Long Live Them Blues Vol. 1 (CD) By Dry Johnson

Tags

Dry Johnson, Matthew Robert Johnson, Terry Dry

Long Live Them Blues Vol. 1

Dry Johnson

CD Baby

Review by David Bowling

 

It can be said that Long Live Them Blues by Dry Johnson is an album that was created from the inside out.

Dry Johnson is comprised of bassist Terry Dry and drummer Matthew Robert Johnson. They are the rhythm section for guitarist deluxe Mike Zito.

Creating an album as a two-person rhythm section has its own problems. As such they gather a number of friends and guests to help them out including guitarists John Del Toro Richardson, Mighty Orq, James Wilhite, plus band mate Mike Zito, vocalists Kevin Fitzpatrick, Trudy Lynn, and Annika Chambers, and harpist Steve Krase. It all adds up to an album of excellent modern day blues.

Dry Johnson and friends romp through ten original tracks and a cover of Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “Hit The Highway.” Songs such as “Daddy’s Got A Cadillac,” featuring dual vocals by Zito and Chambers, “Juke Joint,” “Fried Chicken,” and “Too Many Hipsters” form the heart of a listenable and in many ways creative blues album.

Dry and Johnson form the foundation for the music and then allow the guests to build upon the rhythms and fill in the blanks. While they are in control; they are wise enough not to overwhelm their guests contributions. They are veterans who are wise enough to shepherd their musical visions to a positive conclusion.

Dry Johnson is a rare rhythm section that has moved out of the background to the forefront. Long Live Them Blues is the first release in what will hopefully be a successful new career.

Rating: ***

Advertisements

Paradise Blues (CD) By John Akapo

Tags

John Akapo, Paradise Blues

Paradise Blues

John Akapo

Mensch House Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

There are many paths to becoming a blues artist but few have taken the route of Taumei “Big John” Akapo. He spent his childhood in Alaska. his coming of age in American Samoa, and is now a presence in Hawaii. He has fused his Island influences with his love of the Delta Blues to create a different brand of traditional blues.

Akapo is an imposing man with a smooth, light, and precise sound. He now brings that sound to his album Paradise Blues.

His new album consists of seven original tunes plus three classic blues songs by Muddy Water, Tommy Johnson, and a soulful version of Robert Johnson’s “Ramblin’ On My Mind.”

If you like your blues with an island twist, then Paradise Blues by John Akapo is an album for you.

Rating: ***

 

Tea Leaf Confessions (CD) By Ynana Rose

Tags

Tea Leaf Confessions, Ynana Rose

Tea Leaf Confessions

Ynana Rose

Ynana Rose Music 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Ynana Rose is an accomplished vocalist, and an acoustic guitarist; But above all she is a talented poet, which forms the basis for her original compositions.

Whether it be the philosophy of aging, “Stardust Firefly,” a tribute to her grandmother, “Lillian,” or odes to love, “Impossible” and “The Gift Of A Song;” the words are incisive and the melodies simple.

Her approach is simple. She provides a foundation with her voice and guitar and then fills in the gaps and expands the sound with her band.

Ynana Rose has created her own musical universe for her thoughts and words. Tea Leaf Confessions is an album for the ear and mind.

Rating: ***1/2

 

When I Rise (CD) By Cary Morin

Tags

Caryy Morin, When I Rise

When I Rise

Cary Morin

Cary Morin Music 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Cary Morin is an artist who helps define the musical style Americana. He includes elements of folk, blues, and jazz into his approach, and it all coalesces into a distinct American sound.

His new album, When I Rise, consists of 10 original compositions and two cover songs. Drawing on his own experiences and the world around him, both real and imaginary, he is able to create stories rich in imagery.

Morin has a distinctive guitar sound. He is a precise picker who is able to layer his own sound so it appears he is playing both the lead and rhythm parts.

In addition to his own material, he tackles the Jerry Garcia/Robert Hunter “Dire Wolf,” but it is his take on Duane Allman’s “Little Martha” that really shines.

Cary Morin has carved out a niche for himself. When I Rise adds nicely to his expanding legacy.

Rating: ***1/2

Complicated Mess (CD) By Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones

Tags

Complicated Mess, Doug Deming

Complicated Mess

Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones

Ellersoul Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Doug Deming & The Jewel Tones have issued a new album titled Complicated Mess. Despite the title, the album is neither complicated nor a mess. It is an album of solid modern day blues.

Deming takes the simple approach fronting the bassist Andrew Gohman and drummer Marty Dodson, with gust appearances by Kim Wilson, Little Charlie Baty, Sax Gordon, and Bob Welch, who bring their harp, piano, and guitar talents to various tracks. The added musicians bring additional energy and depth to the basic trio.

Through the ten original tunes and three cover songs, Deming remains true to original blues traditions. As an artist, guitarist, and vocalist; he understands the blues and its heritage. “Sweet Poison,” “Need My Baby,” “Cookin’ At The Kitchen,” “Rat Killin,'” and the title track all pay tribute to the past, while maintaining enough modern elements to make them relevant and entertaining.

Two cover songs stand out. Sam Thread’s “You Rascal You” and Fats Domino’s I’m Walkin'” both undergo a modern metamorphosis.

Doug Deming is now two decades into his career. He has carved out a nice niche for himself as he continues to produce an excellent fusion of new and old blues. Complicated Mess is another fine step on his blues journey.

Rating: ***1/2

Blue (CD) By Dale Bundy

Tags

Dale Bundy

Blue

Dale Bundy

Elastic Penguin Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Dale Bundy is a veteran of the contemporary blues scene with close to 40 years experience. He has just released his debut solo album titled Blue comprised of five original songs and four covers.

Guitarist/singer Bundy is a blues everyman as he explores everything from comtemporary to the traditional blues of the Southern Delta. He plays and sings with a ligher touch than what one would expect and sets him apart from many of the other blues artists working today.

His lyrics fit the blues as they deal with life’s ebbs and flows. Add in such blues staples as “Big Legged Woman,” “The Thrill Is Gone,” and “Trouble In Mind” and you have an auspicious debut album.

Dale Bundy is one of those musicians who has spent decades perfecting his craft and has finally brought that experience into the studio. Blue is a solid first album.

Rating: ***

 

Blues To Go (CD) By Colin James

Tags

Blues To Go, Colin James

Blues To Go

Colin James

Stony Plain 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Colin James is now in his early 50’s and has just released his 19th studio album. He is a blues traditionalist and his latest album reflects that inclination.

Blues To Go combines nine covers and two original composition. Blues legends Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, Blind Willie Johnson, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Big Boy Crudup, and Robert Johnson provide the material and inspiration. James, however, takes the road less traveled as he stays away from their better known songs and delves a little deeper into their catalogues and legacies.

“One More Mile (Muddy Waters), “I Need Your Love So Bad” (Blind Willie Johnson), and ” and “Did Myself A Hole” (Crudup) are the highlights, along with a gritty version of Blind Lemon Jefferson’s “See That My Grave Is Kept Clean.”

James is always respectful of the material and their legacies. He never tries to over-extend or over-whelm the songs but sticks close to their original intent.

Colin James has a knack of introducing classic blues songs to the 21st century. Blues To Go is an apt name for his latest album.

Rating: ***1/2

Every Soul’s A Star (CD) By Dave Keller

Tags

Dave Keller

Every Soul’s A Star

Dave Keller

Catfood Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

For music aficionado’s in the know, a new album by Dave Keller is a cause for celebration. Every Soul’s A Star is the veterans first release for Catfood Records, which brings a bonus, the labels house band The Rays.

Keller has produced ten new songs for the album and added the Aretha Franklin cover “Baby I Love You.”

While Keller may move in R&B and rock directions at times; he is at heart a blues musician. His lyrics chronicle life but from a mellow perspective. His guitar work is fiery and the Rays fill in the blanks and add layers to his music.

Whether smoldering or high energy; songs such as “Don, Let The Take Your Joy,” “You Bring The Sunshine,” “This Is Gonna Hurt,” and “Kiss Me Like You Miss Me” are now part of Keller’s body of work.

Keller has learned his craft well. Every Soul’s A Star is another fine release and is well worth a listen.

Rating: ***

Blues & Angels (CD) By Sandy Carroll

Tags

Blues & Angels, Sandy Carroll

Blues & Angels

Sandy Carroll

Catfood Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

A new album from veteran blues and roots artist, Sandy Carroll, is due October 19th. Her last release, Last Southern Belle, charted high on the Contemporary Country and Indie Charts. Blues & Angels is a return to a more traditional blues style.

While Carroll is known as a respected singer and keyboardist; it is her ability as a songwriter that forms the heart of her newest album.

She draws on an array of singers and backing musicians to support her latest creations. They give her music more depth and textures than have been present in the past.

The songs tell stories from a blues perspective. Tales of joy, sorrow, pain, and just living come together to form a strong release.

Sandy Carroll has reached a point in her career where she knows who she is and how to put together an album of new music. Blues & Angels is another step forward in her blues journey through life.

Rating: ***

Pop-N-Downers (CD) By Hymn For Her

Tags

Hymn For Her, Pop-N-Downers

Pop-N-Downers

Hymn For Her

H4H5 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

True Troubadours are a dying breed in the music world, but whether busking in Europe or traveling the highways of America in their trailer home, Hymn For Her, Lucy Tight and Wayne Waxing with their daughter in tow, have remained true to the travelling poet-musicians of the past.

Pop-N-Downers is the latest release by the duo. It may be their most ambitious album to date. They are a two-person band with a simple sound, but here their travel in a number of stylistic directions. While at heart, they produce music grounded in Americana, now their is a little Latin influences here and some bluegrass there.

The music also has some edge to it in places. “Shallow Graves” has a title that is self-explanatory, while “Fireflies” has a serious message hidden amid the sounds of  a gentle ballad.

Hymn For Her and their Airstream Trailer have a place in American music. They produce American music at its most elemental. Coming to a venue near you!

Rating: ***