By Nathan Cross
Staff Writer

The real power of rock 'n' roll band Cowboy Mouth lies in its live show and knowing the group recently recorded a live CD to attempt to harness and package its musical energy for fans.

Cowboy Mouth, or "The Mouth" to fans, is not your normal band. Their front man is Fred LeBlanc who plays drums while singing and also serves as the driving force behind the energy of Cowboy Mouth.

"All You Need Is Live" is the most recent release for Cowboy Mouth on its own label, Cowboy Mouth Records. Translating the power of a live show was difficult for the band.

"It's like trying to capture lightning in a bottle," said LeBlanc. Cowboy Mouth succeeded in its quest because the might of its live performance is showcased on the newest album. Throughout the album the listener hears catchy tunes accompanied by the massive amounts of crowd participation.

According to LeBlanc, the band always wants crowd participation. He said, "We give the very best we can. We enjoy what we do and encourage and demand crowd participation. There is an invisible wall between bands and fans and we kick that wall down. People forget that we are fans too and we, as fans, understand what the audience wants."

Throughout "All You Need Is Live," LeBlanc screams and yells for crowd participation. On the band's biggest radio hit, "Jenny Says," LeBlanc said, "Still not good enough y'all … are you with me? Everybody scream loud now."

LeBlanc's trademark stage style may have to do with the television he watched growing up as a child.

"I enjoyed watching gospel preachers growing up because they got people involved emotionally. That's what I try to do," he said.

When asked what genre Cowboy Mouth falls into, LeBlanc said, "I call us a rock 'n' roll orgasm. Like the Sex Pistols meet the Neville Brothers."

"All You Need Is Live" does exactly what it sets out to do; it captures the beef of a Cowboy Mouth live show. Standout tracks on the record are "Ballad of Cowboy Mouth," "Light It On Fire" and listener favorite "Jenny Says." If you haven't experienced a Live Mouth show, the album gives good insight into a little of what it is like.