Ape Shifter II By Ape Shifter

Tags

Ape Shifter, Jeff Aug

Ape Shifter II

Ape Shifter

Brainstorm Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Ape Shifter is a basic, no nonsense instrumental hard rock band. Led by guitarist Jeff Aug; he is backed by the solid rhythm section of drummer Kurty Munch and bassist Florian Walter.

Aug was born in Washington D.C. and raided in Maryland but has lived in the Alps of Southern Germany for the past 20 years. He has fused American music sensibilities with European rock. What has emerged is an intense brand of rock and roll.

An instrumental band always has the added challenge of making their music interesting without words. Ape Shifter overcomes this issue by placing the focus on Aug’s guitar. He attacks songs such as “Mask Of The Ancient Warrior,” “American Eagle,” “Matilda,” and “Jiggy Jiggy Boom Boom” with a fierceness and lack of restraint.

Ape Shifter is a band that needs to be played loud to be appreciated. The album is also available on vinyl if you are so inclined.

Rating: ***

 

Advertisements

Esoebo VI By Esoebo

Tags

Chuck McDowell, Esoebo, Gail Burnett

Esoebo VI

Esoebo

Knot Reel Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Every once in awhile, its nice to try something a little bit different and the music of Esoebo (E-So-Bo) may fit the bill with their new album titled Esoebo VI.

Songwriter/acoustic guitarist/vocalist Chuck McDowell and cello player/harmony vocalist Gail Burnett formed Esoebo (Eclectic Selections of Everything but Opera) as a vehicle to bring McWilliams visions and some judicial covers to fruition.

Everything begins with McDowell’s songwriting ability. He is one of those artists who is able to layer his lyrics, giving the songs deeper meanings to be explored. He also provides the foundation with his vocals and acoustic guitar. Burnett fills in some of the blanks with her cello and backing vocals. Their backing band fills in around the edges.

The center of their style is rockfish folk and Americana. It is the added instrumentation that gives the music its different and creative nature. It is both simple and cerebral.

Esoebo is travelling a different musical journey. Their new album deserves to be explored, especially if you want something a little out of the ordinary.

Rating: ***

For Love & Money (CD) By Harpdog Brown

Tags

Harpdog Brown

For Love & Money

Harpdog Brown

Dog Hose Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Harpdog Brown is a Canadian bluesman whose heart may be north of the USA border but his musical soul has drifted south toward New Orleans and the Southern Delta.

Brown’s new album, For Love & Money, merges southern swing with some elements of Louie Armstrong’s New Orleans Jazz and blues. It has a more developed sound than many of his past releases as he adds a horn section and tones down the guitars in favor of his harmonica and vocals.

Consisting of several original tunes and a well-selected group of covers, Brown takes the listener on a journey through some modern day blues, while remaining in touch with traditions from the past. Original songs, “Reefer Lovin’ Woman” and “Stiff” plus covers Blue Light Boogie,” “Buzzard Luck,” and “The Comeback” are all blasts of blues delight.

Harpdog Brown is now four decades into his career. For Love & Money is a well thought out and structured album that provides some interesting twists and turns within a blues setting. A good buy for any fan of the blues.

Rating: ***1/2

Clean Up The Blood (CD) By The Atomic Road Kings

Tags

Atomic Road Kings, Clean Up The Blood, Eric Von Herzen, Jon Atkinson

Clean Up The Blood

Atomic Road Kings

Big Tone 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

There are probably thousands of bands all vying for a piece of the blues pie. Each is trying to find that magic ingredient that sets them apart and hopefully leads to commercial success. Enter the Atomic Road Kings and their new album Clean Up The Blood.

Jon Atkinson is a competent vocalist and excellent guitarist, especially when he is in slide guitar mode but it is harpist Eric Von Herzen that makes the difference. His melodic excursions create a deep, rich, and dark sound.

The harmonica and guitar sound play off of each other and form the foundation of the band’s music. They do not have a light touch but rather attack their songs with intensity and energy.

Atkinson and Von Herzen wrote 11 of the 12 tracks and songs such as “In Arms Reach,” “My Way Back Home,” “Back Down South,” and the title track are all prime examples of what modern day blues should be like.

Rating: ***

 

All We Have (CD) By Taylor Scott Band

Tags

Tyler Scott Band

All We Have

Taylor Scott Band

Mark Pucci Media 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

The Taylor Scott Band has returned with a new album titled All We Have. They are a basic modern day electric blues band with rock and roll overtures.

The band consists pf guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Taylor Scott, keyboardist Jon Wirtz, bassist Chris Harris, and drummer Lem Williams. They form a formidable unit who wisely do not try to re-invent the blues.

They music keys off Scott’s guitar. He is an adept technician who is able to create a clear sound. The band fills in the background. They may not be ground breaking but songs such as “Somebody Told Me,” “Carry Me Away,” “Wishing Well.” and “The Walk” are sure to please any aficionado of modern days blues.

The Taylor Scott Band’s music is basic and sometimes that is the best way to play the blues.

Rating: ***

It’s About Time (CD) By Susan Williams & The Wright Groove Band

Tags

Susan Williams

It’s About Time

Susan Williams & Wright Groove Band

Susan Williams & Wright Groove 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Susan Williams is a veteran vocalist/songwriter/bassist who fronts the Wright Grove Band. They have now released their debut album titled It’s About Time.

Williams and her band are a blues band with a twist. She is a cocomposer who has written 10 of the 11 tracks. She also has an excellent, husky voice that fits a blues style well. The twist is their use of two basses, which gives the music a funky element.

Lead bassist Darryl Wright, Guitarist Mike Gallemore, drummer Rob Davis, and on 6 tracks, keyboardist Michael Cruse fuse their rhythms with classic blues. Their unique approach makes for an interesting listen.

It’s About Time is a blues album that travels a different road and is well-worth exploring.

Rating: ***

 

 

 

Jackpot (CD) By The Vegas Strip Kings

Tags

Vegas Strip Kings

Jackpot

Vegas Strip Kings

Gutbukit Records 2019

Review By David Bowling

 

Vegas Strip Kings is an apt name for this band. Their approach and sound is that of an ultimate lounge act. Their energetic approach would be welcome at just about any casino lounge in America.

Guitarist/vocalist Al Eck, keyboardist/accordion player Billy Truitt, upright bassist Rob Edwards, drummer Justin Truitt, and saxophonist Jimmy Carpenter produce a simple fusion of blues and rockabilly.

Self-penned songs such as “Rotgun Run,” “Jesus On The Dash,” “Back To You,” “Life Of Me,” and “Pawnbroker” are all representative of their approach

The Vegas Strip Kings are not a laid back listening experience. They are toe tapping, vigorous, and at times, an almost out of control band. They may not be smooth but they will always get your attention.

Rating: ***

Prime Cuts: The Very Best Of The Beast From The East (CD) By Popa Chubby

Tags

Poppa Chubby, Prime Cuts

Prime Cuts: The Very Best Of The Beast From The East

Popa Chubby

Ear Music 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Popa Chubby’s career is approaching the three-decade mark and to celebrate the occasion; he has released a retrospective of his career titled Prime Cuts: The Very Best Of The Beast From The East.

He is basically bluesman, whose sound spreads out in a number of directions. His new compilation album provides a good glimpse of the various sides of his music; more so than any of his regular releases. “Light Of Day” has a R&B vibe, while “Caffeine And Nicotine” has some jazz elements. “Grown Man Crying Blues” is eight minutes of what he does best; improvising on his guitar whole while wailing away on vocals.

Thirteen of the 15 tracks are originals but the two covers are excellent. “Hey Joe” is a basic rendition, while he twists Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” all out of shape.

Popa Chubby may be raw at times but his music is engaging. Prime Cuts: The Very Best Of The Beast From The East is a good starting point to experience his music.

Rating: ***

Over Under Through (CD) By Paul Nelson

Tags

Over Under Through, Paul Nelson

Over Under Through

Paul Nelson

CD Baby

Review by David Bowling

 

Paul Nelson’s new release, Over Under Through, is an album where the sum of its parts are better than the whole. This is due to his penchant for combining a number of styles, including blues, roots, folk, country, and gospel onto one album of music. It does not make for a cohesive affair but the tracks are each unique and stand on their own.

Nelson is basically a story teller. His ten original composition take the listener on a journey of the ear and mind. The songs run from four to seven minutes, which give him time and space to create textures and layers. “Ghost In The Machine,” “Go Down Ezekiel.” “There Is Weeping,” and “Silent Majority” are all fueled by his precise lyrics, memorable melodies, and a full, tight band behind him.

Nelson has created an album of music that reaches out in a number of directions. There should be something to please most any fan of good music.

Rating: ***

 

 

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: ***