A Brief but (hopefully) Enlightening Bit Of Background on HML
Hot Monkey Love was founded by the late Frank LaRocka in 2003 as a tough Blues and R&B outfit to gig on the NYC blues scene.
The band has released two CD’s to date: Primate Blues, and Speakin’ Evil (both on the BrotherMonk imprint). The Monks (as they are apt to be affectionately abbreviated) have since evolved into their current lineup:
Lead vocalist Jack O’Neill hails from Florida. He began his professional career with the Painted Faces, and released several regional hits on Capital Records before moving to New York City, where he formed Beau Jack with Earl Slick. He has fronted several recording acts, such as the Rough Cuts (with Arthur Neilson) and Bad Luck & Trouble. He’s worked with artists such as Scotty Moore and D.J. Fontana, Luther Vandross and David Sanborn.
Guitarist Dee Meyer hit the NYC scene at the height of the 70’s punk movement, and has worked with locals the M-80s and reggae act the Rydim Squad before forming blues act Catdaddy Jones, releasing the CD Late Night In The Doghouse on the Fountainbleu label. Dee joined Hot Monkey Love in 2006.
Drummer Eddie ‘The Elf’ Piotrowski was a founding member of the Colors, as well as acts like the Dan Whitely Band.
Guitarist V.D. King is a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, engineer, and front-man of his own band, Better Off Dead. He is wanted in seven states and two British territories. He will not eat beans.
Carl Lorentzen cut his teeth playing bass in the NYC blues jam scene, playing for several years in house bands with Big Ed Sullivan. He is a member of Better Off Dead, as well as Arthur Neilson’s (Shemekia Copeland) Kick-Ass Band, and was an original member of the Slippery Chickens.