minor blues number ‘Your Crying Eyes’ Franc’s guitar duels with himself as Lee Pons fills the background with some tasty keyboard work.

This all original twelve track release shows us that Mr. Robert is indeed familiar with the road and that it has a place in his blood as a working musician he tells us the story of that life and in doing so helps to find his inner voice. The road is long and he seems capable of handling the twists and turns of that road and progressing nicely in the future. - Blues411.com

It is now October and as we head into the cooler months, there is really nothing that warms one more than a good hardy stew and when it comes to warming ones ears, there is really nothing better then a hearty serving of "Mulligan Stew", the super fine release from Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists. "Mulligan Stew" marks the 4th release for Franc Robert and the first under the name, Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists.

Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists are considered the hardest working Blues band in Florida and now after 30+ years of hard grinding, it is all starting to really pay off, as they offer up a gritty blend of what they call Down N' Dirty Groovy Swampy Blues.

"Mulligan Stew" consists of 12 great Tracks, all written by Franc Robert, that cover a wide swath of territory, from Memphis Blues, Acoustic Blues, Jazzy Blues, Blues Rock, Swampy Steel Guitar Blues, and Beyond. Stepping in as the Boxcar Tourists are the rest of the band which includes, Trent Sholl (Bass/Vocals), and Dave Simmons (Drums/Vocals). Franc Robert is the main Vocalist and also plays Guitars and Lap Steel. For Special Guests on "Mulligan Stew", they picked a couple of great ones which included, Lee Pons (Piano/Organ) and Smokin' Joe Sadowski (Harp).

One of the things that quickly caught my attention as I started to listen to "Mulligan Stew", was the vocals of Franc Robert, which to me sounded a little like Jimi Hendrix, with a slight bit of Lenny Kravitz around the edges. This Vocal quality really matched the music and lyrics to perfection and was a nice treat to hear a set of pipes so intriguing.

For favorites on "Mulligan Stew", I did not that easy of a time picking the top 3 as this is a heck of a solid album from beginning to end, but never the less here goes...

My first favorite was Track 2 "Coal Burnin' Locomotive", a hard driven number, with a feel of Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way". This is the one that gets you off your seat if you are not already up a groovin from the first Track. Awesome...

My second favorite was the next Track "Beale Street Memories", a full blown Traditional Memphis Style Blues number. This one has Lee Pons accompanying with great work on the Keys. You could easily imagine this slow yet very intense song, being sung by the Rolling Stones.

The third favorite was the closer, "It's Morning Time" a beautifully done Acoustic number that really takes no time at all uplifting ones spirit. This one sounds like just Franc and his Guitar, although there may be a slight bit of Bass there as well. A great way to end "Mulligan's Stew", that left me with a true feeling of Wow.

Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists are a rare group whom have put together a rare album indeed in "Mulligan Stew", as this is the kind of great music that does not come around that often. I can only imagine how great it would be to play this album when camping around the campfire, as this one just has that right feel to it that can really warm the soul.

5***** for "Mulligan Stew", a great album from an equally great group of artists.

Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed.
- Blues Underground Network

It is now October and as we head into the cooler months, there is really nothing that warms one more than a good hardy stew and when it comes to warming ones ears, there is really nothing better then a hearty serving of "Mulligan Stew", the super fine release from Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists. "Mulligan Stew" marks the 4th release for Franc Robert and the first under the name, Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists.

Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists are considered the hardest working Blues band in Florida and now after 30+ years of hard grinding, it is all starting to really pay off, as they offer up a gritty blend of what they call Down N' Dirty Groovy Swampy Blues.

"Mulligan Stew" consists of 12 great Tracks, all written by Franc Robert, that cover a wide swath of territory, from Memphis Blues, Acoustic Blues, Jazzy Blues, Blues Rock, Swampy Steel Guitar Blues, and Beyond. Stepping in as the Boxcar Tourists are the rest of the band which includes, Trent Sholl (Bass/Vocals), and Dave Simmons (Drums/Vocals). Franc Robert is the main Vocalist and also plays Guitars and Lap Steel. For Special Guests on "Mulligan Stew", they picked a couple of great ones which included, Lee Pons (Piano/Organ) and Smokin' Joe Sadowski (Harp).

One of the things that quickly caught my attention as I started to listen to "Mulligan Stew", was the vocals of Franc Robert, which to me sounded a little like Jimi Hendrix, with a slight bit of Lenny Kravitz around the edges. This Vocal quality really matched the music and lyrics to perfection and was a nice treat to hear a set of pipes so intriguing.

For favorites on "Mulligan Stew", I did not that easy of a time picking the top 3 as this is a heck of a solid album from beginning to end, but never the less here goes...

My first favorite was Track 2 "Coal Burnin' Locomotive", a hard driven number, with a feel of Kravitz's "Are You Gonna Go My Way". This is the one that gets you off your seat if you are not already up a groovin from the first Track. Awesome...

My second favorite was the next Track "Beale Street Memories", a full blown Traditional Memphis Style Blues number. This one has Lee Pons accompanying with great work on the Keys. You could easily imagine this slow yet very intense song, being sung by the Rolling Stones.

The third favorite was the closer, "It's Morning Time" a beautifully done Acoustic number that really takes no time at all uplifting ones spirit. This one sounds like just Franc and his Guitar, although there may be a slight bit of Bass there as well. A great way to end "Mulligan's Stew", that left me with a true feeling of Wow.

Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists are a rare group whom have put together a rare album indeed in "Mulligan Stew", as this is the kind of great music that does not come around that often. I can only imagine how great it would be to play this album when camping around the campfire, as this one just has that right feel to it that can really warm the soul.

5***** for "Mulligan Stew", a great album from an equally great group of artists.

Highly Recommended and Thoroughly Enjoyed.
- Blues Underground Network

Franc Robert & The Box Car Tourists are a solid set of musicians who play a variety of styles of original blues tunes. Robert pens all the songs for the band, plays all the guitars and fronts the band. Trent Sholl on bass and Dave Simmons on drums also provide backing vocals. Lee Pons on keys and Smokin’ Joe Sadowski on harp also lend a hand to the effort. The songs present a good mix of blues styles, and Franc plays his guitars (from acoustic and electric to lap steel) with great dexterity. The band is tight and in a good zone throughout, giving us a dozen nice performances.
“Let’s Go Jukin’” and “The Devil at Your Door” are two cuts made available for radio download. “Jukin’” opens the CD and is a rousing party time cut. The band bounces and boogies through this one in a big manner. “Devil” is at the other end of the spectrum, a subdued acoustic cut that highlight’s Robert’s finger picking. “Lay My Body Down” an “It’s Morning Time” also showcase Robert’s acoustic talents.
The lap steel gets showcased early on “Coal Burnin’ Locomotive,” a hot, driving track with big rocking guitar and a head banging beat. The heat from the coal here is intense, and it’s my favorite song on the CD. Monster guitar, a thumping beat and just a lot of fun. The title track verges on rockabilly with some more nice guitar work. “Ya Can’t Have Nothin” is slow blues done up spicy and hot. “You Worry Me” hops and bounces about, another good dance tune with slip sliding guitar and harp and vocals trading off well.
If I have one complaint it’s in the vocal mix. Robert’s vocals sound a little nasal, breathy and at times like he is gasping for air. I suspect that his live sound is a bit more realistic. Despite that, this is a pretty intense album of rocking blues. For those who like a big guitar sound, a big backline and greasy harp, you’ll get a kick out of this Tampa Bay area bands’ latest release! - Blues Blast Magazine

Franc Robert & The Box Car Tourists are a solid set of musicians who play a variety of styles of original blues tunes. Robert pens all the songs for the band, plays all the guitars and fronts the band. Trent Sholl on bass and Dave Simmons on drums also provide backing vocals. Lee Pons on keys and Smokin’ Joe Sadowski on harp also lend a hand to the effort. The songs present a good mix of blues styles, and Franc plays his guitars (from acoustic and electric to lap steel) with great dexterity. The band is tight and in a good zone throughout, giving us a dozen nice performances.
“Let’s Go Jukin’” and “The Devil at Your Door” are two cuts made available for radio download. “Jukin’” opens the CD and is a rousing party time cut. The band bounces and boogies through this one in a big manner. “Devil” is at the other end of the spectrum, a subdued acoustic cut that highlight’s Robert’s finger picking. “Lay My Body Down” an “It’s Morning Time” also showcase Robert’s acoustic talents.
The lap steel gets showcased early on “Coal Burnin’ Locomotive,” a hot, driving track with big rocking guitar and a head banging beat. The heat from the coal here is intense, and it’s my favorite song on the CD. Monster guitar, a thumping beat and just a lot of fun. The title track verges on rockabilly with some more nice guitar work. “Ya Can’t Have Nothin” is slow blues done up spicy and hot. “You Worry Me” hops and bounces about, another good dance tune with slip sliding guitar and harp and vocals trading off well.
If I have one complaint it’s in the vocal mix. Robert’s vocals sound a little nasal, breathy and at times like he is gasping for air. I suspect that his live sound is a bit more realistic. Despite that, this is a pretty intense album of rocking blues. For those who like a big guitar sound, a big backline and greasy harp, you’ll get a kick out of this Tampa Bay area bands’ latest release! - Blues Blast Magazine

Franc Robert & the Boxcar Tourists are a Florida based band that manages to hit the nail on the head, giving the audience some rockin' soul-drenched music while holding to the blues. All too often rock and roll bands tend to jump on the blues bandwagon trying to capitalize on the genre's popularity. The Boxcar Tourists deliver a diverse selection of blues, played from the heart and from their wells of experience. This is the music that has been played in jukes throughout the South on weekends as people would look for a way to cut loose, relieve a little tension and relax after a hard week at work. Top that off with the fact that the band plays material that the crowd can relate to and you have a real winner. The fact that all the tunes on Mulligan Stew are originals, written by Franc Robert, adds to the greatness of this recording. The musicianship is outstanding, pouring straight from the heart and, while there is nothing here that made my head spin, the CD is solid as a rock, firmly rooted in the blues and there is more than enough incentive to fill the dance floor. Well deserving of the title Mulligan Stew, there is something here for everybody, regardless of the preference in style. Hard working musicians doing what they love most, what's not to like? Given the opportunity, go out and catch their performance. It would be my guess that their show would leave the recording, as good as it is, sitting in the dust. Live or on CD, you won't be disappointed. - Bill Wilson - Billtown Blues Association

No matter when you see them, it will be a great show. Franc Robert & The Boxcar Tourists has a cool, down-n-dirty, groovy-yet-swampy feel to their style that sometimes eludes other blues acts. I watched their set at the Chasco Fiesta this past March, and the audience was captivated the entire time. Go check them out; you won't regret it!
Tim Cronin - New Port Richey Patch

Franc Robert’s stripped down blues stunner ‘Three Forks and Poison’ is the latest add to the Big Med Playlist for The Big One. Robert Johnson allegedly met his toxic end at the Three Forks Mercantile Store and Franc Robert crafts a great story about it in this amazing solo track. It’s a menacing piece in its steadfast pace and lyrics that take the listener out to a quiet end. This tune is just about perfect. - Big Medicine Blog

Mind Balm Records has just released Franc Robert’s latest release Why Do I Never Win, a wild mix of rockin’ delta blues-influenced music, with a little intricate finger picking trance-style blues mixed in for good measure. Franc Robert (pronounced Robher) is a Florida blues guitar sensation who’s been artfully playing his brand of blues across the country for decades now. His new album truly shows the depths of his artistic ability.

The first track starts off on a burning hot slide number, with franc’s just below shouting vocals lending a fantastic immanence to the track about running from one’s demons. The drums kick in with an urgent beat and the album thrusts the listener into Franc’s world, one where the blues, in it’s many forms, lives and thrives. Franc manages to artfully strain all of his blues influences among the tracks within Why Do I Never Win. Albert King influenced guitar work graces “Lemon Headed Girl”, while “Marcie’s Blues” shows off beautiful guitar prowess in a track that would have felt right at home in any of Otis Taylor’s trance-blues albums. “These Blues Is Killin’ Me” is a fantastic hard-rocking blues number about excessive drug use and needing another fix. Franc’s vocals throughout are great, changing to the necessary setting, and his guitar prowess is second to none.

Overall, this Florida musician knows his blues, and isn’t afraid to show you. Listeners will be able to get a full dose of blues styles with a stripped-down sound that gives a raw and powerful thread that binds the album together. This is the third fantastic release from Mind Balm Records, and Franc’s second solo, and with the continuous output of simply good blues music, it will certainly be exciting to experience future albums from both. - American Blues Scene

Mind Balm Records has just released Franc Robert’s latest release Why Do I Never Win, a wild mix of rockin’ delta blues-influenced music, with a little intricate finger picking trance-style blues mixed in for good measure. Franc Robert (pronounced Robher) is a Florida blues guitar sensation who’s been artfully playing his brand of blues across the country for decades now. His new album truly shows the depths of his artistic ability.

The first track starts off on a burning hot slide number, with franc’s just below shouting vocals lending a fantastic immanence to the track about running from one’s demons. The drums kick in with an urgent beat and the album thrusts the listener into Franc’s world, one where the blues, in it’s many forms, lives and thrives. Franc manages to artfully strain all of his blues influences among the tracks within Why Do I Never Win. Albert King influenced guitar work graces “Lemon Headed Girl”, while “Marcie’s Blues” shows off beautiful guitar prowess in a track that would have felt right at home in any of Otis Taylor’s trance-blues albums. “These Blues Is Killin’ Me” is a fantastic hard-rocking blues number about excessive drug use and needing another fix. Franc’s vocals throughout are great, changing to the necessary setting, and his guitar prowess is second to none.

Overall, this Florida musician knows his blues, and isn’t afraid to show you. Listeners will be able to get a full dose of blues styles with a stripped-down sound that gives a raw and powerful thread that binds the album together. This is the third fantastic release from Mind Balm Records, and Franc’s second solo, and with the continuous output of simply good blues music, it will certainly be exciting to experience future albums from both. - American Blues Scene

“Put it all together and what emerges is a collection of nitty gritty, gut wrenching, hard core, deep south blues, evoking images of smoke-filled bars along the Louisiana bayous and Mississippi deltas, or just about anywhere around the Tampa Bay music scene.”
Rick Crandall - www.MusicTampaBay.com
- Musictampabay.com

“Put it all together and what emerges is a collection of nitty gritty, gut wrenching, hard core, deep south blues, evoking images of smoke-filled bars along the Louisiana bayous and Mississippi deltas, or just about anywhere around the Tampa Bay music scene.”
Rick Crandall - www.MusicTampaBay.com
- Musictampabay.com

“Franc Robert sweats and sways onstage, his nimble fingers dancing along his guitar neck as he moans and howls the blues. It's still early on a Friday night, but already about 25 blues fans have gathered around the stage in Buckingham Blues Bar. They sip beer as they bob their heads to Robert's high-energy tunes about love, heartbreak and his "lemon-headed" ex-wife. "This next song fits this bar so perfectly," says the grinning, ponytailed bluesman from Port Saint Richey. "It's called 'Groovin' on the Outskirts of Town.'"”
— Charles Runnells, Ft. Myers News-Press - Ft. Myers News-Press

“Franc Robert sweats and sways onstage, his nimble fingers dancing along his guitar neck as he moans and howls the blues. It's still early on a Friday night, but already about 25 blues fans have gathered around the stage in Buckingham Blues Bar. They sip beer as they bob their heads to Robert's high-energy tunes about love, heartbreak and his "lemon-headed" ex-wife. "This next song fits this bar so perfectly," says the grinning, ponytailed bluesman from Port Saint Richey. "It's called 'Groovin' on the Outskirts of Town.'"”
— Charles Runnells, Ft. Myers News-Press - Ft. Myers News-Press