Sleeper By Chickenbone Slim

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Sleeper

Chickenbone Slim

Review by David Bowling

 

What’s in a nickname? A number of blues artists have had colorful nicknames down through the years. Larry Teves doesn’t look like a chickenbone and I’m not sure he is slim, but the man can play the blues.

His third release, titled Sleeper, of all original material is another album of excellent and technically adept modern-day electric blues. Both an accomplished vocalist and guitarist; he has now passed the 1000 performance mark.

His songs all have a unique quality and each tells a story both verbally and instrumentally. Backed by a veteran band, he calls on a number of guest artists; Laura Chavez, Joey Harris, Jerry Rainey, to help present his message and music.

Tracks such as “Vampire Baby,” “My Bad Luck,” “Strange Things Happen,” and “Strolling With Chickenbone” run the gamut from sublime to explosive to smooth-flowing.

Sleeper continues Chickenbone Slim’s progression as one of modern day’s blues better artists. It is an album worth exploring.

Rating: ***

 

Blind Lemon Sessions By Mick Kolassa

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Blind Lemon Sessions

Mick Kolassa

Endless Blues Records 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Mick Kolassa is a musician who moves in a number of directions but is always centered around the blues. I have been following his career for a decade or so and his albums are always unique creations. Each has a distinct personality and his latest release, Blind Lemon Sessions, is no exception.

The album began in Germany when Kolassa recorded some material for a compilation album to be issued by the Blind Lemon Record label. He eventually recorded enough material for a new album.

There are seven cover songs that present the essence of Mick Kolassa. The traditional “St James Infirmary” and classic “Ditty Wah Ditty” are short simple songs that have been around for decades and he manages to give them new life. The Beatles “Help” is changed from a frantic rock number to a slower bluesy appeal. It is a unique take on a well-known song.

His own material is more Americana than blues at times. He has consistently relied on humor and “Recycle Me” continues that tradition.

Very noticeable on this release is the use of multi- stringed instruments. Kolassa plays six and 12 string guitars, a baritone ukulele, and an odd type of banjo. Add in slide guitars, bass, violin, and another banjo by his supporting players and you have a layered effect that adds extra textures to his approach.

Blind Lemon Sessions is a fine release that fuses different styles into a unique blues sound. It is an album that focus’ on the subtleties of the blues and is well worth a listen or two.

Rating: ***1/2

 

A Month Of Sundays By Jim Roberts & The Resonants

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A Month Of Sundays

Jim Roberts & The Resonants

Review by David Bowling

 

Jim Roberts & The Resonants have returned with their third album release of contemporary blues. Roberts is an extraordinary electric guitarist, slide guitarist, and is one of the few artists to have added a cigar box guitar to his repertoire.

A Month Of Sundays is an album of varying tempos, which makes each track unique and keeps the album fresh.

Roberts uses his brass judiciously. The album opening “Skeeters” is driven by the horn section, while the sax and guitar combine on “I’m Walkin’ On” to create a pleasant fusion of blues and jazz.

Perhaps the best and certainly the most creative track “What Her Evil Do.” It is a trip back in time via the primitive sound of the acoustic cigar box guitar, which blends with the harmonica sounds of Joey Gomez. Also standing out is the slow blues tune “Make A Promise.”

In addition to his guitar and vocal duties, Roberts produces the album and wrote or co-wrote all 13 tracks, which puts him at the center of each song.

Through it all Roberts transitions effortlessly from one style to another making A Month Of Sundays not only a slide guitarists delight but also an album of excellent modern-day urban blues.

Rating: ***

Blues In A Bucket (CD) By The Forrest McDonald Band

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Blues In A Bucket

Forrest McDonald Band

World Talent Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Veteran songwriter and guitarist deluxe Forrest McDonald will release his 15th album early next month. He will turn 70 during 2020, and while this is retirement territory for many people, McDonald shows no sign of slowing down as Bucket Of Blues is one of the strongest albums of his career.

McDonald has always been an excellent songwriter and on his newest release, he wrote of co-wrote all 11 tracks. The songs range from thoughtful to explosive, which are helped by a horn section. Except for two songs where he assumes the lead, he turns over the vocal duties to Andrew Black and special guest Becky Wright.

“Blues In The Basement” is a slow blues tune powered by McDonald’s guitar and Black’s vocal. “Blue Morning Sun” is a poignant piece lamenting the loss of his brother to cancer.

“Boogie Me Till I Drop” is the album opener and a good party song that presents another part of McDonalds musical persona. Becky Wright’s lead vocal on “Powerhouse” brings a different perspective and textures to the album’s music. The brass section bring extra energy to “Windy City Blues,” “Go To The Light,” and “Going Back To Memphis.”

Throughout the album, McDonald demonstrates his mastery of the guitar that he has developed over a near half-century career.

Blues In A Bucket travels in a number of directions but is ultimately tied together by incisive lyrics and McDonald’s guitar licks. A good way to start your 70th year.

Rating: ***1/2

Transpacific Blues Vol. 1 By Matty T Wall

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Transpacific Blues Vol. 1

Matty T. Wall

Hipsterdumpster Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Matty T Wall is an Australian blues artist who has gained notoriety and commercial success in his native Australia. His third album, Transpacific Blues, finds him expanding his musical vision across the pond to the United States.

Anyone familiar with his first two releases will find his new album has a very different flavor, as it focus’ on a distinctly American style and sound. Vocalist/guitarist Wall fronts a basic rhythm section comprised of drummer Ric Whittle and bassist Stephen Walker, but now adds a guest artist on five of the eight tracks. In addition, it is an album of classic blues covers.

The five tracks featuring a guest have a fuller sound as he departs from his usual three person configuration with the addition of an additional instrument. The extra band member allows him to interact with another guitarist and he is able to add pauses into the mix.

Eric Gales adds a jazz touch to “Hi Heel Sneakers, while Walter Trout brings a dose of rock and roll to “She’s Into Something Good.” Fellow Australian David Hole is probably the best match as they combine on John Lee Hooker’s “Boom Boom.” Kid Ramos matches Wall note for note on “Quicksand.”

The songs where he is the sole guitarist travel in a different direction. “Stormy Monday” meanders along for a blues filled six minutes. Robert Johnson’s venerable “Crossroads bring the album to a fitting conclusion as Wall’s direct approach adds new textures to this classic tune.

Matty T Wall has added another building block to his career. His explorations of the roots of American blues allow him to move in different directions from his Australian beginnings. Transpacific Blues Volume 1 is an interesting album by a musician taking some chances as he broadens his horizons.

Rating: ***1/2

Been Around By A Girl Called Eddy

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Been Around

A Girl Called Eddy

Elefant Records 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

No matter how you slice it, 14 years is a long time between albums, especially if its your debut and second release.

A Girl Named Eddy, (Erin Moran), has been active on the concert stage and backing other artists, which has led to the title of her new release, Been Around.

She is basically one of those singers you can picture performing in a lounge late at night. Her voice been compared to Karen Carpenter and Carole King, but when I hear her sing, I think of Astrud Gilberto of “Girl From Ipanema” fame.

There is a preciseness to her music, plus an attention to detail. She wrote or co-wrote all the tracks and plays piano on many of the songs, but she is above all a vocalist. Her tone has a sultry quality that is also crystal clear, which adds textures and a brightness to the performances.

Her new material is less dark and melancholy than her previous release. “Come To The Palisades” is a wonderfully nostalgic tune of amusement parks, summer, being a teenager, and days that cannot be recovered. This song is a classic example of her songwriting ability as she wastes few words telling her story. She channels her inner Crissy Hyde on “Someone’s Gonna Break Your Heart.”

“Charity Shop Window” is another nostalgic piece that she co-wrote with Paul Williams. She fills in the simple melodies with a small string section. The most sophisticated track is the title song as she explores her inner self, complete with a horn section and a number of background singers.

A Girl Named Eddy has now issued two well-crafted albums that are both refined and appealing. Hopefully it will not be another 14 years until her next release.

Rating: ****

 

No Paint By Jeff Chaz

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No Paint

Jeff Chaz

JCP Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Jeff Chaz has been a regular on the Southern blues circuit for several decades now. Several months ago he released his first new studio album in three years titled No Paint.

Many times simple is best and on his new release he returns to basics. He records his new album with just a rhythm section of bassist Augie Joachim and drummer Rick Jones. This forces him to carry the load on his guitar and playing the guitar is one of the things he does best.

Chaz is also a first rate songwriter and nine of the ten tracks are originals. The eight minute “Lowdown, Dirty Blues” is a slow, extended guitar clinic with his gritty vocals connecting his improvisational runs. “The Stars Are Out” is another extended guitar extravaganza.

While songs such as “You Gotta Show Me,” “Blues Buffet,” “We Ain’s Shackin’ No More,” and “deet, deet, deet” remain true to his blues; they are full of catchy hooks as they tell their stories of success, regret, food fortune, sadness, and even a little humor thrown in for good measure.

No Paint is an excellent album of fundamental electric blues and is well worth the price of admission.

Rating: ***1/2

Petra By The Building

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Anthony Lamarca, Petra, The Building

Petra

The Building

Concord Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

The Building: real name Anthony Lamarca, is a guitarist/multi-instrumentalist/songwriter/performer who has just issued his latest album titled Petra.

The music of The Building or Lamarca is not for the faint of heart. Recorded during treatment for cancer, it is a raw, simple, rough, and very serious and it chronicles his personal journey through life. It is also natural and extremely personal as he transforms his experiences to words and music.

Larmarca composed all the songs and plays just about all the instruments, the exception being the cello parts by Megan Lamarca.

In a way the album feels like therapy at a support group, which may be close to the truth. The lyrics may be difficult to absorb at times but ultimately this is an album of redemption and worth a listen or two.

Rating: ***1/2

The Westerner By The Zack Walther Band

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The Westerner

Zack Walther Band

Ass Clown Label 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Zack Walther has built a career for himself based on his voice and crafting well conceived and produced songs. His music crosses musical boundaries, incorporating blues, Americana, country, and rock into his albums. His various styles have produced a lot of good music but their eccentric nature may have held him back commercially.

His new release, The Westerner, is a more focused release as he channels western lore in creating an album of Americana music.

The Zack Walther Band is a basic three person unit with Walther on guitar and vocals, plus drummer/bassist Matt Briggs and keyboardist Mike Atkins. They use guest musicians here and there to fill in around the edges.

Despite being multi-talented; guitarist, songwriter, producer; it is his voice that carries the sound. Their approach is energetic and the fact that this is only their second studio album as opposed to three live releases, tells the story of their approach to their career.

The Westerner is a unified statement for the Zack Walther Band. It will hopefully expand their commercial appeal as it is a very positive career step.

Real Love By Tad Robinson

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Real Street

Tad Robinson

Severn Records

Review by David Bowling

 

Two American music traditions meet in the person and music of Tad Robinson. His voice is a wonderful soul instrument and his harmonica work is pure blues. His new release is titled Real Love.

The album takes on a southern feel as Robinson traveled to Memphis, Tennessee, to record and used one of the best backing bands in the business, The H-Rhythm Section lead by Guitarist Joe Restivo, and featuring a brass section.

Robinson co-wrote six of the ten tracks. His laid back vocals are placed on top of the bands solid foundations and his harmonica fills in the gaps. His music is gritty and joyful at the same time.

Two pure pop songs are transformed into soul and blues hybrids. Bread’s “Make It With You” and Roy Orbison’s “You Got It” are transformed far from their original form and intent. There also provide welcome counterpoints to his original blues tunes.

Tad Robinson has carved out a nice niche for himself in American music. His light and soulful touch produces music that is both relaxing and challenging. Real Street is blues from a different perspective and well worth a listen.

Rating: ***