Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes are pleased and thrilled to announce the release of their new CD, “pills and ammo” that will be played in its entirety at B.B. Kings Blues Club & Grill in New York City, June 5, 2010… the perfect venue for such an event.

While still tinged with the exuberant rhythm and blues feel that is the Jukes’ trademark, and loaded with the driving sound of the legendary Jukes horn section, this new CD has a sharper, guitar-oriented, rock and roll feel to it. A harder edge for harder times.

Southside has written all the songs on “Pills & Ammo” in collaboration with Jukes keyboard player, Jeff Kazee, and together they explore a more personal approach than some previous records. At times angry, at times reflective, this album is a true reflection of the singer’s state of mind. Titles like “Lead Me On,” “Heartbreak City” and “You Can’t Bury Me” contain some of the more acidic lyrics, while “Thank You” and “Place Where I Can’t Be Found” show an inner-directed emotional touch.

But, as always, the sheer joy of making music is obvious throughout “pills and ammo.” Tunes like “Umbrella in My Drink” with guest vocals by Gary Bonds; “Keep on Movin’” a homage to Jerry Lee Lewis and the early rockabilly sound; and “One More Night to Rock” all place the band in their classic, jubilant “let’s play all night” mood. And the band has never sounded better. Aided by old accomplice Shawn Pelton and new conspirator Andy York, the Jukes rip through these 12 numbers with total abandon and fierce energy, as is their wont. They are cranked up to stomp and romp at BB King’s. Come and celebrate with Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes… and let the Devil take the hindmost!

In the spring of 1975, Southside formed the Asbury Jukes with old friend Miami Steve Van Zandt(Little Steven), who later Joined Bruce’s E Street Band. The late seventies saw the Jukes grow in stature from a highly competent R&B-styled bar band into a competitive horn-driven mainstream rock band with a series of original albums to their credit. For the uninitiated, a live Jukes gig can be an exhilarating, inspiring experience. They’re the real thing, human, fallible, mean, moody and magnificent, capable on a good night of blowing the roof off.