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Rhythm & Booze
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Seth Rosenbloom-As The Crow Flies
Seth Rosenbloom; takes to the air, As The Crow Flies
Seth Rosenbloom is back with another fantastic album, his second, full album following on from his 2019 release, Keep On Turning. A 9 track album, with songs from Seth, his backing vocalist Sonya Rae Taylor, and a few others as listed below. The collection grips from start to finish, there are no loose feathers flying around, this is one crow flight that rides high on the thermals throughout its journey.
The title track, written by Tony Joe White, claws you with talons that do not let go. ‘As The Crow Flies’, opens with slide guitar, then the bombastic heavy bass drum pumps in, before the band lifts off. A thumping good rhythm, Seth’s heavily smoked vocals fill in the score, before he gets busy on a seismic guitar solo. That’s it there’s now way your about to flip albums.
Rolling thunder rhythm hauls you into, the torn relationship of, ‘Did You Try To Break My Heart’. No lightweight, the rhythm demands your attention, but the guitar solo has you flying high, but she’s walked away, keeping you grounded in that dark underscore.
Its seems in my mind that Rosenbloom’s guitar play sits very much in the Eric Gale’s camp, his finger work is astounding, if your going to throw a hat into someone’s camp, then Gale’s seems eminently suitable for this Crow to lad in.
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David Porter and Isaac Hayes conjured up the score for the soulful, string backed, ‘You Can’t Trust Your Neighbour’, because he’s gonna steel your woman. This is a lovely oasis of cool, until Seth tosses a stone into the water, releasing all that pent up energy for a storming guitar finish.
‘Wish You Could See Me Now’ came from the pens of Ronnie Earl and Darrell Nullish, its insistent metronomic beat, scaffolding the weaving guitar, not my favourite use of rock drum beat, but it does the business for Seth to build on.
Jesse Williams bass underpins the galloping ‘Ain’t Nothing Wrong, he works closely with drummer Mark Telixeira, in uncovering the cooling board of St James Infirmary, ready for Rosenbloom to lay out his bluesy lyrics. Its a gorgeous use of that familiar rhythm that has Bruce Bears adding lovely piano, a fresh blanket to put down a sweet six string riff.
Piano features on the railroading rhythm of, ‘Gotta Roll’, before they pull in to station, and chill to the gorgeous guitar blues of Seth’s closing song, a beautiful if sad, ‘Give Me The Ring Back’. Its a track you want never to end, perfect for that late evening. You might be left on your own, but sit back in the shadows, and loose yourself in the blue smoky atmosphere.
Track Listing;
1 As The Crow Flies
2 Did You Try To Break My Heart
3 Set Me Free
4 Can’t Trust Your Neighbour
5 I Wish You Could See Me Now
6 Aint’ Nothing Wrong
7 Blind Eye
8 Gotta Roll
9 Give Me The Ring Back
http://www.sethrosenbloom.com/
Words by Graham Munn
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The Cold Stares-Voices
The Cold Stares, Voices
available on Mascot Label Group, from March 10th
Seems such a short time since their last album, and subsequent interview with this hard ball blues duo, Chris Tapp and Brian Mullins, they have since adopted bass player Bryce Klueh into The Cold Stares, freeing up Chris to explore with his guitar. That aside, the band have brought us their highly charged, raw blues rock, building on the previous work. However, there are a few more melodic, nay, beautiful songs that stand out from the hard rounds sparring with Mike Tyson!
The album opens on, ‘Nothing But The Blues’, not the place at the rear of Hamley’s, this is hard nosed blues, where everything goes wrong, girl trouble, car won’t start, you get the picture. Tapp powers in with the savage buzz sawn riffs, asking for someone to save him, thats it, your hooked, ready for the Zeppelinesque, ‘Come For Me’.
‘The Joy’, fills your head with a desert wind guitar, that haunts, sometimes howls, an unhinged harmony accompanied by multi layered voices echo a chorus line, “and you are”, “like the sunshine after the rain”, yep, a love song, that somehow jars and intrigues in equal measures, growing on you like Japanese Knotweed.
An unlikely love song, a girl who carries too much baggage, and, ‘Got No Right’, “to give me lovin’ the way you do”, delivered in a hard, punchy, blue inked rock tattoo, etched into your skin.
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All powerful stuff, then along comes a gorgeous, soulful eulogy, an unexpected loss, and left adrift until you can reunite someday. ‘Sorry I Was Late’, is beautiful, painted over a wonderfully orchestrated backdrop, a sad but heartfelt song.
Titular track, ‘Voices’, will shake you out of your sorrow, Tapp running up and down the fret, as the rhythm pounds in, and in the end, the voice still calls to him. A swaggering, powerful song that demands front row seats. ‘Waiting For The Rain’, howling winds and hurricanes, a stormy relationship, which like the weather, goes from heavy outpouring emotions, to more soulful brighter reflections, Chris’s unmistakable gritty tomes like the threatening clouds with patches of heavenly guitar breaking through.
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A lovely swampy Southern rock has guitar layered over insistent rhythms, ‘Sinnerman’, is one of my choice tracks on an album full of tasty offerings and leaves you wanting more. Stripped bare and gorgeous, ‘Throw That Stone’, is a biblical gospel blues, implying, ‘he who is without sin’, few qualify, a song that stands out from the weightier offerings. A meaty, ‘Thinking About Leaving’, title says it all in this hefty foot tapper featuring excellent rhythm and searing guitar.
Voices is an album that gets in your head, it closes out on the thought provoking spectre of, ‘Ghosts’, a soul stolen by a woman, then abandoned, with Tapp’s voice woven around the haunting but skeletal guitar.
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The addition of Bassist Klueh, has undoubtedly allowed Tapp to find new ground with his guitar, there are some sublime flights and journeys taken on his six string throughout the album. A dark selection box, full of bitter sweet fillings and crunchy centres, a treat.
The Cold Stares Are; Chris Tapp, Guitar, Vocals & Organ: Brian Mullen, Percussion: Byrce Klueh, Bass
Tracklist;
1. Nothing But The Blues
2. Come For Me
3. The Joy
4. Lights Out
5. Got No Right
6. Sorry I Was Late
7. Voices
8. Waiting On The Rain
9. Sinnerman
10. Throw That Stone
11. It’s Heavy
12. Thinking About Leaving Again
www.thecoldstares.com/
facebook.com/thecoldstares
Words Graham Munn
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GA 20-Live In Loveland
GA 20, are Live In Loveland
No point in denying it, I’m a fan of GA 20, the 3 piece Boston based blues band that really broke through here with their Houndog Taylor tribute album. Since then, they have released Crackdown, and had short tours here in the UK. Their latest release of vibrant vintage music, is a Live show recording, that includes songs from both Crackdown and the earlier debut album Lonely Soul. Needless to say the session was recorded direct to tape on a vintage Tascam machine, in keeping with their retro style, that harkens to the late 50’s and early 60’s.
Reflecting their live performances here, this session in Ohio is raw and raucus, kicking off with, ‘I Cry For You’, a soul edged, but energy filled of glorious rhythm and swing blues. That’s it, your caught firmly on the bands barbed hooks. ‘Your Baby’s Sweeter’, “than mine”, slinks out sublimely, Pat Faherty’s guitar and vocals are visceral, live recordings don’t get better than this.
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Their first release supplies the title track, ‘Lonely Soul’, has Tim Carmen’s drums whipping up a storm, Faherty’s vocals are raw, the rhythm provided by Matthew Stubbs, guitarist for Charlie Musselwhite. ‘Dry Run’ from Crackdown is all about a girl working on her techniques then dumping you and moving on. Who would have thought, but its resulted in an irresistible, gorgeous rhythm, full of lovely licks of those old guitars.
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The pace picks up for the full on ‘Double Gettin’’, superb, if this doesn;t get you feet moving, you must have drunk too much already as Tim’s drums resonate throughout.
Many of GA 20’s songs are relatively short, always punchy, some are stretched more on this Live recording as you would expect, every one clings like a carpet gripper, playing out sharp and unforgettable, ‘Just Because’, they can do it.
Of course the tasty confection of ‘Crackdown’, has to feature, in the 11 track. Beautiful resonant drums, almost Hawaiian like guitar tones and fabulous lyrics spun out by Faherty, “what bugs me, I’m cracking up”, absolutely delicious, hit replay.
The closing song is a crazy full out rockabilly cacophony, that will take some keeping up with, but you have to try, don’t you? ‘Be My Lonesome’ is going to test you out and leave you exhausted.
Live at Loveland is as real as it gets, bringing the band into your living room, if you’ve yet to find GA 20’s music, this album will tick all the boxes, and you’ll be searching for their next tour. One of my favourite current clutch of US bands, absolutely unmissable, get yourself a copy.
(photo Jon Medina)
Track Listing;
01 I Cry For You
02 My Baby’s Sweeter
03 Lonely Soul
04 I Let Someone In
05 Dry Run
06 Double Gettin’
07 My Soul
08 Just Because
09 Hold It One More Time
10 Crackin’ Up
11 Be My Lonesone
(I Cry For You, and Be My Lonesome, are available as digital singles)
Available on Colemine Records from March 17th
Words Graham Munn
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Eric Bibb-Ridin’
Eric Bibb, Ridin’ available on Repute Records
from March 24th
I’ve yet to listen to an Eric Bibb album, without recourse to digging into the background of his songs, Ridin’ is no exception, it follows the epistle of Dear America, and looks fundamentally at racism, nationalistic and systemic. Like all Eric’s work, its beautifully crafted, and in Ridin’ he has a number of US and international guest artists to accompany him. The album was inspired by Eastman Johnson’s 1862 painting, A Ride For Liberty.
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The album unfolds with the super funk filled ‘Family’, where he plays a vintage banjo, and talks of us all being brothers under our skin, no matter what colour is on the surface. Its superb, with a gospel like chorus, and magnetic rhythm, but more importantly it carries a message. Jazz guitarist Russell Malone joins Eric for the title song ‘Ridin”, Eric brings it in on acoustic, he’s loading up for the freedom train, and there’s only one chance to get on board. Malone adds atmospheric guitar, haunting slide, and seismic riffs, making a distinctive canvas for Eric’s lyrics.
‘Blues Funky Like That’, features both Taj Mahal and vocalist Jontavious Willis, totally infectious, with its banjo accompaniment, and the harp weaving around. I’m only three songs in and totally enthralled. ‘The Ballad Of Howard Griffin’ with Russell, has paused me to order a copy of the book that is subject of the song. Not for the first time Bibb has expanded my library, and hopefully, my understanding.
Space does not allow me to cover every track, but there is a psalm like, ‘500 Miles’, and railroading rhythm of, ‘Tulsa Town’, a scenic interlude, ‘Onwards’ and another Malone accompanied song, ‘Hold The Line’, all worthy of more expansive comment.
Guest Amar Sundy features on, ‘I Got My Own’, a lovely traditional blues, North Saharan, Amar adds some gorgeous electric fusion that sits sweetly with the throbbing rhythm and Eric’s soft vocals, as they travel on his personal transport with a road to travel.
‘Call Me By My Name’, another slow rolling railroad blues rhythm, but the message is notable, “I’m a man not your boy, call me by my name”, it reminds me of of Sydney Poitier’s “they call me Mr Tibbs” in Heat Of The Night, Bibb is joined by Canadian singer/songwriter Harrison Kennedy for this poignant song. Eric’s final guest is Malian singer Habib Koite, in ‘Free’, he brings echoes of that long considered, “dark” continent, though more assessable today, its sounds are distinctive, a thought provoking song, aren’t they all, the vibe is Americana, electro acoustic, that comes to life with Habib’s accompaniment and African styled fingerpicking.
I can’t really do justice to an album like this, you have to listen yourself and make your own interpretations, all I know is that its a wonderfully written songbook that adds to the numerous volumes in the Eric Bibb library.
Track Listing;
01 Family
02 Ridin’
03 Blues Funky Like Dat feat. Taj Mahal & Jontavious Willis
04 The Ballad of John Howard Griffin feat. Russell Malone
05 500 Miles
06 Tulsa Town
07 Onwards (Interlude)
08 Hold The Line feat. Russell Malone
09 I Got My Own feat. Amar Sundy
10 Call Me By My Name feat. Harrison Kennedy
11 Joybells
12 Sinner Man with Eric Bibb String Band (Live at Wheatland Festival) 13 Free feat. Habib Koité
14 People You Love
15 Church Bells (Interlude)
Tour Dates;
May 3 Basingstoke The Anvil
May 4 Pontardawe Arts Centre
May 5 Birmingham Town Hall
May 6 Wimborne Tivoli Theatre
May 8 Bury St. Edmunds The Apex
May 9 Bexhill on Sea De la Warr Pavilion
May 11 London King’s Place
May 13 Frome Cheese & Grain
May 14 Exeter Phoenix
May 16 Edinburgh Queen’s Hall
May 17 Glasgow Saint Lukes
May 19 Manchester Stoller Hall
May 20 Leeds City Varieties Music Hall
May 22 Whitley Bay Playhouse
May 23 Milton Keynes The Stables
May 25 Belfast Mandela Hall
May 26 Dublin Liberty Hall Theatre
May 28 Limerick Dolan’s
May 29 Cork Cyprus Avenue
https://www.ericbibb.com/
Words Graham Munn
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Andy Fairweather Low-Flang Dang
Andy Fairweather Low, Flang Dang
I recall the days of Amen Corner, and Andy’s distinct vocal delivery, he has travelled a long path since, and with Flang Dang, has created a very enjoyable album. His first solo albumin 17 years, the R&B selection of goodies, are both moreish and irresistible. Like so many recordings, the 11 tracker came out of the closed world of covid, proving nothing is all bad. Lift the lid and you’ll find nuggets of gospel, soul even a bit of ska, all toned with a blues rinse.
It opens on ‘Waiting On The Up’, a quick steppin’ song with Andy hoping to “find what he’s looking for”, the involving rhythm, hooking you into this wonderful album.
‘99 Ways’, “to get it wrong, only one way to get it right”, never a truer word, spelled ou t sweetly in an easy country blues. Aptly named, ‘Ska 67’ is an infectious song that will have you dancing around the room or aping Suggs with a bit of madness thrown in. Brace yourself, because your about to be bowled over by the deliciously dark, funk loaded blues, ‘Somebody wants My Soul’, I defy anyone not to hit the repeat, “somebody stole my money, somebody stole my name”, your pockets have been emptied, there’s someone out there wearing your name, a prescient warning to all.
Also lost in the shadows of night, ‘The Dark Of The Midnight’, where the sun don’t shine, Andy has buried this little treasure, with the mood switching dramatically for the following gospel swing of ‘Keep you Faith’, something to bare in mind when entering those darker places. ‘Looking Down’, is ska fused, stuffed full of lyrical confection, every bite a tasty morsel. The gorgeous soulful blues of ‘The End Of All The Roads’, sounds a bit terminal, the sparse acoustic accompaniment is perfect, the harmonised chorus brings up ancient memories of Flanagan and Allen, underneath the arches, odd, not really my era! Its a lovely dentle ending to the album.
Sometimes you want grit, sometimes, rock, even sometimes hurt, but occasionally you just want something completely uplifting and joyous, Andy Fairweather Low serves it up in spades with the finely crafted, utterly pleasurable Flang Dang.
Track Listing;
01 Waiting On The Up
02 99 Ways
03 Ska 67
04 Somebody Wants My Soul
05 Dark Of The Midnight
06 Keep Your Faith
07 Got Me A Party
08 Too Many Friends
09 Looking Down
10 Stand Up
11 The End Of All The Roads
“fight the good fight, walk into the light, be sure and keep your faith where it belongs” Keep Your Faith
Available on Last Music Company from 24th February,
a perfect way to lift your spirit when all around seems dark and gloomy
https://andyfairweatherlow.com/
https://www.lastmusic.co.uk/
Words Graham Munn
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The 2:19 Live @ The Deers Head, Belfast
The 2:19 to Belfast
Not quite true, a little bit of madness, I booked flights to Belfast to catch the launch gig for The 2:19’s new album, ‘We Will Get Through This’, I thought all was well flying with Flybe! I did manage to get through that too, albeit resulting in the most expensive gig I can recall.
A Saturday afternoon at in the performance room of The Deers Head, with a full house of friendly N.I. fans, brilliant, the band were ready, with plenty of material from their 2 albums, and a beer from the venues micro brewers, dark and creamy.
Cymbals resonated round the room as Monty kicked off the band, and Chris crooned out ‘Ready To Go’, a rock blues with bite, Paul’s guitar introduced itself, alongside stand in harp player, Gareth Hughes. (Andrei was on duty at the hospital, tough shifts to fit in band sessions) The band shifted into gear for the punchy, hook filled, ‘No Smoke No Fire’, the sparks flying from the off in what was to become a superb day out.
Rhythm and bass were in the hands of blood brothers Ady And Marty, Chris concentrated on vocals though had his acoustic close by, it would come in to play later. The title track of their first Revelator album slipped down nicely, a lovely blues with Gareth proving he’d done his homework for the gig. Another of my favourites from their collection bled out into the hall, ‘Bad Blood’, is dark, sparse, Southern swamp blues and irresistibly sucks you into its groove. Chris is fine form, a quiet spoken man, but a mean vocalist, and bad blood running in his veins, in truth reflecting untested blood transfusions. From Bad Blood To Best Suit, cut from the new, now launched album, a country blues, dressed up for court and dead end sentence, Monty thumps in the pulsing beat, but you know its going to be a pulse brought to an abrupt end at sundown!
Paul is sliding in harmony with the harp for a slow bluesy ‘All Kinds Of Evil’, and I’m thinking this band needs some oxygen in the mainland festivals that fill our spring, summer, autumn months, come on you organisers, listen to this band, they’re too good not to have more recognition. Though its true to say, they were shortlisted for the Blues Awards, their name is not known enough to break into the final run. Meanwhile, a ‘Black Dog Moan’, reverberates around the room, he’s scratching around the door, howling in the night. Perhaps there’s ‘No Time To Bleed’ about it but there is some form of ‘Evil’, going on out there. Chris delivering the lyrics with just enough smokin’ grit to grip you, the band do the rest, wonderful stuff.
There is so much I could write about, but you need to be there, I’ll close out on a couple of notables, the single release, ‘Hey Carolina’, with a distinctly radio friendly vibe, and perfect for the audience to join in. Of coarse I can’t omit the launches titular song, ‘We Will Get Through This’, there is no doubt that this can be personally tailored to anyone’s woes, in times that test us all, we seem to be in a loop of crisis, groundhog days indeed. It opens with haunting harp, before Chris comes in on acoustic, his lyrics reverberating around the walls, the band sweep in, mellow, measured, beautiful, a song for today, a song that holds hope for the future, we will all get through this.
The gig mixed, blended and delivered a tasty concoction of both the 2:19’s albums, over 2 hours of exceptional blues that justified the turmoil of travel, and cancelled flights. I had great company around me, brilliant music, and a regal old Belfast venue. Special thanks go to Monty, his wife and two dogs, who looked after my evening in this great City.
The 2:19 were, Chris Chalmers, harmonica player Gareth Hughes (for Andrei Marinescu), drummer Monty Sneddon, lead guitarist Paul Wilkinson, guitarist Ady Young and bassist Marty Young.
The songs taken from albums, Revelator, and We Can Get Through This, check out the bands Facebook pages for more information.
http://www.facebook.com/The219band/
Worth all the turmoil of troublesome travel? Too damned right it was
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The 2:19-We Will Get Through This
The 2:19, We Will Get Through This
Its hard to believe that The 2.19 were only formed in 2019, releasing a phenomenal debut album in November ‘21. Now as we break into the choppy political waters of 2023, The 2:19 are back with an album that will be live and streaming before the end of January. The new album is ‘lighter’ than their inaugural effort, the recording is one of hope, “though songs of love and surviving loss are permeated by themes of death, mayhem and corruption”, as the pre-release notes put it. The 2.19 are a serious argument for retaining our links with Belfast, time for the politico’s to sort out their differences and give Northern Ireland the lift it needs.
The album opens on an electrifying blues rocker, ‘No Smoke No Fire’ with Chris Chalmers distinctive vocals to the lyrics, dangerous times with sharkskin suits and steel tipped boots. Paul Wilkinson’s superb guitar riffs slice through as the relentless rhythm pounds out the score. ‘Turn Out The Lights’, has a boogie vein running through this lively blues, with Andrei Marinescu breaking out on harmonica, a lovely rhythm that will encourage busy feet.
A more traditional country blues proves a delight, despite its dark underbelly that’ll end up in a one way walk. John McCullough helps things along on piano in this delightful ditty that warns not to go messing with codeine, it can only end up badly.
Suffice to say, ‘ready To Go’ gets seriously heavy, throbbing distortingly through your brain like a migraine. Take a couple of paracetamol and get the hell back in there and burn it again to discover the swampy finish.
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Chris puts on his dark coat and shaded hat, as he wheels and deals, “sewing seeds”, he’ll supply all your needs, at a price. This one is a frothy psychedelic blues, that cuts away to a thick fuzzy guitar riff. What becomes apparent as the collection of songs play out, is the variations that are unwrapped, your never going to get bored with this album, its selection box with dark favourites, softer centres and crunchy bites, take your pick.
A real and very tasty surprise is the soulful blues duet with Amy Montgomery joining Chris in, ‘Broken Harmony Blues’. A beautiful song laced over piano and not much else, just a touch of harmonica to take it out, wonderful.There is so much in the 10 tracks to feed off, the swing of the Chicago vibe of, ‘Seven Wonders’, which is a fabulous lyrically rich groove, and you certainly can’t ignore the single radio release, with more commercial bent, ‘Hey California’.
What I will close out on, is the title track, which says so much of the times we have and continue to live through, but everyone will have their own personal take on what the lyrics mean to them, ‘We Will Get Through This’, is a song for today, yesterday, and tomorrow. Andrei’s haunting harp unwraps the song, Chris delivers the message, as guitar gently slices in, the rhythm builds, in this gorgeous, slow, Lennon like anthem, Amy joins in calling out the gospel message, “we will get through this”. A song that will stay with you for a long time, I can hear an audience all joining in as The 2:19 take the album on the road.
Its hard to believe a band, formed in the difficult years of pandemic, have now produced a second stunning album, but they have.
Album Tracks;
1 No Smoke No Fire
2 Turn Out The Lights
3 Hey Carolina
4 Best Suit
5 Ready To Go
6 The Reach
7 Radio Smiles
8 Broken Harmony Blues
9 Seven Wonders
10 We Will Get Through This
The R2:19 band are;
Singer/guitarist Chris Chalmers, harmonica player Andrei Marinescu, drummer Monty Sneddon, guitarist Paul Wilkinson, guitarist Ady Young and bassist Marty Young
Additional musicians on the album;
Vocalist Amy Montgomery, John McCullough on keys, Linley Hamilton and Barry McCrudden provide trumpets and saxophones, respectively.
The 10 original songs were engineered and mixed by Michael Mormecha at Tree Song Studios, the album was recorded ‘live’, in May ‘22.
https://www.facebook.com/The219band/
The 2:19 launch there album Saturday at The Deers Head, Belfast, N.I. 2.00pm, Be there, but leave space for me, its unmissable. The 2:19 proved too be a revelation on ‘Revelator’ their first album, this new set of songs builds on the impressive foundation album. The tricky second album? It seems not, a tasty treat, lyrically, musically and served up superbly.
Words-Graham Munn
Photos-Joseph Cohen Photography
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Vanessa Collier-Live At Power Station
Vanessa Collier; Live At Power Station
Vanessa Collier, has yet to grace our shores, here in the UK, but has garnered a number of Blues awards over the least few years. Her new album is self released, and was recorded live at the Power Station Studios, New York. Principally known for her talents as a saxophonist, Vanessa also has the perfect sassy vocal delivery to make this come alive in your own environment, wherever that may be. With 10 tracks, 7 of which are self penned, its a collection of songs that will have you up and grooving, or rocking in your chair, your choice.
The album opens with giving us, ‘The Run Around’, a full on rocker with Laura Chavez on guitar, and a thumping rhythm. Vanessa powers in with her gritty delivery, before blowing us away with her Alto, a superb, raw edged track hinting at what’s to come. ‘Whiskey and Women’ seems an odd one for a female artist, but the funk laced boogie is hard to resist, with its lively swing and some lovely riffs from Chavez as Collier blows that horn.
Again, not too ladylike, ‘Sweatin’ Like A Pig, Singin’ Like An Angel’, proves an irresistible force, that has me hitting the replay. William Gorman’s piano opens this fabulous can of worms, a superb blues to get down and dirty with. Possibly my album pick, but that’s not definitive, Chavez once more cuts it, but the sax is glorious, a filthy, rich and dark Tenor. Equally I can’t ignore the soul drenched, blues burner, ‘Love Me Like A Man’, Byron Cage and Andrew Crane, punch in the slow rhythm with a passion, as Chavez griffs and riffs her way through. As the tempo lifts. Vanessa’s voice delivers the raunchy lyrics, before putting her lips back to the reed,
delivering a deep cut, soul soaked solo, maybe this is my pick, what a choice to make!
There are more covers, U2’s ‘When Love Comes To Town’ is an interesting choice, alongside, Peebles, ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’. From Colliers first album, we’re taken into serious funk territory with,’Tongue Tied’, featuring Gorman on organ, James Brown eat your heart out. Vanessa can certainly deliver the vocals in style, but the Alto is back in her hands, and she’s intent on blowing us away.
This is an album that will make you move, your feet start twitching before it works its way up through your whole body, and you’ll be cutting shapes you never dreamt of before. A wonderfully raw, live as an electric eel, recording from Vanessa Collier and her super band.
Track Listing;
1 The Run Around
2 Whiskey And Women
3 I Can’t Stand The Rain (Peebles/Bryant/Miller)
4 Sweatin’ Like A Pig
5 Love Me Like A Man (Chris Smither)
6 When It Don’t Come Easy
7 Icarus
8 When Love Comes To Town (Bono, U2)
9 Tongue Tied
10 Two Parts Sugar, One Part Lime
Band;
Vanessa Collier, Saxophone/vocals/Resonator Guitar; Byron Cage, Drums;
Andrew Crane, Bass; Laura Chavez, Guitar; William Gorman, Keys.
Recorded Live at The Power Station, NYC, Produced by Vanessa Collier
https://www.vanessacollier.com/
Saxophonist. Vocalist. Songwriter. Blues Blast, “Horn Player Of The Year”
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GA-20 Live @ St Mary’s, Chester
GA-20 ring a few bells in St Mary’s, Chester
Since dropping out from a tree, and unable to see GA20 in June, I’ve been keeping my fingers crossed that the November tour would go ahead, and I would be fit enough to go. Come the day, all dropped into place nicely, the church of St Mary in Chester, was set for the boys from Boston. Just one disappointment, where were the GA20 amps? Just carrying guitars across the pond these days is a bit of a trial, so I’ll forgive that, but Fender amps!!!!
A good crowd had gathered for the band, but first, we were roundly ‘warmed up’ by local blues shouter, Tom Blackwell, who also brought a touch of blunt humour much appreciated by anyone residents or ex residents of Whitehall. Certainly worth a check out if he brings his Americana/Blues to a venue near you.
On stage, an eclectic collection of guitars awaited Matt Stubbs and Pat Faherty, he’s the one with a ball of black hair and bushy beard, his voice emanating from out of the tightly meshed ‘nest’. Stacked behind were the aged Fender amps, Tim Carman’s big age matured drum set sat between the walls of sound. The band burst into life with their distinctive sound that nestles nicely in the late 50’s, early pre pop/blues explosion 60’s, it’s a wonderful vibe that fits like a second skin, ‘Just Because’ it can! It slips smoothly down like a spoonful of honey. ‘Dry Run’, is equally lush, a new girl but just a flirt, who cares, what a fabulous 5o’s soul brother to prop you up at the bar as you console your loss.
They dipped into their Hound Dog Taylor album for the effervescent ‘Give Me Back My Wig’, now there’s a name to conjure with Theodore Roosevelt Taylor! Matt is on his ‘Telecaster’, Pat electrically charged, is hopping round the stage with a Kawai that bristles with pickups or cutting some riffs with the “toy” Harmony Stratotone, the sound far exceeding rational expectation. Tim does the biz, with a smile on his face, delivering with deft touch or percussive explosions, to the crowded Nave, bodies moving and shuffling to the engaging sounds. ‘She’s Gone’ has Pat’s shimmering slide burning through, with Tim breaking out some thumping paradiddling drums.
Thump, thump, a slow heavy pulse and Pat’s burying the slide into Houndog’s, ‘It Hurts Me Too’. It’s difficult to leap forward with such a dynamic show, but needs must, I’m just about, ‘Cracking Up’, I’ve already reserved my vinyl, just need it signed, and I’ll soon be ‘Sittin’ Home Alone’ again, with that heart breaker, slide riven song in mind. Still time to luxuriate in the fabulous, ‘Fairweather Friend’, we all know a few, but if they grooved like this, we wouldn’t care. Pat’s howling out the opening vocals of the beautiful, ‘Easy On The Eyes’, the old Harmony Stratotone sounds wonderful, despite looking like a half pint next to the Kawai. The song calms the soul, your pulse settles to the rhythm as your ears drink in the stunning slide work, Its easy to overlook Matt, but his input is essential, he’s cutting riffs or weaving frameworks, it just wouldn’t work without him, any side man of Charlie Musselwhite has to be taken seriously.
GA20 are working up a lather as we head toward the close, it's been an unforgettable evening, one of the most enjoyable gigs on any measure, it was time to get, ‘Funky’, a blistering rockabilly paced Hound Dog Taylor floor filler, no time to stand still in a corner, you have to get out and move to the groove.
With so few shows allocated to the UK in their European tour, chances are you’d have missed them, but make a note, I’m assured they are returning in spring, Matt hints, maybe with a new album, join me there, it’ll be memorable.
GA 20 are Matt Stubbs, Guitar; Pat Faherty, Guitar, Vocals; and Tim Carman, Drums
http://ga20band.com/ http://www.facebook.com/ga20blues/
Albums; Lonely Soul; GA 20 does Hound Dog Taylor; Crackdown
Extra; as I write this, GA 20 have released a superb new single (29.11.22) ‘ATL’, recorded late after a show in Atlanta, the single is inspired by Muddy Waters ‘Electric Mud’ an album where Chicago Blues crashed headlong into psychedelic music. Its an instrumental groove that might just catch you out. Destined for their next album? I don’t know, but Matt does like to slot in the odd instrumental.
Words & Photos Graham Munn
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Rita Engedalen-Sun Will Come
Rita Engedalen, Sun Will Come
Multi international award-winning Norwegian artist, Rita Engedalen, has come up with a very original and engaging selection of Blues on this 11-track album. Blues that are influenced by such artists as Ma Rainey, Billy Holiday and Jesse Mae Hemphill, they became close friend over the later years of Jesse’s life. The songs on this album reflect true Delta blues, Louisiana blues and country blues.
The album opens up with, ‘Let’s Go Down’, a beautifully stark acoustic, the guitar setting the groundwork, but what is immediately apparent is Rita’s stunning voice. The feel is almost tribal, with her arabica dark roast timbre, wonderfully textured, like tree bark that grips from the off. ‘Sunshine Devil’, has thumping bass and lively, kick-ass, thunderous drums, Rita picks up on the rhythm delivering her message, “I am a woman”, invulnerable to the works of the devil himself, as intoxicating as Tennessee whisky.
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Equally lively is the fast tracking, ‘I Wanna Feel Good’, which features a harp buzzing around like a bee on a promise, Rita’s voice has that slight vibrato edge, as electric guitar sweeps in for a lead. Time to get up and groove, “black dress, blue night, I’m looking for me in your eyes”, a great line. Much more profound, dark even, ‘I’m Changed’, “but I’m still here”, deeply atmospheric percussion, is given a gilded edge with muted trumpet from Nils Petter Molvær, but the storm still rages. A phenomenal piece of music that says so much about the human condition, time moves ever on, but we can all change to find our way forward.
Title track, ‘Sun Will Come’, presents Rita’s awesome vocals in the starkest, most perfect way, just her guitar framing this blues lament, that drips with emotion. The sun can lift our spirit, the rich voice is for our soul. A good time to let rip with the cracking blues, Cajun empowered, ‘Black Cat Bone’, tambourine sparkles away, whilst the rhythm will have your feet moving, let the vibe carry you.
In contrast to much of this album, ‘North Mississippi Blues is an outright rocker, the band release their collective force for Engedalen to sing about a small town, small shack, up in the North, where she awaits Jesus, all night long.
Much as I want to unwrap more of the stunning songs in this album, I know space does not allow, but I’ll not ignore the closing song, ‘Wait For Me’, another wonderfully dark atmospheric song. That soundscape conjured up from the percussive spells cast by Olaf Olsen, veined throughout with Morten Omlid’s, guitar.
Engedalen’s album is superb start to finish, if you love blues in its truest sense, you will love this, like a Turner watercolour it is full of subtle shades, and wonderful stormy skies, its beautifully addictive.
Musicians feature; Engedalen on vocals and acoustic guitar, Morten Omlid (acoustic and electric guitar) Eskil Aasland (drums and percussion), Bård Gunnar Moe (bass), Margit Bakken (choir) Tuva Syvertsen (choir), Kari Gjærum (choir), Nils Petter Molvær (trumpet), Olaf Olsen, Jostein Forsberg (harmonica), Espen Fjelle, Mattis Kleppen, Halvor Halvorsen and Daniel Eriksen.
Tracks;
1 Lets Go Down And Pray
2 Sunshine Devil
3 God Will Watch
4 I Wanna Feel Good Tonight
5 I’m Changed
6 Sun Will Come
7 Black Cat Bone
8 North Mississippi Blues
9 The Right Hand
10 Colours In Rain
11 Wait For Me
https://ritaengedalen.com/musikk/
Words Graham Munn
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John Fusco-Borderlands
John Fusco, Borderlands released on Rocket 88 Records
Film maker/singer/songwriter/ musician, John Fusco has released his third album with, Borderlands, a Mex/Tex struggle across the Rio Grande. A border line that splits barren grit laden ground as surely as it divides a rich country with its poorer neighbour. Its the blood spattered landscape that gives breath to Fusco’s mix of blues and gospel, with tales of biblical martyrdom and lucre winning over humanity.
The opening song opened with a dower fanfare is the sad tale of, ‘Coyote Man’, running illegal migrants across the border in a refrigerator truck, a desert breakdown and human misery, but he’s ok, he’s been paid. Fusco’s voice is wonderfully weather beaten like an old, cracked oak, a wonderful start to this cinema-scope musical journey. ‘Bad Luck Rides Shotgun’, is delicious, for me, like looking in a mirror! “If I didn’t have bad luck, I’d have no damned luck at all”, says it all, helped along by some lovely-mellowed guitar George Petit.
Fusco’s piano shares opening bars with a saddened accordion, for a biblical story of ‘Horseback Hastings’, a preacher from out of the badlands, shot down by Cactus Jack, “forgive them father for they know not what they do”. A slow melancholy tale that must be heard. After that, what better than a chaser, how’s about, ‘Cyanide Whisky’, delivered on a dobro, and accompanied by arsenic wine. That’s one hell of a woman, killing you slowly with her loving, maybe give her a miss, but not the song, or gorgeous atmospheric guitar.
You could just opt for the wild desert bordello, and Isabella, if you can play the piano, you might just get, ‘Knighted By The Queen’, but you’ll have to go down on one knee and be anointed. Dusty, dirty and delicious, an uplifting song to ease the ride across the arid groove of the album
(photo Ricehela Renkun)
All the songs except a traditional, ‘Ain’t No Grave’, are by Fusco, the songs are dark but spiritual, with players borrowed from the scriptures and reformed for the tough borders of the Southern States. He has put together a band who know how to create the sand blown landscape for the tales to unwrap. Maybe its just me, but I rather like this Borderland reading from John Fusco’s pulpit.
I’m not letting you go yet, there’s the story of John The Baptist, rewritten into the torrid, ‘Dance Of The Seven Veils’, a cantina South of the Rio Grande, a Jezebel, and an ogling Generalissimo, it means, Rio Hondo John is going to have his head served upon a platter. It can only end trouble as the guilt gnaws away at El Padrone.
John Fusco films like Crossroads, Young Guns, and Hidalgo, have achieved cult status, they will have to move over a little for his musical offerings to be given shelf space, not to mention the odd book that needs to be slotted in. Borderlands is as dark and cracked as his voice, a delight whichever side of the border your looking from.
Cast;
John Fusco, Vocals, Piano, Hammond, and songwriter.
George Walker Petit, Guitar, Bass, Percussion; Russ Lawton, Drums.
Matthew Backer, Dobro & slide; Jane Boxall, Marimba; Stuart Paton, Congas.
Patrick Richard Ross, Fiddle, Mandolin, Background Vocals.
Ashley Betton, Background Vocals; Connor Young, Trumpet.
Michael Hartigan, Accordion
Engineered & Produced by George Walker Petit
Words Graham Munn
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Emma Wilson Live @ Pizza Express, Soho, London
Emma Wilson, Bites into Pizza Express, Soho
The plan was a double header at Pizza Express at its iconic cellar bar in Soho, a venue that has hosted some truly great Jazz artists over the years. Emma Wilson was dual headlining with London band, Five Point Gang, I arrived to find that the Gang were on the run, and had cancelled, leaving Emma and her band to pull out an extra set. Nowt to it for a girl brought up in Teesside, the stage beckoned.
Having released her critically acclaimed album, Wish Her Well, Emma had plenty of songs to spin out, along with her take on a few classics, the audience settled in for an entertaining evening with the Blues Siren.
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Thankfully no-one was ordering Pizzas with pineapple on board so all was well, as Emma launched into her album’s title song a gorgeous, ‘Wish You Well’, that was it, I was sold. A jazz infused, ‘She Isn’t You’, allowed Emma to demo her vocal range, Adam Chetwood, slipping in a tasty guitar solo. The band have serious credentials, with Matt Hector, looking dapper on drums, and Mark Neary, adding the essential bass.
A song written back in the musician’s dead zone of lockdown, was brought to life by Matt’s crashing cymbals, Emma and the boys are firmly, ‘Back On The Road’.
A steady throbbing blood rush unleashed a, ‘Little Love Bite’, a suitably soulful bluesy song that reminds of ravenous youthful engagements. I’m really pondering on biting a pizza! Emma took us steadily toward the break, a fabulous, ‘Dr Feelgood’, and some light-hearted banter with the crowd, led to her 60’s flavoured, ‘Mary Lou’. As sweet as Cadbury Flake, and nicely rippled through by Adam’s lead, before breaking off with a Howling, ‘Smokestack Lightning’ in Emma’s own style. Now where’s that menu.
An easy manor and good humour from Emma, had the audience eating out of her hand, metaphorically speaking, plates were in evidence.
Back on stage, the band exploded into, ‘Blossom Like Snow’, now I admit this is the one song on the album I struggle with, it’s a bit out there, but it certainly exorcises both Emma’s vocal chords and the bands energy. Emma recalled her time as a young girl, fresh in London working as a Tequila girl, Polaroids and plenty of laughter preceded the song inspired by that time, ‘Rack ‘Em Up’, adds a slice of lemon on the side, jazzy it slips down easily.
Just time to have a splash on the rocks, but it’s nothing to do with a favourite tipple, more about a sirens call, and a dive into the deep blue. I’ve been floundering around in the blue stuff for too long maybe, ‘Then I’m Gone’, if all sirens sound like this lady, we’ll all be floundering, superb. Emma turned to an impassioned, swaggering, ‘Hoochie Coochie Mama’, with honey sweet blues guitar from Adam.
An effervescent backdrop is stirred up by the boys in the band for Emma’s ‘Nuthin I Won’t Do’, “just to get to you”, a heady cocktail indeed. ‘Tainted Love’, brought a brace of energetic young dancers to stage.
Time was running, and Emma Wilson had given us all a brilliant evening at Pizza Express, surrounded by images of all those greats who had played here, I think there’s space for Emma up there. Our last little bite for the evening had a backstory naturally, this was simply that it was recorded straight, a single take, as if Emma and the band were playing it live, it worked, a high rolling electrifying rock edged jazz edged blues, ‘Not Paying’. Seemed the wrong idea as I scanned the bill, but what the hell, it was a sizzling finish. This was my first experience of the Emma Wilson Band, suffice to say, it won’t be may last.
https://www.emmawilson.net/
https://www.facebook.com/EmmaWilsonBluesBand
Dates;
18 Nov
Emma Wilson 'Wish Her Well' Tour (Acoustic) – Temperance, Leamington Spa
19 Nov
Emma Wilson "Wish Her Well" Tour (Acoustic) Tenby Blues Festival 2022
20 Nov
Emma Wilson "Wish Her Well" Tour Whitby Blues Festival 2022
25 Nov
Emma Wilson "Wish Her Well" Tour at Crawdaddy Club, Richmond Upon Thames
01 Dec
Emma Wilson "Wish Her Well" Tour: Bracknell Blues Club, Bracknell
04 Dec
Emma Wilson "Wish Her Well" Tour (Acoustic) Ripley Blues Club, Ripley (Nr. Harrogate)
2023
14 Jan
Emma Wilson "Wish Her Well" Tour: Great British Rock & Blues Festival, Skegness
09 Apr
Emma Wilson Opens the Main Stage at the HRH Blues Festival 2023, Sheffield
Words & Photos Graham Munn
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Alice Armstrong & Matt Long-Live At Folklore Rooms
Alice Armstrong & Matt Long, Live At Folklore Rooms
A superb little 5 track EP from Alice and Matt, For those not familiar with Alice Armstrong, suffice to say the girl must have lungs the size of an Amazon Forest, seriously powerful, with a range as broad as the Steppes and hits the spot like a James Bond Martini. And, multi award winning, Matt ain’t half bad himself, whether he’s shredding an acoustic or electric guitar, it’s a pairing made in heaven when it comes to this Live set, and don’t let the title fool you, it’s not folk!
The 4 original and 1 Tom Waits cover, unwraps with a stupendous, ‘Motel’, a chance liaison or clandestine visit, open the door on clothes strewn across the floor, as sparse guitar gives space for Alice to spill the beans splendidly. A classic in the making.
I’m going for broke here, next up comes Tom Waits deliciously dark, ‘Drop Of Poison’. Alice stirs it, and boils it down to its deadly, pungent best, a love song with a bitter-sweet vengeful threat, served up on a distinctive hard cut, passionate flamenco guitar by Matt. Alice’s voice paints the walls red, with fissures of light stabbing through. Fabulously sizzling stuff,
Auto Assassin has Matt slicing through with acoustic on maximum reverb, Alice’s range sweeps across the song, a burning, impassioned soulful song. “Oh lord, you kill me fast when you love me slow”, gives clue to a title you may think is about a car crash, well it sort of is but it’s one of the heart.
Matt lifts the pace to a lively, bluesy framework, for Alice to weave her lyrics around, ‘Overtime’, is one of extended passion, not earning a few extra quid. Matt sings response to Alice’s lead, the song threading its way around those stretched strings.
This small but very, very tasty set closes with, ‘Love Song’, a soft, soulful lament compared with the previous songs, like wrapping yourself in a cosy quilt. In reality, its simply beautiful, both lyrically and audibly, with so much fire and passion going on, you have to ease down a little to close out.
It may be only an EP, but what an unbelievable set of songs, accepting the Tom Waits song, they are beautifully written. Cut down to the bone, with just Matt’s tremendous 6 string assault. I’ve said it before, and don’t mind repeating, Alice Armstrong has a voice that deserves much higher recognition, and I don’t care what stage she stands on. Ideally get a copy at a live performance, or failing that, her website.
Tracklist;
1 Motel
2 Drop Of Poison
3 Auto Assassin
4 Overtime
5 Love Song
https://www.alicearmstrongmusic.co.uk/music
Words Graham Munn
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Kaz Hawkins-My Life And I
Kaz Hawkins, My Life And I available now on Dixiefrog
“Kaz Hawkins was born in Belfast but now lives in France. She enjoyed singing at church, and was influenced by her grandmother singing at home. In her youth, she auditioned for the television show Opportunity Knocks where the musical director told her grandmother to let her listen to Etta James. Her love affair of soul music began here.”
Northern Ireland born Kaz, has found her way though the tangled roots of blues to find herself queen of the soul, blues stage, in France, and across Europe. A long journey travelled after being ‘discovered’ by Van Morrison. Signed to Dixiefrog records, she has now released an album that takes songs from throughout her journey, 17 tracks of blues, gospel, and soul, delivered through her powerful voice, sometime gritty, often smooth, always superb.
The album unwraps with a stunning acapela, ‘Play’, a gospel, that picks up a rhythm backing as a multi layered Kaz stirs up the spirit, absolutely fabulous, just over 2 minutes of heaven. even at this point, I want this album. Piano accompanies Kaz for a heart rendering soulful ballad, ‘Because You Love Me’, which really showcases her incredible vocal range.
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Over the years Kaz has turned to some classic blues jazz standards, the iconic, ‘Feelin’ Good’, written by Anthony Newley, and made world renowned by Nina Simone, is one such. Nina is a tough act to follow, a song that’s woven into the fabric of black music, but Kaz brings her own inflection on the song, she does not hold back, full of all the emotion and empathy you could possibly want. When I’m here, I’ll also mention Kaz’s beautiful version of the 1960 Etta James classic, ‘At Last’, gobsmacking!
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It’s not easy picking out songs out of a collection of 17, but I particularly like the ‘Live’ recordings, with stripped back accompaniment, like, ‘Lipstick & Cocaine’, Kaz on piano, with this real tearjerker, that’s all but a signature song for Kaz, its dripping with emotion, but you have to keep playing it. ‘Drink With The Devil’, lifts the spirit, a wonderful little boogie blues, given some fiery spirit through gritty vocals that will have everyone raising a glass and dancing around.
I Can’t overlook the spiritual, ‘The River That Sings’, stripped and barefooted of all but her piano, beautiful, it lingers long in your mind. Closing the album is the wonderful gritty rock’n’roll blues, ‘Shake’, “your money baby”, it accelerates away until your legs drop off, before Kaz powers up to tail it off, fabulous fun to sign off on.
Kaz has released an outstanding collection of songs in this album, blues, soul, gospel, jazz it doesn’t matter a damn, its a stupendous demonstration of classy, power vocals, and worthy of anyone’s collection. Vintage Champagne, or a fine Irish malt on the, you can decide, just keep away from the cocaine!
Tracklist;
Pray
Because you love me
Feelin' good
Hallelujah happy people
One more fight (Lipstick and cocaine)
Believe with me
Drink with the devil
Full force gale
Don't make mama cry
The river that sings
Surviving
At last
Something's gotta hold on me
Don't you know
Don't slip away
Better days
Shake
Released on Dixiefrog records, and available from most platforms, or direct from Kaz Hawkins/Dixiefrog
https://www.kazhawkins.com/
https://dixiefrog.com/en/home/
Words Graham Munn
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Todd Sharpeville-Medication Time
Todd Sharpville, Medication Time
available on Dixie Frog Records
Video releases available now, take a look;
New release;
https://youtu.be/OEdOWRAB5AQ
and don’t miss
https://youtu.be/H80op6av6RM
https://youtu.be/4mhyWzfhzi8
Medication Time conjures up thoughts of One Flew Over The Cuckoos Nest, and Nurse Ratched, however this is the title of a long-awaited album, from Blues stalwart Todd Sharpville, where he explores a time 16 years ago, the stress of a child contact battle within a messy breakup resulted in breakdown and 2 month’s stay in a mental hospital.
Nine originals and 3 restyled covers, make up the album, including two tracks with guest singers, Sugar Ray Norcia, and long-time friend, Larry McCray. The album, recorded in New York, is produced by Duke Robillard, brings the best out of Todd’s voice which goes from one of warm ground coffee to a smoking, gritty timbre. The songs cover the full blues spectrum, soulful, slow burners, shuffles, and horn filled Orleans styled, sometime dark, sometime ebullient, and every shade in between. It’s life unpacked and shaken out.
Medication Time opens with, ‘Walk Out In The Rain’, your instantly engaged by Todd’s granular voice as the song sweeps in like a summer storm, ebbing and flowing. His guitar does some talking over the soundscape of rhythm and flowing organ. Its walking out, there’s no turning back, a superb opening to what is an electrifying album. Things get a bit crazy, no time to loose, caught behind the “Sunday driver”, just ‘Get Outta My Way’. A manic, impatient drive, with rubber smouldering riffs, sax blows like an intolerant car horn in this road raging stampede.
R’n’R rhythms underpin the proselytizing finger wagging and gritty lyrics, Todd preaches his, ‘House Rules’, she can always walk out the door. May not be very PC, but its a great groove, with wickedly chauvinistic, fun laced lyrics, an absolute hoot. That feeds straight into a duel with Larry McCray, trading lyrics, then duetting, ‘Brothers From ‘Another Mother’, liberally decorated with the sound of New Orleans horns. Released as a single with characterised video, the two gifted guitarists weave their sound as tight as a clan tartan.
Before stepping into the darker corners of this riveting album, I can’t overlook one of the “cover” tracks, it’s given a complete makeover, almost Dickensian, with a Fagin and Artful Dodger wanting, ‘Money For Nothing’, or maybe risk falling into dire straits. Sugar Ray Norcia, adds vocals and a mean harp to this Knopfler classic, that’s been roughed over with a bastard file, unmissable.
You could say the dark underbelly of this album, is really the essence of Title track, ‘Medication Time’, finding Todd submitting to incarceration, and drug regime. effectively straitjacketed, no Cuckoo’s Nest here, its palpably real, set out in a slow, moody, blues lament, strangely haunting, irresistible. No faucet to force the bars here, but it still breaks a few glass windows.
More sinister, but no less irresistible is, ‘Silhouette’, masked by shadows, the light on the other side calling to you, but you can’t find a way through, teasing but seemingly unreachable, there’s no release without an extended hand pulling you through into the light. I’m inevitably drawn to replay these.
I’ll close out on another “cover”, its wild, maybe a release, time to cut loose with a,‘Red Headed Woman’, brunettes are fine man; and blondes are fun; but when it comes to getting; the dirty job done; I’ll take a red headed woman”, Springsteen may have packed the dynamite, Sharpville lights the fuse, enjoy the fireworks.
It’s hard not to plough through every song, but you’ll just have to get a copy of this raw, visceral, album. Todd Sharpville albums are a rare, precious commodity, his growling voice and straight-shooting guitar are superb, A blue blooded rebel, who has tasted life at all levels, Medication Time opens the window on a turbulent time which took him to the precipice. An album that mixes pathos with humour, making this a stunning album, more addictive than cocaine? This is a drug you won’t mind taking.
Track Listing;
1 Walk Out In The Rain (Dylan/Springs)
2 Get Outta My Way
3 Tangled Up In Thought
4 House Rules
5 Brothers From Another Mother (featuring Larry McCray)
6 Medication Time
7 God Loves A Loser
8 Money For Nothing (featuring Sugar Ray Norcia)(Knopfler/Sumner)
9 Silhouettes
10 Stand Your Ground
11 Red Headed Woman (Springsteen)
12 Don’t Need To Know Your Name
Medication Time, Out Now, have you got your copy yet?
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Words Graham Munn
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The Boneshakers-One Foot In The Groove
The Boneshakers, with, One Foot In The Groove,
Available from Take It To The Bridge Records
“Bonnie Raitt inadvertently gave them their name “Boneshakers” while they were working on her “Longing In Our Hearts” CD. In 1996, the two were signed to Pointblank/Virgin Records and produced two CDs for the label: “Book Of Spells” (1997) which included Randy’s rockin' swing arrangement of James Brown’s “Cold Sweat” and the powerful “Shake The Planet” (1998)”
As they say, a lot of water has passed under the bridge since that time, The Boneshakers has changed shape over the years for many reasons, now they are back with Jenny Langer, from Moonshine Society bringing her distinctive and powerful voice to the band.
Moonshine Society’s Jenny Langer joins The Boneshakers for this new release, One Foot In The Groove, marking their 25th anniversary led by guitarist Randy Jacobs (Was, Not Was) The band return to their funk rock, blues roots in this 10 track album, that combines original songs with borrowed, reimagined ones.
The Boneshakers have over the years toured and recorded with a venerable who’s who of the music world, here they cut their own memorable groove for you to track. F F F Funk me, vocalist Jenny Langer summons up full Tina Turner overdrive for Dylan's, ‘Mr Alice Doesn’t Live Here Any More’, a riveting opening track with full on funk rhythm, breezing horn background and Randy Jacobs distinctive guitar riffs, Dylan in an unimaginable form.
The Glitter Twins, are represented as we’re invited in, ‘Lets Spend the Night Together’, maybe not Jagger, but it ain’t half bad, as Langer leads the way. The deliciously dark Dulian Burdock song, ‘I Am The Blues’, is outstanding, Randy leading the way in, before Langer steps up to unwrap the glorious lyrics, under pinned by the rhythm, and keys, before giving way to Randy’s squawking guitar, superb.
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Randy and Jenny, combine to bring us their ‘Big Legged Man’, set up by the emphatic drum-beat, with Jenny stepping forward to preach her vision of her, “sweet talking man with meat on his bones”, Randy adds a tasty lead, “put your back into it baby”, wallow in a song knee deep in fabulous funk.
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Everything shifts to a more soul rich vibe, not that I’m complaining, as Langer steps out to put, ‘One Foot In The Groove’, with organ painting the scene. That soul tap is opened to full flow for a duet with guest Bernard Fowler, a cosy coupling in, ‘I Forgot To Be Your Lover’, a luxurious bed to lie on.
At this point I just want, ‘More, More, More’, wrapped around sweet horns and that funk rhythm, Langer spells it out, pouring in the impassioned vocals, before a nice if short sax cameo, but she still wants more, well so do I, you just can’t resist the call. An open invitation for any fans to join in, ‘Powerful Notions’ indeed! as The Boneshakers close out on a tricks track.
An absolute cracker of an album, The aptly labelled Boneshakers, will have everyone strutting their collective stuff to this fully funked up Blues, Soul edged sensation. The combination of Randy Jacobs and Jenny Langer up front is an absolute winning combination.
Tracklisting;
1 Mr Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore
2 Let’s Spend The Night Together
3 I Am The Blues
4 Ain’t Got The Fever No More
5 Big Legged Woman
6 One Foot In The Groove
7 I Forgot To Be Your Lover
8 Ice Cream And Cigarettes
9 More, More, More
10 Powerful Notions
Words Graham Munn
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Grant Dermody-Behind The Sun
Grant Dermody, Behind The Sun
available from October 21st, https://www.grantdermody.com/
“Behind the Sun, finds him returning to electric blues with a full band and the inspiration and influence of Louisiana, the place where it was recorded. The title itself references a song by Muddy Waters while also capturing the sentiment and sincerity that shine through in each of its 15 tracks.
As he’s done in the past, Dermody worked with an A list of outstanding musicians, including longtime colleague and acclaimed guitarist Dirk Powell, accordion player Corey Ledet, bassist Lee Allen Zeno, drummer Gerard St. Julien, and backing vocalists Teka Briscoe and Ahyris Navarre. So too, the album encapsulates the distinctive sounds of Louisiana, environs that inspire its own take on Americana and the blues in particular.”
Grant Dermody is master of that humble instrument, the harmonica, blues harp to us, he also happens to be an excellent vocalist, with a medium smoked timbre, and has established himself as fine songwriter. Following on from My Dony, and Digging In My Back Yard, Grant has recorded Behind The Sun, a mix of self-penned and reworked blues. It’s a 15-track album, so plenty in there to unwrap, covering a broad range of blues veins, and featuring all Louisiana musician, including zideco accordionist Corey Ledet.
The album opens with, ‘Trouble No More’, a genuine foot tapping blues, that will hook you in like a catfish on a barbed hook, a classic wonderfully presented. ‘Don’t Boss Me’, will have you skipping around to a fast-moving boogie, full of skiffling rhythm’s piano and that harp. Honeyed harp, producer Dirk Powell’s guitar and a slow, moody, blues, rhythm, paints the scene for the superb, ‘Forgive Me’, as Dermody calls on his maker for help. Take time to absorb the solo harp in, ‘Lost John’, which reminds me so much of our own Paul Lamb, a short but peerless performance. A ‘simple’, sparse guitar, and harp slots in between verses of the delta blues of, ‘Louisiana Blues’, simply unmissable.
Can’t miss, ‘Clotilda’s Got Soul’, a girl who comes with warning flag, but she’s got soul, and can’t be ignored. This is an electric jazz edged blues funk that sucks you in to a groove, you won’t shake off easily, so just give in to it.
Corey’s accordion comes to the fore for the easy swing of, ‘Tell Me’, there is so much to depth in this album, I could easily go through track by track, you’ll have to do that yourself. Glorious harmonica with just enough accompaniment, ticks the box for the fabulous, ‘She Come Running’.
Harp opens the exceptional acapela of, ‘Time Ain’t Due’, a gorgeous gospel, with Grant’s voice leading the way, with Tika Briscoe and Ahyris Navarre adding the responses, beautiful, I can’t avoid replaying every time I hear this. A more electric edge is given to closing song, ‘So Many Roads’, a slow train it may be, as he was, “standing by my window, when I heard that whistle blow”, but his harmonica is purpose made for fuelling the engine, a superb rock edged iron road to finish on.
I’ve enjoyed all Dermody’s albums that have found their way to me, this is no exception, or maybe it is just that, exceptional, a masterful collection form a true master of the harmonica. If you are a fan of harmonica, you will love this album, if you’re not, you’re still going to love this album, smoked vocals, superb musicianship and great songs, all beautifully produced are reason enough to find yourself a copy.
Time for me to close off and spin this disc again for the pure pleasure of it.
Of its fifteen songs, nine are original, four by Dermody, three by Powell, one by Powell, Zeno and St. Julien, a traditional tune adapted by Dermody, and covers from the music of Muddy Walters, Rick Estrin, Jimmy Reed, Kim Wilson and Otis Rush.
Tracklist;
1 Trouble No More
2 Don’t Boss Me
3 Forgive Me
4 Lost John
5 Clotilda’s Got Soul
6 Louisiana Blues
7 Footsteps In The Hall
8 Tell Me
9 Mourning Dove
10 She Come Running
11 Honest I Do
12 Time Ain’t Due
13 Mr Jeff
14 Learn To Treat Me Right
15 So Many Roads
Musicians;
Grant Dermody, vocals, harmonica
Dirk Powell, producer, also guitar/piano/bass/drum on some tracks
Rhythm section; Lee Allen Zeno, bass; Gerard St Julien, drums
Cory Ledet, accordion
Teka Briscoe & Ahryis Navarre, vocals
https://www.grantdermody.com/
Behind The Sun, is Available to order from October 21st
Words Graham Munn
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