Volume 1 By The New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers

Volume 1

New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers

Stony Plain Records 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

There are super groups and then there is the little super group that can and did.

Back in 2007; some what under appreciated blues and roots musicians Charlie Musselwhite, Luther Dickinson, Cody Dickinson, Alvin Youngblood, and Jimbo Mathis gathered at Jim Dickinson’s ranch for a few days and nights of recording music. They simply sat in a circle and played a couple originals and some classic blues songs while the tapes ran. And so the New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers were born, but not for a while.

Jim Dickinson passed away and the tapes sat on the shelf for over a decade. They have now been resurrected and cleaned up and released as Volume 1, which means there is a second volume on the horizon, which given the quality of this release is good news.

The production is impeccable given the primitive nature of the recording sessions. Each instrument is distinct and the songs have a flow from one to the other. It is also presented as a very intimate release but does not intrude on the quality of the music.

Musselwhite is a superior harp player and he demonstrates his skill on “Blues Don’t Worry Me” and “Strange Land,” which are blues shuffles. He plays off Jim Dickinson’s piano melodies.

They are on very solid ground when they turn to older blues tunes. Charley Patton’s “Pony Blues” had great slide guitar by Hart, as does the Mississippi Sheiks “Stop And Listen Blues.” “Come On Down To My House” is presented as a barrelhouse blues piece curtesy of Jim Dickinson. They also transform Hendrix’s “Stone Free.”

The New Moon Jelly Roll Freedom Rockers manage to not only create good music but seem to be having fun at the same time. The real good news is there is more to come.

Rating: ****

Go, Just Do It By Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne

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Blues Boss, Kenny Wayne

Go, Just Do It

Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne

Stony Plain 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Blues can be filled with angst; they can tell stories of love, loss, death, and pain. Kenny ‘Blues Boss’ Wayne’ travels in a different direction as his blues entertain and even make you smile.

Now in his mid-70’s, Wayne remains on of the leading practitioners of the Boogie Woogie style of piano playing. While his style may spill over into jazz at times; he is at heart a master of contemporary blues. His new album, Go. Just Do It, rolls through 10 new original tunes and 3 covers, including Percy Mayfield and J.J. Cale songs.

Wayne’s music is simple at it’s core. He provides basic melodies and vocals. He then builds his sound around it. The title song adds brass and then complementary vocals by Dawn “Tyler” Watson. This is Wayne at his best as the more elements he adds; the more impact his music presents.

Kenny Wayne is a veteran who capitalizes on his strengths. Songs such as “Motor Mouth Woman,” “You Did A Number On Me,” and “Let The Rock Roll” are all examples of his just having a good time playing his music. He even bends Mayfield’s “I Don’t Want To Be The President” and “You’re In For A Big Surprise” to his style.

Wayne has established a nice niche for himself. He does not re-invent himself with Go, Just Do It, but continues to do what he does well.

Rating: B

Blues & Hues By Clifford Lamb

Blues & Hues

Clifford Lamb

Weber Works Label 2020

Review by David Bowling

Pianist and composer Clifford Lamb has produced a conceptual fusion album, which is an interesting statement at face value. While Blues & Hues may not be a completely well-defined jazz album; but Lamb’s approach and style fit the format.

His primary backing musicians are jazz trumpet player Nicholas Payton, bassist Buster Williams, and drummer Cindy Blackman Santana. He also uses such backing artists as vocalists Laura Vail and Alex Brown ( one of Ray Charles original Raelettes), rapper Anacron, guitarist Tariqh Akoni, and flutist’s Justin Klunk and Scott Mayo.

His approach is to bring together original and classic songs. The highlight of this eight track album is “Peace Prayer,” which is representative of this approach. Native American influences, a hundreds year old spiritual, rapper poetry, and “Teen Spirit” by McCoy Tyner all morph together into an elegant mix.

Other highlights include No regrets, which uses music by Spanish composer Mannel de Falla as a jumping off place for his own smooth jazz and the old American classic “I Love’s You Porgy,” where Lamb demonstrates his piano versatility.

Lamb has  a smooth melodic style that sustains his creativity and makes the complicated nature of his music very listenable.

Blues & Hues is an interesting amalgam of styles and tempos that intersect into a album of creative jazz and at time real beauty.

Rating: ***1/2

A Woman’s Soul: Tribute To Bessie Smith (CD) By Rory Block

A Woman’s Soul: Tribute To Bessie Smith

Rory Block

Stoney Plain Records 2018

Review By David Bowling

 

Rory Block has immersed herself in the blues for literally her entire adult life and part of her teenage years as well. Her five decade career, her prowess as a guitarist/vocalist, and her respect for the history and traditions of the blues have propelled her to the forefront of the American blues pantheon.

For the last decade she has been issuing a series of albums that have channeled, copied, and paid tribute to classic blues masters. Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, Reverend Gary Davis, Mississippi John Hurt, and Skip James have all been subjects of her approach. Her latest album explores the legacy of Bessie Smith.

A Woman’s Soul: Tribute To Bessie Smith is unique in that Smith is a woman and was primarily a vocalist.

Bessie Smith, 1894-1937, was a child of poverty who produced a gritty form of the blues. He songs were raw, as was she, and she was not admired within much of the blues community of the day for the crudeness of her approach. She was, however, one of the most commercially successful artists of the pre-second World War era as her songs resonated at a basic level.

Her stories were sexual, reflected the poverty around her, and dealt with the racial tensions of her time. “Gimme A Pigfoot And A Bottle Of Beer,” “Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl,” “Weeping Willow Blues,” “Empty Bed Blues,” and “Do Your Duty” traveled her earthy journey.

To her credit, Rory does not try to imitate Smith but rather updates her music. Her guitar brings Smith’s songs into the 21st century and fills them in ways that were not available at the time of their creation. Her voice is smoother, which gives the material a different sheen. The songs survive in a different form and format and while they are lodged in the past, they remain powerful.

In many ways A Woman’s Soul: Tribute To Bessie Smith, is the most adventurous release in the series. It is a wonderful call from the past that should not go unheeded.

Rating: ****

Lock Up The Liquor (CD) By The Little Red Rooster Blues Band

Lock Up The Liquor

The Little Red Rooster Blues Band

Little Red Rooster Label

Review by David Bowling

 

The Little Red Rooster Blues Band may not be a household name. but for three decades they have been touring relentlessly and producing first-rate blues. Now, in celebration of their 30th anniversary, they have released an album of 15 original songs titled Lock Up The Liquor.

They are a talented bar band who have made good. As such, they have a sense of humor and an easy going approach to their music that are important for any band who has spent years playing in front of small crowds in smoky filled rooms.

Guitarist/vocalist Kevin McCann, harp player Dave Holtzman, bassist Jeff Michael. and drummer Ben Holden have learned their craft well. Their music ranges from dance tunes to emotional ballads. “Thrift Store Rubbers” exemplifies their sense of humor and “Cotton Mouth” is a tribute to James Cotton.

The Little Red Rooster Blues Band have issued an album of entertaining blues. So grab your favorite brew, put your legs up, and enjoy.

Rating: ***1/2

Double Standards (CD) By Mick Kolassa And Friends

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Double Standards, Mick Kolassa

Double Standards

Mick Kolassa and Friends

Swing Suit 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Mick Kolassa has been releasing a laid back form of blues for decades. What makes his music so interesting is the fact that each of his albums has a distinct flavor, which brings us to his latest release, Double Standards.

His latest release brings together some old friends and a bunch of classic blues songs, with the result being an album of excellent modern day interpretations.

Artists such as Sugaray Rayford, Annika Chambers, Heather Crosse, Patti Parks, and more may not be household names but the common thread is they can all sing and perform. When you combine their talents with those of Kolassa and mix in songs by Willie Dixon, Tampa Red, B.B. King, and more; you have an exciting collection of blues songs.

Mike Kolassa is one of those musicians who slides under the radar at times, but he has devoted his life to creating and singing the blues. Double Standards is a fine addition to his expanding legacy.

Rating: ***1/2

Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 (CD + DVD) By The Rolling Stones

Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015 (CD + DVD)

The Rolling Stones

Rolling Stones From The Vault 2017

Review by David Bowling

 

A decade or so ago, The Rolling Stones were becoming obsolete. Now, due to a strong retro studio release, expanded versions of some of their classic albums, and their live From The Vault series; they have re-emerged as a force of rock music.

Their latest release is Sticky Fingers Live At The Fonda Theatre 2015. Recorded May 20, 2015, at the beginning of their two month North American Zip Tour, in the intimate Fonda Theatre in Los Angeles; it was historic as it is to date the only time the Stones have performed their entire Sticky Fingers album live.

The Rolling Stones, in the twilight if their career, have managed to create just about the perfect live album. The clarity of the video and particularly the sound are superb. The guitars of Ronnie Wood and Keith Richards are out front and the clarity not only shows their guitar talent but how intricate the structure of many of the songs actually is.

The three opening songs are powerful rock and roll. “Star Me Up,” “When The Whip Comes Down,” and “All Down The Line” is rock and roll at its best, played by the greatest living rock and roll band.

Many of the songs from Sticky Fingers emerge modernized and definitive. “Bitch” and “Sister Morphine” are still edgy and painful. “Dead Flowers” and “Wild Horses” are different from most of the Rolling Stones catalogue. “I Got The Blues,” “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking,” and “I Got The Blues” re-introduce rarely played Stones classics. An extended version of “Brown Sugar” closes the regular part of the concert and leaves you limp.

The encore consists of “Rock Me Baby,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and a funky “I Can’t Turn You Loose,” which bribgs the concert to a satisfying end.

The Stones have delivered what may be the defining concert album of their career. If there is a better one in the vault, it is going to be spectacular.

 

Rating: *****

Bobby Darin & Johnny Mercer (Expanded CD Reissue) Two Of A Kind

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Billy May, Bobby Darin, Johhy Mercer, Two Of A Kind

Two Of A Kind (CD Expanded Reissue)

Bobby Darin & Johnny Mercer

Omnivore 2017

Review by David Bowling

 

Bobby Darin, (1936-1973), packed a lot into his 37 years of life. He was a teen idol who produced such hits as “Splish Slash” and “Queen Of The Hop” that led to his 1990 induction into The Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame. He was an actor who won a Golden Globe Award and he actually married actress Sandra Dee of Grease song fame.

At the height of his commercial appeal, he changed musical directions. He always wanted to be a Sinatra-type singer and recorded “Mack The Knife” from Three Penny Opera. It became one of the most popular singles in music history, topping the Billboard Pop Chart for nine weeks.

In 1961 he joined with orchestra leader/arranger Billy May and recorded the album Two Of A Kind. That album has now been reissued with seven bonus songs.

I find it interesting that this album was picked for reissue. While it is representative of the second part of his career, it just disappears into his catalogue of releases. It is a smooth and pleasant album but probably not among his best works.

He was touring with Johnny Mercer at the time, and the material reflects that relationship. It is an album of standards, highlighted by two Darin/Mercer compositions and four more Mercer songs.

“Ace In The Hole” is an old jazz song from 1909. Darin gives it a more Big Band/pop feel in a swinging version. The lightweight “Who Takes Care Of The Caretakers Daughter” is a pun-fill journey. On the other hand he gets to cute with “My Cutey’s Due At Two-To-Two.” It is representative of a number of songs that appeared dated over 50 years ago and today fall into the quaint category today.

The seven bonus songs are more of the same except for an interesting take on the Dave Dreyer/Ruby Herman song “Cecelia.”

This reissue of Two Of A Kind” will no doubt please Bobby Darin fans but if you want an introduction to Darin at his best, there a a number og Greatest Hits albums available.

 

Rating: **1/2

A Song I Can Live With (CD) By Chip Taylor

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Chip Taylor

A Song I Can Live With

Chip Taylor

Train Wreck Records 2017

Review by David Bowling

 

Chip Taylor may be an artist you may not have heard of but he is an artist you probably have heard.

He is one of the latest inductees into the Songwriters Hall Of Fame. His career has now reached the 60 year mark as it stretches back to his big 1960’s hit by the Troggs, “Wild Thing. Hundreds of songs have followed that have spread out into rock, country, and folk. Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, Willie Nelson, Dusty Spring, and Frank Sinatra are just a few of the artists who have recorded his songs.

He has also been a consistent presence in the studio; producing consistent, melodic, and lyrically incisive music. His solo albums tend to be laid back affairs that are comfortable in a country of folk music setting.

His newest release, A Song I Can Live With, is a lot lighter than his recent releases. He used a stream of consciousness approach in the creation of the songs. Songs such as “Crazy Girl,” “New York In Between,” “Save Your Blues And Your Money,” and “Little Angel Wings,”

 

Heal My Soul (CD) By Lex Grey And The Urban Pioneers

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Heal My Soul, Lex Grey, Urban Pioneers

Heal My Soul

Lex Grey And The Urban Pioneer

Pioneer Productions 2016

Review by David Bowling

 

Number 1: The woman can sing. She is one of those vocalists who can squeeze every once of pathos, meaning, and emotion from a song.

Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers  have just issued their sixth album titled Heal My Soul. They are known as an energetic and explosive live band who have toured relentlessly honing their craft. Grey’s tough-woman appeal help them present music that fuses rock and roll and the blues into an interesting mix.

She is backed by guitarist Vic Mix, violinist Kaia Updike, drummer John Holland, bassist Adam Price, and multi-instrumentalist Brian DeWan, who have developed into a tight and formidable band. They are fueled by the instrumental leads of Mix and Updike. It is Updike’s violin that gives the music an unusual sound at times as her ability to use it in a blues format is different and at times stunning.

Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers are still very much a Brooklyn bar band. They are perfect for a smoky club late at night. In some ways they may be a little to authentic for huge mainstream success but Heal My Soul is a disc that needs to be played loud as it contains the essence of American rock and roll at its most basic and best.

Rating: ***1/2