CASCADE

Posted by Tim Chapple

Blacktop Deluxe – Cascade
From the new album “Turn Up,Be Nice,Play Hard”.
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Blacktop Deluxe – Mustang 429

Posted by Tim Chapple

Ford Mustang 429 – a tribute to one of the most iconic cars of the 20th Century.
http://blacktopdeluxe.com/
We all love our Muscle Cars here at Blacktop Towers, and the 429 Boss Mustang is such an icon. This rocks along nicely as it pays homage to the “Tops” favourite Pony, and reminisces back to some of the music and inspirations we all share from the late 60’s.

The Boss 429 (also known as the “Boss 9” by enthusiasts) is arguably one of the rarest and most valued muscle cars to date. In total there were 859 original Boss 429s made. The origin of the Boss 429 comes about as a result of NASCAR. Ford was seeking to develop a Hemi engine that could compete with the famed 426 Hemi from Chrysler in NASCAR’s Sprint Cup Series (then known as “Grand National Division”). NASCAR’s homologation rules required that at least 500 cars be fitted with this motor and sold to the general public. After much consideration, it was decided by Ford that the Mustang would be the car that would house this new engine.

The Boss 429 engine was derived from the Ford 385 engine. It used four bolt mains, a forged steel crank and forged steel connecting rods. The engine featured aluminum cylinder heads, which had a modified Hemi type combustion chamber which Ford called “crescent”. These heads used the “dry-deck” method, meaning no head gaskets were used. Each cylinder, oil passage and water passage had an individual “O” ring style seal to seal it tight. The Boss 429 engine used a single Holley four barrel carburetor rated at 735 CFM mounted on an aluminum intake manifold that flowed well for its time. 1969 cars featured a hydraulic lifter camshaft while 1970 models got a mechanical lifter camshaft along with an improved dual exhaust system though rated power output stayed the same.

The Mustang’s body however was not wide enough to encompass the massive Boss 429 engine and as a result, Ford hired Kar Kraft out of Dearborn, MI to modify existing 428 Cobra Jet and Super Cobra Jet Mach 1 Mustangs to properly fit the new Boss 429 engine. Kar Kraft was contracted by Ford to create the Boss 429, because Ford was stretching itself thin across a number of projects, such as the Boss 302 and its Trans Am version that competed in the SCCA Trans Am Series of races in the same years the Boss 429 was being produced for NASCAR. Kar Kraft at the time was also in the process of creating the Trans-Am Boss 302 as well. Production on the Boss 429 began in 1968 in Brighton, Michigan at Kar-Kraft’s factory; the cars were transported to this plant directly from the auto maker’s plant, and the work began. Kar Kraft made extensive modifications to the Mustang, including widening the shock towers and extended out the inner fenders to allow this massive engine to fit. The mounts for the front suspension were chopped and displaced to create room for the block and exhaust manifolds. Next the battery was repositioned to the trunk and a stiff 3/4″ sway bar was added to rear end to improve handling since the car was now nose heavy. This was the first Mustang ever fitted with a rear sway bar, and it notably handled much better than other big-block Mustangs of the time, making it a very capable track car. It came fitted with an 8,000rpm tachometer, and AM only radio. In addition, a hole was cut in the hood, and a manually controlled hood scoop was added to these cars. Other features included a front spoiler that was shallower than the Boss 302 spoiler, color keyed dual racing mirrors, and an engine oil cooler. It was also equipped with a 3.91 ratio rear axle with a “Traction-Lock” limited slip differential.

The cars were rated very conservatively at 375 hp (280 kW) and 450 lb·ft (610 N·m) of torque. Actual output was well over 500 horsepower (370 kW). Some people have claimed it to produce 600 or more horsepower, citing extensive testing to prove the results, though nothing has been actually proven. However, it is very easy to coax such power out of the semi-hemi engine due to it being factory de-tuned for street-ability purposes. These horsepower claims have been proven from many dynamometer test results over the years with factory stock engines; some rebuilt to factory specs, and others pulled directly from the cars themselves immediately after purchase, though specific output tends to vary per engine due to testing parameters. The 429 Drag Pack option from Ford at the time (which was a normal 429 SCJ and not the Boss version which made more power) had 495 horsepower (369 kW), which was quite impressive for the time, however it should be noted that these ratings were strictly engine crank horsepower, and not actual wheel horsepower figures. The manufacturers and dealers only listed 375 hp (280 kW) because of legal issues and rising insurance costs so customers would be lured into buying these cars without the stiff fees from an insurance company, though no manufacturer has ever stated this to be true, assumingly so to prevent possible lawsuits.[2] Despite the high horsepower and torque ratings, the car was at home in the high RPM range (the engine is said to be able to rev up to 9,000rpm for extended periods of time, which is impressive given the engines massive 7.0L displacement, though were factory limited to 6,200rpm for insurance purposes), and suffered a poor by today’s standards 0-60 time because of this. However, it quickly made up for that once it got moving. The car unrestricted is said to be able to exceed speeds of up to 175mph, though no actual claim has been proven due to the rarity, value and collectibility of the car, making anyone who owns one reluctant to try it.

Both model years featured a toned down exterior, as compared to other Mustangs of the era (see Boss 351, Boss 302, Mach 1), in that the only external identification of the car were the Boss 429 decals on the front fenders, aft of the front tires. The rest of the car featured a very clean look that was atypical of most Mustangs that Ford had produced which could be deceiving to some people.

To show just how special these cars were, they were given special NASCAR identification that was placed on the driver’s side door. Each car was given a “KK” number which stood for Kar Kraft. KK #1201 was the first Boss 429 and KK #2558 was the last Boss 429 made.

Unfortunately sales started to drop off for the 1970 Boss 429 Mustangs and with higher production costs, gas costs, and other internal Ford problems, it was decided that 1970 would be the last year of the Boss 429.

In present day, these cars are highly sought after. As of 2008, auctions on eBay and at Barrett-Jackson have brought bids of over $375,000. In 2013 a black 1969 Ford Mustang Boss 429 Fastback (unrestored) sold for $417,000 at Mecum’s auction in Kissimee Florida.

Blacktop Deluxe – Turn Up, Be Nice, Play Hard

Posted by Tim Chapple

We’re very proud to share this amazing review of the new Album courtesy of Nigel Foster – Wow…

Blacktop Deluxe – Turn Up, Be Nice, Play Hard

That is the coolest album title I have heard in years and this is the coolest Blues Rock album I have heard in ages. Blacktop Deluxe have delivered a monumental album of high octane, pedal to the metal Blues Rock that should become the soundtrack to any self- respecting fan’s summer of 2014. The conspirators of this crime are vocalist and supreme guitarist Keith Howe, Tim Chapple on bass and Alan Ibbotson on all things percussive.

The album cover and inlay are totally cool too and hint as to what drives Blacktop Deluxe, black tarmac, blurring white lines and inside the gleaming cylinder block of a pure muscle car. This is hard muscle music, played with total conviction.

Click the ignition, open the valves and we are heading out to the highway. Those are literally the sounds that open the album and fire up lead off track the strident Mustang 429, the Band’s pile-driving homage to a real muscle car. The engine purrs away on a deep groove and a pulsating Howe riff, the road opening up before us and disappearing behind us, such is the fury of the rhythm. Blacktop hit the red zone as Howe screeches out a rev limiter of a solo.

Voodoo Slide brings an immediate gear change built on a ton of low end torque, driven by the pounding drum and bass lines. Danger signs ahead as Howe regales the tale of the dangers of the bottle and the booze, painting an image of the futility of resistance through some scorching sparking slide.

Outta the Red erupts on another jagged cavernous riff that never lets up and a rhythm section groove that oozes venom. Metronomic timing is maintained by the guys providing a platform for Howe to spill out an angered vocal about a Blues band paying their dues, striving for recognition. The anger evident in a blistering bent out of shape solo. A real AC/DC vibe circa Highway to Hell, if AC/DC had recorded this it would be play-listed on every rock station on the planet.

Colour Me Gone, another gear shift. The backdrop to the song is Howe’s lengthy time in an induced coma and tells the tale through words and sounds of the disturbing trips he experienced. The beautiful instrumentation and melody, haunting gorgeous Sax solo and Howe’s unremitting solo will leave you ‘Comfortably Numb. 7 minutes of sprawling splendour.

Shotgun Calling Blues to coin BTD’s own phrase is a chugging riff fest, pummelling along on deep drum and bass lines and a bombastic Howe riff. Foot stamping fist pumping Bar Room Blues, nuff said!

Blacktop Deluxe can do mean and atmospheric too on the sublime But Not Today, a real showcase for the awesome talents of Keith Howe. The materialistic throw away 21st century and the collateral damage left in its wake the lyrical content. The guitar parts from Howe are jaw dropping moments to savour. The crying calling of a Gibson Les Paul and the pleading refrain of a screaming Stratocaster.

The accelerator is pressed to the floor and the needle flickers on the edges of the rev limiter as the band lay down an urgent groove on the furious Moving Up A Gear. Drum and bass licks pump away like screaming pistons and Howe has the valves burning hot as he flays out a shredding solo. Flesh it out with some honky tonk keys and a catchy as hell chorus and Mad Max is on the road again.

Smouldering Blues bleed out on Should Ha’ Gone Yesterday. The tale of broken love of a broken man. The picture painted by Howe’s clawing vocal and the swirling brush strokes of a sombre solo. The femme fatale arrives to deliver some velvet rich and powerful vocal harmonies and a sad Sax solo away in the background.

Always Been A Sinner is as low down and dirty as a Blues tune can get, another gargantuan grinding rhythm and a fearsome furious riff drive the whole thing on, think ZZ Top meets Seasick Steve meets Free and you have a measure of this thunderous number.

The shimmering sheen of Cascade is a delight. A bright airy melody that takes me back to Romeo and Juliet era Dire Straits, crystal clear flourishes and then a real surprise some sumptuous Latino licks reminiscent of Santana. This is no plagiarism, this is the band just drawing on influences and interpreting things their way. This put a massive smile on my face as it washed over me. One for the sun with a beer or cocktail in your hand.

A mere 40 odd minutes from the opening salvo and we are heading for the finish line via the clean beauty of the instrumental Short Walk. Lilting melody with a little funk weaving in and out, a mellow way to close out the album. The brothers heading off into the sunset as the engine and tyres smoke and cool.

I absolutely adore this album and I know that feeling will grow and grow as it becomes even more known to me.
Roll out the Hot Rod, flick the ignition switch, slide this in the CD player, ramp up the volume and floor it. Anchor that belt though because you are in for one hell of a ride.

Blacktop Deluxe – Shotgun Callin’ Blues

Posted by Tim Chapple

Blacktop Deluxe new album out now!.
Well here it is – our first full album, following hard on the heels of our debut EP “Dark Horses”. A lot of water has flowed under the Band’s bridges in such a short time together (less than 12 months), and these songs represent both our origins and our future, with passing nods to most of the influences we all share. “Turn Up, Be Nice, Play Hard”
The tough end of the blues! http://blacktopdeluxe.com/

The Latest from Blacktop Towers

Posted by Tim Chapple

April 2014

Thank You for being a loyal Blacktop Fan, it means a great deal to us.
Don’t forget to ‘Spread The Blacktop Word’ and if you do know of anyone who might want to be added to our mailing list, just get them to send their email address to us here at Blacktop Towers via blacktopdeluxe@btinternet.com and we will add them to the ever growing list.
Hope to see you on the Road soon – Alan, Keith & Tim.

‘I Want To Break Free …..’.

At last we have a release date for the new Album ‘Turn Up, Be Nice, Play Hard’.

It’s May 14th and we’re working closely with Clare at Outlaw PR towards a successful launch.

More news at things develop but we are already getting interest from Radio Shows for airplay on the day.

We haven’t got a ‘Launch Gig’ organised yet but we’re working on it.

Reaction from the first few people who have heard the Albums has been VERY positive and we are very much looking forward to getting the disc out to the wider listening audience.

The new Band Website has been delayed a little due to a Techie issue with the merchandise page but that should be resolved very soon and then the Album will be available to buy and/or download through Paypal.

Meanwhile the Guys have decided upon Track No 5 ‘Shotgun ‘Callin’ Blues’ as the one for the Video and the storyboards being put together as I type,

It should be available in time for the Album Launch.

SO hopefully by the time you get the next Newsletter you might have already heard/bought the album and as always we would love tour feedback on our music so we’ll publish any comments we get via this page ?

As we reported last time, it was really nice to hear the Band get a ‘name check’ on The Bob Harris Show recently when a satisfied gig goer tweeted in to him to sing our praises after The Union, Saltash gig.

Since then the Band has also received a lot of internet Airplay from stations dotted all around the globe.

With the new Album just around the corner we are really hoping that keeps up with more and more folks hearing ‘the Tops’.

So please help by spreading the Band’s name wherever you can and in as many appropriate places as possible supporting the Band either on Facebook, Twitter or via the new Website too.

It would also be very cool if you can get some friends to do the same, the more the merrier, who knows, we might even get to the ears of Jools Holland, Paul Jones etc. etc. ?

Remember Polite Pester Power works wonders.

Lovin’ your work.

Band On The Run ……..

Here’s the ‘Scores on The Doors’ so far for April and May ….

May 2014

Friday 2nd Finn McCoul’s, Falmouth, Cornwall UK – Band on Stage approx 9.00pm

Sunday 4th The Musician Blues Festival, The Musician, 42 Crafton Street, Leicester UK – Band Headlining The Sunday Stage approx 9.00pm

Thursday 15th Barley Sheaf, Liskeard Church St. Liskeard, Cornwall UK – Band on Stage approx 9.00pm

Saturday 17th Hub Fest, Truro, Cornwall, UK – Band on Stage approx 8.00pm (Still To Be Confirmed).

Sunday 25th ‘Guitars 4 Life III (16 Acts Raising funds for Cornwall Leukaemia Trust) The Bridge on Wool, The Platt, Wadebridge, Cornwall UK – Band on Stage from 12.00 midday until 12.00 midnight

June 2014

Saturday 14th The Union Inn, Saltash, Cornwall UK – Band on stage approx 9.00 pm

Saturday 21st Roche Victory Hall, Roche, Cornwall UK – Band on stage approx 9.00 pm

Saturday 28th The Seven Stars, Penryn, Cornwall UK – Band on stage approx 8.30 pm

Saturday 14th The Union Inn, Saltash, Cornwall UK – Band on stage approx 9.00 pm

Well That’s just about it this Month,

Remember if there’s anything ‘Top’ related that you want to know or find out, just drop the Guys a line here at blacktopdeluxe@btinternet.com

Chow Bambinos