Naked…In Your Face (CD) By Eddie Turner & Trouble Twins

Naked…In Your Face

Eddie Turner

7-14 Label 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

Eddie Turner may not be a household name but he is an underground guitar legend who has produced good music for nearly 50 years. His career stretches back to the early 1970’s and playing with such groups as Mother Earth, Zephyr, and the Otis Taylor Band. His solo career has seen him fuse the blues with rock and roll with some funk chops thrown in for good measure.

His newest album is also his first live release. Recorded at Calgary’s Blues Can during August of 2015; it finds Turner fronting a basic trio with bassist/vocalist Anna Lisa Hughes and drummer Kelly Kruse in support.

While the album is a vehicle for Turner to show off his guitar virtuosity; bassist Hughes adds some interesting elements including gritty vocals on the albums two cover songs, “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” and “Buried Alive In The Blues,” plus her own composition “Mistreated.”

The meat of the album are Turner’s own composition. “So Many Roads,” “Dangerous,” “Rise,” and “Secret” all clock in between eight and 12 minutes, which give Turner plenty of room to improvise as he takes the melodies on a number of twists and turns.

Live is the way Turner should be experienced. Naked…In Your Face is a coming out party for an under appreciated guitar genius and you’re invited.

Rated: ***1/2

Ladies And Gentlemen…The Bangles (CD) By The Bangles

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Banglesm Ladies and Gentlemen, Susanna Hoffs

Ladies and Gentlemen…The Bangles

The Bangles

Omnivore 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

If you are, or have ever been a fan of the Bangles, then this new release is one for you. Ladies And Gentlemen…The Bangles gathers rare tracks from their past, including those when they were known as The Bangs, and presents them in a clean remastered form.

The Bangles were and still are a bright, melodic pop and rock band. Formed as The Bangs in 1981 by guitar/vocalist Susanna Hoffs, drummer Debbi Peterson, and guitarist Vickie Peterson; they received their greatest fame during the 1980’s. They produced a number of up-beat radio-friendly pop hits such as “Manic Monday,” “Hazy Shade Of Winter,” “Eternal Flame,” and the number one single of 1987 “Walk Like An Egyptian.”

The material on this release pre-dates their most successful time period. If you want an introduction to the band, any of their greatest hits albums would be preferable to this one, which digs deeply into their formative years.

Their only single release as The Bangs; “Getting Out Of Hand/Call On Me,” plus their early recording “Bitchen Summer/Speedway” find a band learning their craft.

The heart of the release are the five tracks that were originally issued as a self-titled EP in 1981. “The Real World,” “I’m In Line,” “Want You,” “Mary Street,” and “How Is The Air Up There” approach the sound that would produce their best work in a couple of years.

Throw in some early demos, including the old Paul Revere & The Raiders song “Steppin’ Out,” plus a couple of live tracks from 1984, “7 + 7” and “Tell Me” and you have an interesting, if not classic release.

Like many albums that explore the history of an artist, Ladies ad Gentlemen…The Bangles may not be of the quality of their best work but creates a nice time-line to their career, while filling in the gaps in their catalogue of music.

 

Rating: ***

 

 

Complete High Voltage (CD) By Maynard Ferguson

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Complete High Voltage, Maynard Ferguson

Complete High Voltage

Maynard Ferguson

Omnivore Recordings 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

This is the fifth Maynard Ferguson reissue by Omnivore Recordings that has crossed my desk in the last six months or so. Each has presented a distinct period of Ferguson’s career and Complete High Voltage is no exception.

Ferguson had just released on of the best albums of his career with 1987’s Body & Soul. Rather than rest on his laurels, he left behind his big band and recorded two albums with a much smaller unit. Now High Voltage I and II have been reissued as a two disc set complete with two bonus tracks.

Outside of his big band context, the focus of the music was squarely on Ferguson, who was one of the more creative trumpet players of the last half of the 20th century. This setting allows him to solo more than in the past, in which he explores the outer edges of the trumpet sound.

If you are a fan of Ferguson, Complete High Voltage is an interesting stop in his career. A lot of good music in one place.

Rating: ***1/2

 

Josh At Midnight (Vinyl Reissue) By Josh White

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Josh At Midnight, Josh White

 

Josh At Midnight (Vinyl Reissue)

Josh White

Ramseur Records 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

Josh White, (1914-1969), packed a lot of adventure and music into his 55 years of life. A practitioner of the southern blues who branched out into gospel, country blues, and traditional folk; he was an early black artist whose issued a number of protest songs. A friend of President Franklyn Roosevelt, for whom he gave a command performance at the White House in 1941; he was blacklisted during the McCarthy Era of the 1950’s. He made a commercial comeback during the 1960’s and his music and style has influenced the generations of folk and blues singers who have followed.

Now Ramseur Records will reissue what may be his finest album on August 19. Josh At Midnight, originally released in 1956, is primarily of album of traditional folk songs from a southern blues perspective.

It is a raw album with roots firmly entrenched in the Delta blues of the first half of the 20^th century. Only one microphone was used during the recording session and the only instrument besides White’s guitar is the bass of jazz musician Al Hall. The only other person involved was vocalist Sam Gary. The remastering makes everything have a clarity that is superior to the original vinyl release but it is still primitive by today’s musical standards.

Nine of the 12 tracks are in the public domain, which fits White’s approach well. “Joshua Fit The Battle Of Jericho,” “Jelly Jelly,” “Jesus Gonna Make Up My Dyin’ Bed,” and “Takin’ Names” are fused into a blues style and sound. White does not perform the songs as much as he attack’s them. There is passion and emotion that combines with harshness.

Josh At Midnight is a resurrection and re-introduction of an important musician who is often forgotten about in the 21^st century. The fact that it has been reissued as a vinyl only release adds an authenticity to the listening experience.

 

Rating: ****

Blue Skies (CD) By Matty T. Wall

Blue Skies

Matty T. Wall

Hipsterdumpster Records

Review by David Bowling

 

Matty T. Wall is an under appreciated blues treasure. He has a soulful voice that captures the blues and is a guitarist who represents its essence. He has now released a new album titled Blue Skies.

Wall is basically a blues traditionalist who add a modern touch to its history and legacy. Whether one of his seven originals or three choice cover songs; it is a trip through what the modern day blues are all about.

Backed by his band of drummer Jasper Miller and bassist Stephen Walker, plus the addition of organist of Gordon Cant; he blasts his way through Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Child”  and the Robert Johnson classic “Hellhound On My Trail,” while tracks such as “Burnin’ Up Burin’ Down,” “This Is Red,” and “Love Gone Away” show his song writing skills.

Blue Skies is no-nonsense blues by a modern day guitar warrior. Matty T Wall is an artist who deserves your attention.

Rating: ***1/2

 

On Top Of Old Smoky: New Old-Time Smokey Mountain Music By Various Artists

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Dolly Parton, Smoky Mountain Music

On Top Of Old Smoky: New Old-Time Smokey Mountain Music

Various Artists

Great Smoky Mountains Association 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

Sometimes a creative idea works and such is the case for the third release by The Great Smoky Mountains Association. While they continue their exploration of music originating in the Great Smoky Mountain area of the United States, this time they gather modern day artists to presents a legacy of the area.

The 23 tracks by various artists presents traditional folk music and bluegrass tunes from the Smoky Mountains area. This is a raw and stripped down release and unless you are a fan of this brand of music; many of the artists will not be recognizable. The one every recognizable performer is Dolly Parton who re-visits “Little Rosewood Casket” from her trio days with Linda Ronstadt and Emmylou Harris. She gives a haunting rendition that carries you back about a century.

The songs can be considered classic folk songs that are indigenous to the area. They represent the cultural heritage of the people who used to populate the area before much of it became a national park. Many of the songs were originally preserved as field recordings by Joseph Sargent Hall in 1939, who was seeking to save the heritage of the region. Now modern technology allows these songs to come to life in a way unimagined at their creation.

“On Top Of Old Smokey” is the first track and is sung a cappella by Carol Elizabeth Jones. It focus’ on the lyrics in a way not usually associated with this old tune and is representative of the album’s approach of preserving the heritage of this old material.

“Black Mountain Rag” with fiddle player Trevor Stuart, banjo player Travis Stuart, and guitarist Jeff Keith and “Bonaparte’s Retreat” by fiddler Bruce Greene are examples of the origins of what was to become bluegrass music. “I Wonder How The Old Folks Are At Home” by singer/guitarist Bryan Sutton is a poignant song of longing for home that was probably sung around the camp fire on a journey.

The enclosed booklet provides a history of the area, plus a review of all 23 songs, the artists, and includes the lyrics as well.

On Top Of Old Smoky: New Old-Time Smoky Mountain Music is a trip back in time for anyone interested in the musical heritage of an area of the United States. A labor of love that works.

Rating: ****

 

Tim Hockenberry (CD) By Tim Hockenberry

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Tim Hockenberry

Tim Hockenberry

Tim Hockenberry

Poignant Records 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

Tim Hockenberry is now over two decades into his career. He has performed in countless clubs and bars over the last two decades singing cover songs and practicing his craft.

His career changed during 2012 when he was a semi-finalist on America’s Got Talent, which exposed him to a wide audience. During 2014 he acquired new management and began writing his own material. Now he has released a self-titled album of original compositions.

His gruff and gritty voice, think Tom Waits or Joe Cocker, has a laid-back quality that is perfect for his incisive lyrics and memorable melodies. Songs such as “Me And You,” “”Come On Let’s Dance,” “If The Sky Was To Fall,” and “Little Angel” are thoughtful songs that will stay in your mind long after the music ends.

Hockenberry has released an album that re-invents his career. An excellent album with hopefully more to come.

Rating: ***1/2

Violin Fantasy (CD) By Jerry Goodman

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Jerry Gooman, The Flock, Violin Fantasy

Violin Fantasy

Jerry Goodman

Purple Pyramid 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

The musical journey of violinist Jerry Goodman began in the late 1960’s with a rock band named The Flock. Their sound was similar to Blood, Sweat & Tears and Chicago except for one important ingredient. That component was the rock violin of Goodman, which made the band very different from their contemporaries. After two albums he left and joined the first incarnation of John McLaughlin’s Mahavishnu Orchestra. For the past four decades he has disappeared, reappeared in a number of fusion groups, and released several solo albums.

His latest release, Violin Fantasy, is an eclectic album of odds and ends from his career. His violin always makes the music interesting but as an album of milestones, both new and old, it lacks cohesiveness and only provides a number of glimpses into his talent and vision.

He is at his best when he has a strong presence to play off of. “Random Acts Of Science” with Rick Wakeman and “The Laws Of Nature” with Tony Levin and Billy Sherwood are good example of his ability to amplify the talent of others.

There are a number of well know songs that he enhances and makes very interesting through the sound of his violin which always borders on being out of control. “Dream Weaver,” “Baba O’Riley,” and “Eye Of The Tiger,” all take interesting twists and turns courtesy of Mr. Goodman.

Tracks that he dominates such as “Violin Fantasy,” “In The Air Tonight,” and “The Final Countdown” show his technique and virtuosity, which are unique in the expression of rock and roll.

Violin Fantasy only offers a taste of what Goodwin has to offer. Each song has something to offer but hopefully it will push the listener to seek out some of his more focused and structured material.

 

Rating: ***

Blues Harp Women (CD) By Various Artists

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Big mama Thornton, Blues harp Women

Blues Harp Women

Various Artists

Ruf Records

Review by David Bowing

 

If you are a fan of the blues and especially the blues harp, then this release may be an album for you.

The harp has been an important component of the blues since its beginnings. While the harp has mostly been associated with male performers, there is an increasing number of very proficient female blues artists.

Blues Harp Women is a 31 track two disc compilation of songs featuring female harp players. The music expands from the territory established by blues legend Big Mama Thornton who is represented here by “Down Home Shakedown.”

Many of the artists such as Rhonda Rucker, Kat Baloun, Jan Gillman, and Paula Rangall may not be household names but they have one thing in common; they can all play the blues harp. While the album revolves around the harp; it is never boring and avoids repetition and a sameness by mixing up the tempos and instruments.

Blues Harp Women is a fine introduction to an area of the blues that is rarely explored in one place. Give it a spin and hang on.

Rating: ****

 

Add To Favourites (CD) By Cutting Crew

Add To Favourites

Cutting Crew

Like Flynn Records

Review by David Bowling

 

Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. Nick Van Eade is the only remaining original member of the band Cutting Crewe and for the second time in the last decade, he has released an album under the Cutting Crew moniker.

They are best remembered for their 1986 album Broadcast and 1989’s The Scattering, which produced the top hit “I’ve Been In Love Before” and the number one world wide hit “(I Just) Died In Your Arms.” Both albums contained smooth pop harmonies and memorable melodies.

Add To Favourites is more of a Van Eade solo album than a group effort.  The songs are more serious and the overall feel not as polished. While it may appeal to some hard core fans of the band, it is far from the Cutting Crew albums of the past.

Rating: **