Blues Heart Attack (CD) By The Jeremiah Johnson Band

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Blues Heart Attack, Jeremian Johnson Band

Blues Heart Attack

Jeremiah Johnson Band

Connor Ray Music

Review by David Bowling

 

Jeremiah Johnson is a blue collar modern day American bluesman, who been leaning and plying his trade since picking up a guitar at the age of six. Named after the character in the 1972 western film of the same name starring Robert Redford, he has just released his new album titled Blues Heart Attack.

Guitarist/vocalist Johnson and his core band of bassist Jeff Girardier and drummer Benet Schaeffer, get to the heart of the blues with an energetic and well-honed approach. Fusing rock rhythms into his basic blues; songs such as “Everybody Party,” “Flat Line,” “Southern Drawl,” and “Get It In The Middle” are all wonderful blasts of blues power.

The music of the Jeremiah Johnson Band  is perfect for a smoky bar late at night or at home with your favorite beverage in hand. And don’t forget to turn it up loud.

Rating: ***1/2

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Live At The NEC (DVD) By Deep Purple

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Deep Purple, Jon Lord, Live At The NEC

Live At The NEC (DVD)

Deep Purple

Eagle Rock Entertainment 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

Deep Purple founding member Jon Lord announced his retirement from the band in 2002. He had other projects in mind after nearly 35 years with the group and he was feeling his age. He would pass away in 2012. The baton was officially passed on September 14, 20012, when Deep Purple took the stage at the NEC in Birmingham, England. New keyboardist Don Airey played with the band for the first half of the show and was then joined on stage by Lord for the second half.

This seminal concert by Deep Purple has only been available as part of the massive and pricey box set Around The World Live. Now the 109 minute performance has been issued as a stand-alone DVD.  The video is clear and the sound crisp as it presents the modern day version of Deep Purple at its best.

Given the historic nature of the concert, the set list is made-up of their well-known songs. “Fireball,” “Woman From Tokyo,” “Space Truckin,’” “Speed King,” Smoke On The Water,” ”Hush” “Black Night,” and “Highway Star” are a trip through the first two decades of their career.

The transition occurs with Airey’s keyboard solo at the conclusion of “Speed King,” when Lord comes on stage to join him as they move into “Perfect Strangers. “ Whether Airey, Lord, or both; the music is straightforward. At this point in their existence, they take few chances but give the fans what they want with passion and energy.

The concert provides a dividing line in the career of Deep Purple. The music would remain the same but Lord’s absence took a major presence out of the mix. Live At The NEC is a historic concert for the band in that it both a farewell and a look toward the future.

Rating: ***1/2

Mid-Century Modern (CD) By Al Basille

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Al Basille, Mid Century Modern

Mid-Century Modern

Al Basile

Sweetspot 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

Al Basile is one of the more interesting blues artists working today. His use of the cornet as a central instrument and at time replacing his vocals, is unique.

His new album, Mid-Century Modern, is produced by fellow Rhode Islander and bluesman extraordinaire Duke Robillard. It focus’ more on the brass than many of his past releases, which allows him room to stretch out on the cornet.

He has always been a talented composer and here he takes the music back in time to when brass was king. The lyrics move from introspective to humorous. It all adds up to another strong effort by Basille.

Rating: ***1/2

 

 

 

No Glass Shoes (CD) By The Ally Venable Band

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Ally Venable Band, No Glass Shoes

No Glass Shoes

Ally Venable Band

Connor Ray Music 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

So what were you doing when you were 17 years old? Or if you are younger than 17, what are your plans?

Houston based, 17 year old Ally Venable is a Blues guitarist/vocalist who fronts her own band and has just released her first album titled No Glass Shoes.

Venable plays an aggressive form of modern day electric blues. She wrote 6 of the 8 tracks, which give her room to improvise and stretch out a bit. As a vocalist, she is mature beyond her years and has a powerful voice that is made for a traditional blues sound.

In some ways, she is a work in progress but if No Glass Shoes is any indication, she shows a lot of promise.

Rating: ***

 

Whirlwind (CD) By Rebecca Larsdotter

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Rebecka Larsdotter, Whirlwind

 

Whirlwind

Rebecka Larsdotter

Losen Records

Review by David Bowling

 

Rebecka Larsdotter was born in Sweden, currently lives in New York, and has released her latest album on the Norwegian based Losen Record Label.

Whirlwind is a change of direction for Larsdotter. Her previous release, Feathers And Concrete, was a funk-driven fusion album. Now she has a smoother and brighter sound as she explores the connections between jazz and folk music.

and here there are a number of originals sung in English. “Hmm,” “If The Wind Will Allow,” and “Zane’s Tune” are all thoughtful and easy-flowing pieces. The album closer is a distinctive rendition of the old Johnny Mercer classic “My Shining Hour.”

Rebecka Larsdotter has produced a shiny and optimistic album of music. Just right for a breezy summer afternoon.

Rating: ***

 

Focus 8.5/Beyond The Horizon (CD) By Focus & Friends

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Fucus 8.5, Fucys, Thus Van Leer

Focus 8.5/Beyond The Horizon

Focus & Friends

In And Out Of Focus Records

Review by David Bowling

 

Focus is a Dutch band formed in 1969 by vocalist/keyboardist/flute player Thijs Van Leer and featuring guitarist extraordinaire Jan Akkerman. They are a progressive rock band that takes the road less traveled by making use of odd rhythms and the use Van Leer’s flute as a Dominant instrument.

They gained their greatest commercial success and fame during the first half of the 1970’s. The band disbanded in 1978 but a number of reunions led to their reformation during 2002. Focus 8, released in 2002, was the first release of this new phase of their career. Three more studio albums have followed but their new release, Focus 8.5, was recorded between their eighth and ninth studio albums, hence the 8.5 title.

During the 2005, Focus was touring in South America and all the tracks were recorded between concerts. Even though the tracks have lain dormant for over a decade, they are not throw-a-ways. All are original composition by the band members and producer/musician Marvio Ciribelli.

It is the South American connection that defines the album and music. They make use of a number of local musicians who fuse traditional Latin rhythms with their progressive rock sound. This is particularly true for drummer Marcio Bahia who joins band member Pierre Van Der Kinden to create a depth of layers to the percussion. It all adds up to a very different, yet satisfying, progressive rock album.

“Focus Zero,” at over ten minutes, takes a classic approach with dashes of improvisation layered over the melody and rhythm section. “Surrexit Christus” and “Millennium,” with two drummers, explore a number of rhythms. “Rock 5” is a rhythmic orchestral piece. “Talking Rhythms” is only drummers Van Der Linden and Bahia going at it.

If you are a fan of Focus, this will be a treat. If you have not been exposed to their sound, this album will be an adventure.

Rating: ***1/2