San Francisco’s finest male/female duet fronted band, The Lucky Losers transcend the dark side of the American dream with their 60’s inspired sophomore album, “In Any Town”. Just one year after the release of their critically acclaimed debut, “A Winning Hand”, veteran blues singer, Cathy Lemons and soulful vocalist/harmonica ace, Phil Berkowitz return with a dangerous and sophisticated work of art.

“In Any Town” serves up medicine for wayward souls, offering glimpses of paradise through a veil of tears. The Lucky Losers build upon their distinctive signature sound, layering elements of Stax/Volt styled R&B, electric Americana, and psychedelic rock atop a Chicago and Texas blues foundation. The stark contrast between fiery Cathy Lemons and elegant Phil Berkowitz makes for a captivating musical union, breathing new life into American songwriting tradition and the lost art of duet singing. They are stronger together as artists and this album is proof.

Produced and engineered by Kid Andersen at his famed Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California, “In Any Town” features nine riveting original compositions and two innovative covers of works originally performed by Bobby Charles and Johnny Cash.

The cast of guest artists include musical luminaries, such as Kid Andersen, Terry Hanck (2016 Blues Music Foundation Award Winner), Frank Goldwasser (a.k.a. Paris Slim, veteran Delta Groove recording artist), and Memphis’ own rising blues star, Jeff Jensen.

The Lucky Losers invite listeners to relive the beautiful and twisted stories that inspired “In Any Town”. Five of the original songs were crafted by Lemons, the other four were co-written by Berkowitz and his writing partner, Danny Caron. Four of the songs are charming duets.

Berkowitz and Lemons reach for the heavens in perfect harmony on Track 1 “So High”, a spirited celebration of everlasting love. Lemons’ vocals evoke smoke and syrup on Track 2 “It Ain’t Enough”, a gospel tinged testimonial to finding freedom in imperfection. Track 10 is Berkowitz’s “Devil’s Dream”, a gripping confrontation of personal demons. The title Track 9, “In Any Town” provides the album’s most fragile moment, a slow dance of lost faith.

First Press:

“There is so much variation on ‘In Any Town,’ and that's why we love these two artists so much. Among the many originals we can barely find a cover. But in the body of this work we found ‘Jackson,’ and therefore it is only natural that we would compare Lemons & Berkowitz to Carter and Cash…. This beautifully balanced album makes it clear that this duo know the ropes. The ending song ‘Small Town Talk’ is a classic example of how to sing a duet.”
Rootsville Blues, Jazz and Roots, July 5 2016
http://rootsville.eu/2015%20album%20reports/2016/reports/the%20lucky%20losers%20in%20any%20town.html

“They can take on soul, country blues and all points in between, and end up with a winning hand. A really enjoyable album!”
The Rocker, July 7 2016
http://www.the-rocker.co.uk/

“This is a must for the boomer that would still like to buy records that mean something and are full of feeling. Hot stuff!”
Chris Specter, Midwest Record, June 11 2016
http://www.midwestrecord.com/MWR1109.html

“The rough-hewn vocal delivery of Cathy Lemons paired with the suave hipness of Phil Berkowitz’s make these two perfect for each other, and for us fans, too. “In Any Town” is a fine sophomore effort, with strong vocals, material, and musicianship that guarantees something for everyone! “
Don Crow, donandsherylsbluesblog, July 10 2016
https://donandsherylsbluesblog.wordpress.com/2016/07/10/the-lucky-losers-review-july-10-2016/

A Bit of History:

Cathy Lemons is a southern styled vocalist who has worked with Tommy Castro, Anson Funderburg, John Lee Hooker, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and more. She has been called “The finest light-skinned female Blues vocalist in the U.S.!” (REAL Blues).

Phil Berkowitz “sings in a clear, declarative tenor and is a commanding harmonica player whose approach owes more to Big Walter than Little Walter.” (Lee Hildebrand /Living Blues). Phil has toured with Sean Carney (2011 IBC Winner), Ben Rice (2014 IBC Winner / “Guitar”), and has recorded with Duke Robillard.

TRACKS 1, 5, 7, 10 BERKOWITZ, CARON BMI/ASCAP
TRACKS 2, 4, 6, 8, 9 LEMONS BMI
TRACK 3 LEIBER/WHEELER BMI/ASCAP
TRACK 11 GUIDRY/DANKO/ BMI/ASCAP

PRESS FOR DEBUT ALBUM “A WINNING HAND”

“When an exception comes along, it’s all that more remarkable. They capture the fun and excitement of a bluesy band in a dimly lit bar. And at its core, that’s what modern blues is about. That Berkowitz is a skilled blues harpist only adds to the enjoyment.” Bill Kopp, Musoscribe, Monday, August 31st, 2015 (Bill Kopp writes for Rolling Stone)
http://blog.musoscribe.com/?p=8423

“Cathy Lemons’ strong and crystal clear voice and Phil Berkowitz’ rich and mellow pipes blend together like a match made in heaven….I can’t say enough good things about this CD. Everything fits exactly into place like it was meant to be. Musicianship and production values are of the highest quality. You just can’t miss with this one, your record collection deserves it. ”
Greg “Bluesdog” Szalony, Issue 9-40, October 1, 2015, Blues Blast Magazine
http://www.bluesblastmagazine.com/issue-9-40-october-1-2015

“An old school soul explosion!” Elwood’s Bluesbreakers/TheBluesmobile, July 30th 2015
http://thebluesmobile.com/elwoods-blues-breaker-the-lucky-losers-change-in-the-weather/
“Their appeal is so packed with honest emotion that you can practically see them. Phil Berkowitz (vocals, harmonica) and Cathy Lemons (vocals) can expect a devoted following.”Annie Dinerman, Elmore Magazine, July 28 2015
http://www.elmoremagazine.com/2015/07/reviews/albums/the-lucky-losers

“The Lucky Losers appear to have struck gold…. ‘A Winning Hand’ is an impressive debut.” Graham Clark, Blues Bytes, July 2015
http://www.bluenight.com/BluesBytes/wn0715.html

“A delightfully different disc!” Lee Hildebrand, Living Blues, August 2015 (Issue No. 238/Volume 46, #4)

“It’s as if Delaney & Bonnie took over Stax Records!” Mike Greenblatt, Classicalite, Aug 7th 2015
http://www.classicalite.com/articles/26336/20150807/lucky-losers-winning-hand-west-tone-records-review-cathy-lemons.htm

“Vocally, The Lucky Losers bring distinct textures to center the songs. Cathy Lemons crawls up on with a slinky seduction that offers street grit with a sly wink while Phil Berkowitz is the gentleman crooner easing away troubles with a cool reserve to his lounge stylings.” Danny McCloskey, Wed, July 1, 2015, ON THE RADAR /The Alternate Root
http://thealternateroot.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3560:otr-070115&catid=208:what-s-trending&Itemid=268#sthash.aEIa80Xn.dpuf

“With an abundance of sixties vibes about them, ‘A Winning Hand’ is exactly that.” S Hamilton, The Rocker, June 30 2015
http://www.the-rocker.co.uk/