FolkWorld #57 07/2015

CD & DVD Reviews

Dave Perron "Foot to the Pedal"
Widowmaker Entertainment 2014

www.reverbnation.com

Colorado native singer/songwriter Dave Perron (vocals, guitars) produced his debut solo album together with Joe Bianchi (bass, e-guitar, vocals) and recorded 9 original songs and 2 cover versions with the help of a bunch of excellent Colorado musicians. The line-up includes bass, drums, keyboards, pedal steel, mandolin, saxophone, more guitars and voices.
With his sonorous bass Perron sings "Girl from the North Country", perfectly brought forward by the band, a great cover of master songwriter Bob Dylan. "Dark side of the glass" is an intoxicating Country Rock, fine up-beat rhythm, brilliant guitar work and great singing, my favourite. Several melancholic Country waltzes like "Million miles" showcase Cody Russell on pedal steel and Brent Gordon plays the saxophone on the up-beat Country "Far away eyes". Jeff Armistead's piano and organ dominate the Rock ballad "Take on the night" and Richard Zimmerman on mandolin and Russell on pedal steel accompany the beautiful "Unrequited".
Dave Perron is an active member of the Colorado music scene for more than 10 years, t'was about time to release an album, the outcome makes you wait for more music from this beautiful mid-western state with an average sea level of 6800 feet.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Ron Beer "The Blues don’t say it all"
Own label, 2011

www.ronbeer.com

In the first instance Ron Beer (vocals guitar) is a coach for self-defence in Ontario, but he also writes books and is a great singer/songwriter. Paul Scofield (horns) produced his latest CD with 10 self-crafted songs (lyrics by Lou Sabatini), recorded with Bill Evans on keyboards, Neil Chapman on lead guitar, John Meydam and Alex Paris for the rhythm section and Barbara Llynn Doran’s background vocals.
Beer starts off with the title song, a funky mix of Soul, Blues and Rock, showcasing his powerful voice and featuring some wicked guitar playing and an intoxicating pace. “I understand” is a beautiful R&B Blues including a great duet with Doran and on the Blues-rock “Close to the fire” Scofield blows the horns in Big Band style and Evans treats the piano in Boogie Woogie manner driven by bass and drums. Another highlight is “Call me a doctor”, a ragtime including banjo, clarinet and piano. “Who’s fooling who” features saxophone and cool jazzy pace, it reminds me of Barry White’s soul ballads and with the final Blues, “Play house”, the CD ends unfortunately after 37 minutes.
The music of Ron Beer comes from another age, but certainly is not out of time, friends of the 70ies Soul and 80ies R&B will love his sound.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Lara & the Bluz Dawgz "Devil Moon"
Lock Alley Music, 2012

www.laraandthebluzdawgz.com

Nashville, TN, based Blues combo Lara & the Bluz Dawgz present their debut release with 12 self-crafted songs. Singer Lara Germony is accompanied by Gregg Germony (bass), Al Rowe (guitar), Reggie Murray (saxophone), Daniel Nadasdi (keyboards) and Ray Gonzalas (drums).
They start off with “Workin’ overtime”, saxophone, piano, guitar and Lara’s beautiful voice are driven by the terrific Blues pace. The title song is a mesmerizing slow Blues, Lara’s soulful singing is accompanied by the sax and Gregg plays some wicked guitar solos a la Carlos Santana. “Rude dawg” is a blend of Blues and Rock’n’Roll and “Corporate monkey cage” a Blues-rock driven by an intoxicating drum/bass pace and showcasing some awesome saxophone sketches. Other highlights are the up-beat Blues-rock “Waitin’ on you” featuring brilliant piano playing, guitar solos and Lara’s bluesy vocals or “Baby I’m through with you”, a ballad with hauntingly beautiful vocals and virtuoso sax, guitar and piano soli.
Brilliant musicians and a first class Blues singer have recorded a stunning debut album. Check them out on their homepage.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Bush League "Can of gas & a match"
Own label, 2012

www.thebushleague.com

Richmond, VA, based Blues-rock band The Bush League was formed in 2007 by singer John-Jay Cecil and bassist Royce Folks, the line-up on their third album includes drummer Debbie Flood, Michael Burgess and Brad Moss on guitar. They recorded 11 songs in a 14 hours session at the Young Avenue Sound studio in Memphis, TN.
They present 10 original Blues tracks starting with the title song in shuffling pace, spiced with powerful guitar riffs and soli and John-Jay’s dynamic and passionate singing. They add a touch of Soul groove and Gospel on “Devil cryin’ in the churchyard” and show their brilliant musicianship on the intoxicating flat footed Blues-rock “Don’t touch my liquor”. Slide guitar, pulsating bass and acoustic guitar driven by the breath-taking drum pace accompany John-Jay’s brilliant vocals on “Mexico”. The slow “..38 Special Blues” features a gifted unnamed piano player and is a perfect platform for the guys to extend the song to nearly 8 minutes of virtuoso improvisations. As a bonus track to the CD John-Jay sings a stunning cover version of Reverend Robert Wilkins’ Gospel song “Prodigal son”.
4 exceptional musicians and an accomplished Blues singer produced an inspiring collection of authentic Blues, a terrific album.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Steve Hill "Solo Recordings Volume 1"
No Label Records, 2012

www.stevehillmusic.com

Steve Hill (guitar, foot drum, vocals) is one of Canada’s most prolific guitarists, in addition to tour and record with the likes of Ray Charles, ZZ Top or Jeff Beck he released several albums himself. For his solo recordings volume 1 he chose 8 original songs and 4 cover versions.
Getting started with the stomping Blues-rock “Ever changing world” he slows down to “Love got us blind”, a dramatic love song showcasing his great singing. Hill creates an unbelievable rich sound, just guitar, drum beat and voice, and performs his great self-crafted songs with much musical sense. “Politician” was written by Jack Bruce and performed by the British Rock band Cream in the sixties, Hill’s version doesn’t have to fear comparison. A Rock classic from the seventies is Gregg Allman’s “Ain’t wastin’ time no more”, a beautiful Country Blues. Other highlights are the “Preachin’ Blues” by Robert Johnson, the King of the Delta Blues, brilliant guitar playing and authentic Gospel singing, and the original “Granted”, awesome slide guitar and powerful riffs.
In the meantime Hill recorded volume 1½[56] and 2,[56] you can watch some videos on his website.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Melanie Dekker "Distant Star"
Elephant Ears Entertainment, 2013

www.melaniedekker.com

Singer/songwriter Melanie Dekker (vocals, acoustic/electric guitar, banjo) hails from Vancouver, BC. Together with multi-instrumentalist Allan Rodger (e-guitar, bass, keyboards, drums, percussion, vocals) she produced her seventh album with 11 original songs, hosting some well selected guest musicians.
Melanie has a creamy soft but powerful voice and sings the hauntingly beautiful title song, accompanied by Allan on Rhodes, e-guitar and percussion. Then she grabs the banjo and gives the pace for the rhythmic “Worry gets you nowhere” (M. Dekker/Stefan Rapp/Martin Rose), Mike Bell on accordion, Lesley Miller’s backing vocals, Allan on bass and drums and David Sinclair’s brilliant e-guitar join in. Sinclair plays the 12 string e-guitar on “Powerful” (Dekker/Sinclair), a beautiful song reminding me of Joni Mitchell’s song writing. “Black swan” is an alluring ballad featuring Tom Keenlyside on woodwinds and “At the junkyard” a melancholic song composed and performed by Melanie and Allan. Unfortunately the CD ends after 35 minutes with the romantic song “Silver moon” (Dekker/David C. Pickell) and a beautiful duet with Keenlyside on flute.
Melanie Dekker will be touring Europe from August to October, having seen her live a few years ago I urge you to get to one of her gigs, she’s a remarkable singer and her stage performance is gorgeous.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Cajun Roosters "Hell Yeah!"
Whoopee Records, 2013

Artist Video

www.cajunweb.de

Chris Hall (Cajun and Zydeco accordion, vocals, scrub board, triangle) from England, Hazel Scott (vocals, guitar) from Scotland, David Buyle (fiddle, vocals, e-guitar) from Belgium, Michael Bentele (bass) from Germany and Antoine Fève (drums) from France are the Cajun Roosters, Europe’s most exciting Cajun band. For their latest album they recorded 2 original songs and 10 cover versions.
They start off with an up-beat song, “Chère bébé” originally recorded by Louisiana legend Sydney Brown, showcasing brilliant playing together of fiddle and accordion. Paul Simon went Zydeco in 1986 with “That was your mother”, the Roosters take their turn with a great cover. Buyle’s fiddle tune “Donnez moi” came out of a jam session in the studio and is the perfect platform for his virtuoso fiddling. Following up are Nathan Abshire’s “French Blues” with Bentele on e-guitar, Jace Everett’s “I wanna do bad things with you” enchanted by Hazel’s crystal clear singing or Dewey Balfa’s dance song “Quand j’étais pauvre”. Hazel sings “Nightcrawler” (Scott/Hall) with an angelic innocent voice and raises your hackles with Zachary Richard’s ballad “Belle Louisiana”. The band rocks on Chuck Berry’s “Brown eyed handsome man” and Hall leads Iry LeJeune’s “Lovebridge Waltz” masterly sung by Hazel.
I was listening the CD on a hot and sunny day in May, sitting on the porch having a beer, the Roosters brought me down to old Louisiana, a breath-taking album.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Various Artists "The Native American Music Association presents: Wolf"
NAMA, 2013

www.nativeamericanmusicawards.com

Wolf is a compilation with 13 tracks from Native American and other musicians to protect and honour this fascinating wild creature.
Jack Gladstone, an award-wining troubadour from Montana’s Blackfeet Nation, opens the musical journey with the country song “Wolves of ice & snow”. The Austrian band Big City Indians has received an award by the NAMA, they present “Cry wolf” a dramatic song featuring the sound of the Native American flute and Joanne Shenandoah, member of the Wolf Clan which is part of the Haudenosaunee - the Iroquois Nation, adds “Nature dance”, a traditional song spiced up with loops and samples. Lee Plentywolf & The Plentywolf Singers from the Lakota Sioux Nation perform a purely traditional dance song, “Medicine wolf”, and Joseph FireCrow, a Cheyenne flute player, sings the traditional “Wolf song”. Another highlight is Apache flute player Cal Silverfox’s “Dawn”, a stunning mix of traditional flute playing and modern beats.
When you look into the eyes of nature, there is an undeniable and inherent strength, beauty, knowledge and skill. During my trip through the west I was happy to see a wolf from afar in the Mojave Dessert and I totally agree.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Barn Door Slammers "The Barn Door Slammers"
Ruben Records, 2013

www.barndoorslammers.com

The Barn Door Slammers is a seven piece Rockabilly band from Portland, OR, featuring singer Bret Ervin Lien, Todd Clinesmith on non-pedal triple neck steel guitar, Kevin Healy (also electric mandolin) and Jenn “Huck” Huckins on fiddle, Dan Lowinger on arch-top electric guitar, Dave Bamberger on stand-up bass and Tommy Chiffon on drums. For their debut album they recorded one original instrumental track and 10 cover versions.
Starting off with “Snatchin’ and grabbin’” (Fred Rose/Ray Scrivner), an up-beat Rockabilly first performed by Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys, they immediately catch your attention with their old time sound. Lowinger wrote “Long time coming”, a perfect platform for the guys to show their stunning musicality, and “Who walks in” (Al Hoffman/Al Goodheart/Ralph Freed) was formerly recorded by the likes of Luis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald or again Bob Wills, one of their favourite performers. Jelly Roll Morton’s Foxtrot “Jelly Roll Blues” makes you swing and Leon McAuliffe’s “Blue guitar stomp” is another intoxicating instrumental.
Western Swing started in 1932 and still has got his fans, now they will discover a new exciting band.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Tracie Potochnik "The Dream"
Own label, 2013

www.traciepotochnik.com

Providence based singer/songwriter Tracie Potochnik (vocals, acoustic guitar) recorded her debut album with 12 original songs together with Bill Michalski (vocals), Dustin Meadows (drums), MorganEve Swain (fiddle) and producer and multi-instrumentalist Eric Lichter (guitars, keyboards, banjo, mandolin, pedal steel, bass, drums, vocals).
“Jimmy took the money” is the true story of an armoured truck driver who killed his partner and took the cash, Tracie sings it as a catchy mid-tempo Americana featuring MorganEve’s fine fiddling. The title song is a hauntingly beautiful romantic folk song and “Waiting around” a melancholic guitar ballad accompanied by the sad sound of the pedal steel. Tracie has a beautiful voice and feels comfortable singing ballads as well as Country or Rock, “Water in the well” is a rocking spiritual driven by an intoxicating pace and funky guitar and showcasing Tracie’s powerful singing. MorganEve makes the fiddle sing on “Chicken salad”, a classic Country song with pedal steel, Michalski’s harmony vocals and a virtuoso vocal finale and on “Come along children” Tracie sings the Blues accompanied by pedal steel, banjo and mandolin.
Tracie Potochkin released a remarkable debut, she’s a fine songwriter, brilliant singer and teamed up with stunning local musicians. Listen to some samples on her homepage.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Poor Angus "Gathering"
Borealis Records, 2013

Artist Video

www.poorangus.com

Poor Angus is a 5 piece Celtic band from Canada featuring Joel Guenther (guitar, vocals), Brian LeBlanc (guitar, vocals, mandolin, percussion), Andrew Bryan (fiddle, mandolin, guitar, vocals, banjo, cello), Ross Griffiths (pipes, whistles, vocals) and DJ Moons (bass, vocals, piano, guitar). For their third studio album they recorded together with producer Amy King (guitar, percussion, banjo) 9 original tunes and songs, a traditional set and a cover version.
Griffiths wrote the brilliant Highland Bagpipe tune “Gathering”, bodhràn, bass drum, bass, guitar and King on deer toes percussion underlie his breath-taking piping with an up-beat pace. Guenther’s original “Never come back” is a beautiful Folk song showcasing some fine fiddling, great vocals and a charming tin whistle/fiddle finale. Then the guys show their skills on the traditional “Harrison’s” set, 3 intoxicating reels brought forward brilliantly. “William MacGillivray” by Bryan is a funny up-beat Folk song for several voices and “Barrett’s privateers” by Canadian singer/songwriter Stan Rogers a brilliant 4 singers a Capella performance driven by bodhràn and handclapping. DJay Moons finishes with his romantic “Ariel’s waltz” on piano, bass and guitar, fiddle, mandolin, Tin Whistle and banjo playing along.
The music of Poor Angus certainly is Celtic Folk, but what I like most is their contemporary touch.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Kandia Crazy Horse "Stampede"
Bluebilly Records, 2013

www.kandiacrazyhorse.com

Washington D.C.’s singer/songwriter Kandia Crazy Horse recorded her debut album with 8 original songs and 2 cover versions together with Olgui Chirino (vocals), Tim Mitchell (guitars), Ben Peeler (guitars, lap steel, banjo), Brendan Buckley (drums), Megan Mullins (fiddle), Albert S. Menéndez (keyboards) and the Quartz Hill Choir.
Starting off with the melancholic Americana hymn “California” she accelerates the pace for the “Congo Square”, a funky Rock song with hit potential. “Americana” written by Kandia and Peeler is a brilliant mix of Blues, Songwriter, Rock and Gospel and “Soul yodel” a melancholic Country Yodel by Kandia and Menéndez. Other highlights are the intoxicating Country Rock “Cowgirls”, showcasing Kandia’s powerful voice, or the Eagles cover “New kid in town”.
With her debut Kandia Crazy Horse establishes herself as an up-and-coming songwriter, good song writing, talented musicians and a hot new voice guarantee a good listen.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Suit Ty Thurrsty "People in the Street"
Own label, 2013

www.suittythurrsty.com

Suit Ty Thurrsty are The Suit Tom Forst (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Tyree Pope (vocals, bass) and Thurssty Pedro Johnson (vocals, percussion), a NYC/CT based Blues-Rock-Funk-Soul Trio. Together with Mike Forst (keyboards), Kim Burgie and James P. Mullen on horns and Gez Forst, Zayahna Johnson and Gary Youell as backing vocals they recorded 12 hand-crafted songs for their debut album.
Tom’s “I’m never gonna leave you” is a powerful Blues-rock featuring mighty horns, virtuoso guitar licks and funky groove. “Diamonds” is a Soul-Rock song by the three brilliant musicians and the title song written by Gary and Tom an intoxicating Blues-rock showcasing brilliant rap/singing including some awesome backing vocals. Other highlights are Tom’s “I got the Blues”, recorded live, and “You make me real” (Pope/Forst/Johnson), a brilliant Blues song featuring some stunning solos. On the Blues-rock ballad “Mama (what’s a man)” by Tyree and Tom the guys show their tender bearings, great guitar sound, passionate singing and compelling arrangement.
Three excellent musicians and composers put themselves forward with an outstanding album.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Patti Parks "Cheat’n man"
Own label, 2013

www.thepattiparksband.com

Patti Parks earned two times the Buffalo Music Award as Best Blues Female Vocalist, listening to her album I wonder if her reputation hasn’t spread outside of her home state New York. Producer Guy Nirelli (organ, piano) composed 9 original Blues songs and together with the 6 piece band and a bunch of 16 take it in turns guest musicians they recorded them in the Sessions Recording Studio in Buffalo.
They start off with “Baby don’t you know”, a swinging Jump Blues featuring 4 horns organ, bass, drums, piano, guitar and Patti’s powerful voice. Patti wrote the lyrics to the hauntingly beautiful Slow Blues “Happy you’re mine”, the line-up is about the same with altering musicians and “Back off” is an intoxicating Chicago style Blues, 3 extra singers replace the horns. Patti also wrote the lyrics for the title song, the shuffling Blues pace and tenor and baritone saxophones accompany Patti’s breath-taking performance. Then Patti rocks the Blues on “What I had to be”, some brilliant solos by the musicians included and the New Orleans style “Watcha gonna do” is another showcase for Patti’s brilliant vocals.
Patty Parks nearly knocks you over with her powerful and beautiful voice and the band does a masterly job, one of the best Blues CDs lately, unfortunately only 34 minutes of first class music.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


The Smoke Wagon Blues Band "Live in Hamilton"
Own label, 2013

www.smokewagonbluesband.com

The Smoke Wagon Blues Band recorded their 5th album Live in Hamilton, Ontario. Corey Lueck (vocals, harmonica), Mike Stubbs (guitar), Nick Succi (piano, organ), Gordon Aeichele (saxophone), Jason Colavecchia (bass) and Tibor Lukacs (drums) rock their hometown with 8 original songs by Lueck and Stubbs and 3 cover versions.
Bill Withers made “Ain’t no sunshine when she’s gone” 1971 an evergreen, Lueck sings it with his whisky stained voice accompanied by the band’s soulful Blues. They accelerate the pace with "Hen house hopping", a swinging Rock’n’Roll featuring brilliant improvisations by the guys, and “I can’t change” is a beautiful slow Blues showcasing a stunning duet performed by voice and sax. “Barton Street Blues” is according to Corey a love song to his hometown and the “Smoke Wagon Boogie” makes the audience go crazy with intoxicating up-beat pace and virtuoso solos. Another highlight is their adaption of Donovan’s 1966 psychedelic rock song “Feeling of the witch”, piano, distorted guitar sounds, a funky bass solo and intoxicating groove.
These guys have delivered one of the best Live Blues albums lately, check them out on their homepage.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Bad Brad & The Fat Cats "Take a walk with me"
Own label, 2013

www.reverbnation.com

Bad Brad Stivers (guitar, vocals) manages the Austin based Blues Rock Trio featuring Nic Clark on harmonica and Alec Stivers on drums. They recorded their latest album with 13 original tracks in Colorado together with some great guest musicians.
They start off with a couple of Blues-rock, the stomping title track, showcasing strong guitar riffs and virtuoso soli, or the up-beat “Ego trip” featuring Greg MacKenzie on a second Blues harp. “Lucky man” is a slow Blues with great playing together of guitar and Blues harp and Brad’s passionate Blues singing. Lionel Young joins in on “Other side”, the two guitars playing the Blues perfectly together, and Dwight Carrier adds his Zydeco accordion on “See my way”. Finally they close the live session in the studio with “Uma”, an instrumental track with stunning guitar sound.
Bad Brad is a brilliant songwriter and Blues musician with a powerful voice, his band and guests show some awesome musicianship, they recorded a great Blues album.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Johnny Cox "Thin blue line"
Own label, 2013

www.johnnycox.ca

Canadian singer/songwriter and guitarist Johnny Cox released his debut album with 11 original songs, recorded with his band featuring drums, percussion, bass, harmonica, keyboards, tenor sax and backing vocals.
Cox has a nasal voice and sings Rock songs like “Runaway train”, accompanied by a funky bass/drums rock pace and wah-wah guitar and including a nice guitar solo, as well as the title track, a mid-tempo Country Rock with harmonica. Blues guitar, harmonica, pulsating bass and tenor sax can be heard on “My destination” and on “All these tears” Cox plays some kind of Reggae rhythm. Finally with the Slow Blues “Long day” he adds a ballad to his program.
Johnny Cox is a talented guitarist, but his songs are rather mainstream, no innovative elements, just good old Rock’n’Roll.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Brooksie Wells "Down Home Divas"
Own label, 2013

www.brooksiewells.com

NYC based singer/songwriter Brooksie Wells hails her comeback with a new album. She teamed up with some of the finest female American roots musicians, all engaged in their own musical project, and recorded 11 original songs in Nashville, TN: Lisa Kay Howard (mandolin), Heather Haze (horns, drums), Lisa McCormick (guitar, banjo), Missy Raines (bass), Jenny Leigh Obert (fiddle), Ruth Wyand (slide guitar), Nancy Gardner (drums) and Edy Blu (vocals).
The ladies start off with Janglin’”, a Country Blues with an awesome guitar and fiddle intro, fine mandolin and slide guitar sounds and Brooksie’s beautiful singing. “School girl crush” is an intoxicating Country Rock song with terrific slides, horns and powerful vocals and “Circumstance” a beautiful Americana, Brooksie sings on a musical wave created by mandolin, flute and guitar. Then you nearly got “Lost in the music” dancing the waltz to the hauntingly beautiful singing of all the ladies and virtuoso fiddle parts. Pulsating upright bass and drum pace drive horns, mandolin and guitar when Brooksie sings “Lily”. My favourite song is “Down South Blues”, up-beat Country Rock featuring a breath-taking duet with Edy and brilliant slide guitar groove.
These ladies play each Americana style with ease, first class musicians have recorded great songs and the vocals are just the best.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Johnny Drummer "Bad Attitude"
Earwig Music, 2013

www.johnnydrummermusic.com

Thessex Johns aka Johnny Drummer (vocals, harmonica, organ) started to make music in Chicago in the late fifties during the heyday of Chicago electric Blues. He recorded the 13 original songs with a classic line-up: 2 guitars, bass, drums, saxophone, trumpet and an additional keyboard player.
“Bit her in the butt” is a funky Song, Jeremiah Thomas’ drum pace is supported by Kenny Hampton on bass, Anthony Palmer on lead and Sir Walter Scott on rhythm guitar, Ronnie Hicks on keys, Rodney “Hotrod” Brown on sax and Kenny Anderson on trumpet build up a mighty Sound for Johnny’s epic story. The title song is a shuffling Blues with Terrence Williams taking over the drums and skipping the horns and the bluesy love ballad “Make you happy” features a beautiful guitar solo and a floating horn section. Johnny plays organ on “Don’t’ call me trash”, driven by an intoxicating Soul groove, and “Better than good” is an up-beat Rock’n’Roll with stunning saxophone parts and Boogie piano. The Blues harp starts off “My woman my money my whiskey”, Thomas takes the drum sticks and the band plays the Blues to Johnny’s lament.
Johnny Drummer is a legend of the Chicago Blues scene, though not internationally awarded he certainly is a great Blues man, check him out!
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Delta Moon "Turn Around When Possible, Live Volume 2"
Own label, 2013

www.deltamoon.com

Delta Moon is a 4 piece blues band from Atlanta, Georgia, featuring Tom Gray (vocals, steel guitar), Mark Johnson (guitar, backing vocals), Franher Joseph (bass, backing vocals) and Darren Stanley (drums). They recorded the album with 6 original songs and 4 cover versions in Bremen, Germany on May 7, 2013.
They start off with the driving pace of “Midnight train”, Tom and Mark are playing some awesome guitar parts and accompany Tom’s singing. “Black coffee” is an intoxicating Blues-rock and “Get gone” a shuffling Country Blues with virtuoso playing together of steel and e-guitar. Delta Blues singer Skip James wrote the “Hard times killing floor Blues”, Tom’s hoarse voice is accompanied by awesome guitar sounds and a fine rhythm. From the same corner came R. L. Burnside, Delta Moon chose his “Goin’ down south”. The up-Beat Blues is a perfect showcase for the boys to get wild, a brilliant “guitar contest” starts the improvisations, bass and drums follow up with some wicked rhythm. “That’s it”, they finish with a fast paced Rock’n’Roll and more brilliant music.
The four first class musicians make a tour through Poland, Italy and Spain in July to present their brand new album Low down, check the agenda may be you can catch up with them during summer holidays.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Back Pack Jones "Betsy’s Kitchen"
Own label, 2013

www.backpackjones.com

Back Pack Jones is a 5 piece Rhythm & Blues band based in Illinois featuring Michael “Big Mike” Wallace (vocals, percussion), Kirk Lonbom (guitar), Michael Baier (bass, vocals), Wendell Day (keyboards) and Harvey Horton (drums, vocals). They recorded their debut album with 9 original songs in Chicago and Springfield together with a 5 piece horn ensemble and a string player.
The band plays a driving pace and the horns blare to Big Mike’s brilliant singing, “Riptide baby”, a great Chicago Blues Song. “Fixin’ to leave” is a Slow Blues with virtuoso guitar soli, mighty horns and powerful vocals and “Baggage” a funky Blues-rock performed by the band alone. Baier wrote the string arrangement for the beautiful Blues ballad “The end”, the keys create a hauntingly beautiful theme, the strings dancing on it and guitar plays some awesome licks. Bass gives the pace for “Hey diddle riddle”, violin plays a fine tune guitar and keys join in before the horns blow for the refrain, excellent arrangement, and the guys really rock on “Hiding in plain sight”.
Another great blues band from the Chicago area presents a brilliant debut album, great musicians and intoxicating sound, they’ll make their way with ease.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Georgie Bonds "Stepping into Time"
BGB Music, 2013

www.georgiebonds.com

Blues singer/songwriter Georgie Bonds from Philadelphia, PA, recorded his second album with 10 original and 2 classic Blues songs together with producer and songwriter Neil Taylor (guitars). They were accompanied by Harry Jacobson on guitar, Andy Haley on drums, Kenny Githens and James White on bass, Walter Runge and Joey Stout on keyboards, Buddy Cleveland on harmonica, Dave Renz on tenor saxophone and Randy Phister on congas.
Bonds has a powerful voice and starts with a brilliant a Capella performance of the traditional “St. James Infirmary”. He wrote “Lord, Oh Lord”, a great Delta Blues featuring virtuoso playing by Runge on piano, Taylor on slide guitar and Cleveland on harmonica. “Dyin’ is the easy way” by Stout and Taylor is a funky R&B driven by Phister on congas, White on bass and Haley on drums and awesome guitar playing by Taylor. “I need somebody” (Bonds/Taylor) is an intoxicating Blues-rock and Githens’ “Hurricane Blues” a dramatic slow Blues with a stunning bass line driving Bonds’ breath-taking vocal performance and Taylors crying guitar sounds. John Lee Hooker’s classic song “Dimples” is the perfect finale, voice, harmonica and guitar improvise on the heavy Blues-rock pace of bass and drums.
Bonds used to work as a blacksmith before turning to music, he recorded only 2 albums in 13 years due to some health problems, hopefully there will be some more music by this great Blues singer.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Jim Gustin & Truth Jones "Can't Shed A Tear"
Own label, 2013

www.facebook.com/
jimgustinandtruthjones

Jim Gustin (vocals, guitar) wrote 13 songs and recorded them with his band in Canyon Country, Ca. Truth Jones are singers Jeri Goldenhar and Jessica Baurer, Burke Greer on bass, Jim Sipotz on drums, Chris Baurer on guitar and Chuck Goldenhar on harmonica. Producer Terry Wilson added one of his songs and also played bass, guitar and keyboards.
Gustin has a powerful voice and sings the title song in a growling bass, accompanied by the band's rocking Soul groove. Jim Scimonetti plays the horns on "No faith in forever", a mid-tempo Blues-rock showcasing the three great singers, and "Beauty for ashes" is a bluesy Rock ballad with Gustin's passionate lead vocals. Jeri takes the lead on the Soul groove of "Good-bye", harmonica, guitar and keys duelling her great singing. Gustin sings "You never gave up on me", a beautiful slow Blues, and "Life is hard, live with it" (T. James/L. Wilson/T. Wilson), an intoxicating Rock song.
Jim Gustin recorded a stunning debut album with a brilliant mix of Blues, Rock, Soul, R&B and Gospel songs, driven by the band's virtuoso playing and presenting three excellent singers.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup


Brian Kramer "Full Circle"
BKB Music, 2013

www.kramerblues.com

Brian Kramer (vocals, guitars, National Slide resonator guitar) was born in NYC, where he started his musical career. In the 90ies he settled in Sweden where he recorded his latest album with10 original songs together with Chuck Anthony (e-guitar), Mats Qwarfordt (harmonica, vocals), Peter Frej (bass), Björn Gideonsson (drums, percussion), Micke Haglund (keyboards) and Bert Deivert (mandolin, vocals).
Isabella Lundgren joins Brian for a duet on the beautiful slow Gospel Blues “Angel sings the Blues”. Harmonica, mandolin and resonator guitar dominate the Twostep Country Blues “Good as gold”. On “Let there be peace tonight” the band plays an intoxicating pace, Maria Blom sings a wonderful second voice, and the title song is a beautiful Blues waltz with wonderful playing together of Blues harp and guitar. They accelerate the pace for “Mama you been on my mind”, Blues-rock with a touch of Soul featuring Australian singer Jane Kitto and stunning drum work. At last Fanny Holm joins Brian for a duet on “Goin’ back to Brooklyn”, a melancholic Blues ballad accompanied only by guitar and mouth harp.
Brian Kramer is a fine guitar player and Blues singer and he gathered a bunch of excellent musicians and singers to create a cool Blues Sound.
© Adolf „gorhand“ Goriup



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