CD Review - Davis Coen - Blues from the Get-Go - Soundview 1002
Recorded at various locations from 1996 to 1998.
All selections recorded live to digital tape.
All selections composed by Davis Coen
except track 6 - Ash Hauler (Big Bill Broonzy)
for bookings:
phone: 917-533-0056/ Fax: 203-226-1824
e-mail: DMCoen22@aol.com
Davis Coen - guitar, harmonica, vocals
Screwtop Foster - bass (# 1-2, 6-7)
Joe "Meesue" Izzo - drums (# 1, 6-7)
Davis Coen is a country styled blues singer/guitarist/'harpist'/composer reminiscent of Johnny Hammond, some pieces like Willie Dixon but self penned. This his second Album, a true 12 blues gems superbly executed, giving respect to tradition but bang right up to date in subject.
Critique track by track.
Track 1 - Some Strange Feelin'
This first track with the trio, Davis on guitar, harp and vocals gets this album off to a fine start. Shows straight away what a fine young bluesman Davis is and what a tight outfit this trio make. Straight in with guitar and harp for an intro, soon followed by a fine lyric about how his woman makes him feel.
Track 2 - Mermaid Blues
A duo this time, Davis and Screwtop. Finely executed acoustic guitar, harp and bass, with such a mournfull vocal. A great blues describing his sweet little love,...no angel...a mermaid! As Screwtop says... "Yeah". A mighty fine track.
Track 3 - Rockin' Chair
Davis solo on this one, does not lose any impact. I believe you call this 'R' rated over there. People creepin' up on him! the result sounds kind of painfull! His babe blowing!...well, his mind! got yourself a good woman there Davis!
Track 4 - Back To Your Old Tricks Again
Has a real old style feel about this number, quite like that. Good acoustic guitar and vocal by Davis. A true raconteur. Tale about his cheatin' woman, put her out, man! that's what I'd do!
Track 5 - Ozone Park Cemetary
A really gloomy title, a real tale of woe. Back with some great harp as well as great guitar to go with those superb vocals. No peace in this town, even when your dead! Don't bury me there either, just scatter my ashes off Two Plank Bridge!
Track 6 - Ash Hauler
An old time number for real this time. One from Big Bill Broonzy, delivered impecably. Back with the trio backing Davis to the limit. Some real strange women you hang around with guy? Left you, but you reckon she will be back!
Track 7 - D.E.A. Blues
Still with the band, sound like Davis has changed to a bit of slide on this one, well executed. Strong number about the D.E.A. Who are they? Well, forgive me please, I am English.
Track 8 - Precious Time Blues
Davis back solo again. Excellent guitar intro, followed by excellent vocal. Lookin' in the mirror and reflecting on his wasted life. His precious time gone.
Track 9 - The Chin
Strong tale of 'the chin', don't want to see him up before the Judge again. Keep out of trouble man! Well executed guitar and vocal. This is what the blues is all about.
Track 10 - Blues From The Get-Go
Davis's harp, guitar and vocal intertwining so well. A real raconteur's tale that want you to get up and go see this guy live. If he is in your area, Get-Go man!
Track 11 - Ways Of These Women
Short but interesting number. Davis sings how he don't understand women! What guy does, we're always in trouble. No wonder us guys get the Blues and sing about it.
Track 12 - Pimpin' Ain't Easy Babe
You think you got a hard life baby, pimpin' aint easy! So Davis tells us vocally and guitar and harpwise. So don't cheat him doll, he has such a hard time! With this edict he concludes a superb album of old style but up to date tales.
Davis Coen is a Raconteur Supreme, no favourite numbers, just loved them all, all 12 are gems. A real Bluesman that can not only sing and play the Blues but can really write then execute them so well. Davis Coen can perform anywhere in the world, any Art Centre or discerning Blues Club audience would warm to him so quickly and welcome him back time after time.
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
CD Review - Gary Negbaur - Let Me Explain
- CBP 1994 Crazy Bird Productions
Recorded at Quad Studios, N.Y.C.
and Excelo Studio, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Mixed at Power Play Studio, Long Island City, N.Y.
Edited at Sixth Floor Studios.
Recorded, Mixed and Produced by Brian Martin.
Digital Editing by Barry Rose.
All tracks by Gary Negbaur, except 'Purple Haze', Jimmy Hendrix.
Crazy Bird Productions
P.O. Box 777
NY,NY 10008-0777
(212)330-7037
e-mail: gary@garynegbaur.com
web: www.garynegbaur.com
Musicians
Gary Negbaur - lead vocals. piano, electric organ
Cherina Mastrantones - acoustic and electric bass
Jimmy Daniel - drums
Danny Draher - guitars
Crispin Cioe - soprano, tenor and baritone saxophones
Larry Etkin - trumpet
Gisele Jackson - backing vocals
Antonio M. Rodriguez - congas
Gary Negbaur, educated at Harvard University and Berklee College of Music, attended Master Classes with Ellis Marsalis, Dr. Billy Taylor and Harry Connick Jr. What can I say? It shows! Here are some fine jazz pieces, laid back, sometimes humorous, otherwise poignant, well executed by this extremely capable artist Gary Negbaur backed by a bunch of such superb musicians as can be gathered together. Play on.
Critique track by track.
track 1 - Alphabet Love
Some cool piano, capably backed by bass and drums. Cool musicianship, even cooler vocals by Gary, very hip lyric about a lost love told A to Z-wise. Yeah man!
track 2 - Red Pontiac
Piano, bass and drums joined by excellent guitar and trumpet by Danny and Larry on this one. Good guitar break. Amusing vocal, every Pontiac reminds him of you and that old Red Pontiac, babe, whatever the colour. Must have been some car, and some chick, man!
track 3 - Three Blind Nights
this is a cool skit on Three blind Mice, nice! nice! nice! Some great musicianship, piano, bass by Cherina, drums by Jimmy, really cool sax by Crispin and congas by Antonio. This is a really great piece of jazz, so well executed. Gary sure has a good wit in his lyrics. A Raconteurs tale of a really wild woman and Three Blind Nights. One blind night would finish me! Too much!
track 4 - Purple Haze
What can I say about this one, the only cover on the album. The Legendary Jimi Hendrix (* see footnote) wrote and performed this one. A wild excess of a number, by a wild man of his time.
I will say no more about the original, on to my opinion of this brilliant arrangement by Gary. A brave man to completely rearrange such a famous number. Excellent opening, sounds like the intro to a concerto, with the deep and slow piano, more prominent bass and brushes by Cherina and Jimmy. Such a slow and hazy vocal. You cannot see it but you can almost taste the Purple Haze exuding from this smoky atmospheric moody music. This really slow tempo arrangement is so, so good, my minds blown!
(* Footnote: Jimi Hendrix started on the Bleeker Street Circuit in Greenwich Village, NY, USA. One place he later played was at the Red Lion, Spalding, UK, the original poster still hangs in the bar, his photo takes pride of place in the blues cafe where Spalding Blues Club is held).
track 5 - Cold Front
Back to another excellent number by Gary. Beautiful piano, superb bass bridge in the middle of number. Prominent bass and brushes throughout. A simple thing like taking washing to the laundrette reminds him of a past relationship and things they did together, then and afterwards!!! Cold Front! enjoyed the warmth this lyric portrayed.
track 6 - Lust & Love & Faith in God
This number I can relate to, 'my love' and I are from opposite cultures. Whatever your different backgrounds, the way you are brought up, parental influences, the blind prejudice in this world etc. go out of the window. Gary has hit it right on the nail with this impressive number, Lust and Love & Faith in God, says it all! A delightful number.
track 7 - Invade My Space
Snazzy trumpet with fine percussion to go with this snazzy vocal. Go on babe! move in with him, he desperately wants your company. He will make room for YOU.
track 8 - Just About Enough
After Gary's babe moved in, what a disaster. An amusing tale, about her infidelity and her excuses to cover up her actions. Should he sling her out, or should he tolerate her bad behaviour? I would keep her, well she is so sexy, man, whoops!, how do I know! Good musical arrangement suits this number.
track 9 - Brother Brad
A gentle heartfelt number about Gary and his brother, Brad, good sentiment. If you have a brother to turn to, that's good, I know, I fell out with my brother for ten years, I missed that close blood relationship oh so much, that's why I will not break that relationship again, this number will remind me to keep that promise.
track 10 - Falling Down
Back to Gary on lead vocal with Gisele providing the backing. Some good guitar from Danny. Gary feels drunk on the memories of a failed relationship, he emotions keep failing him, he can't forget her. You don't have much luck with the broads guy! We've all been there. This last track fades out with Gary's gentle piano.
This debut CD from 1994, somewhat from a while ago, is new to me, it still retains it's original freshness. I took a while to write this review, I savoured every number, each one a jazz masterpiece. Gary has a feeling for life, an understanding of humanity, a maturity beyond his years. Gary has a unique talent, whether he is playing in a swanky hotel lounge, a luxury cruise liner, at Carnagie or the Albert Hall, his audience will enjoy his artistry for many years to come.
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
CD Review - Heather Bennett - All Through the Night
Recorded and mixed at Tedesco Studios, Paramus, NJ, April 2000
Steve Getz - session producer
George Schuller - mix producer
Jon Rosenberg - engineer
Dave Locke - editor
Contact Information: Hbimprov@aol.com
Heather Bennett - piano,
featuring: Billy Hart - drums,
Dennis Irwin - bass,
Dave Pietro - alto sax.
My usual style is to write a review track by track, for this CD I will make an exception. Why? ...Not because it does not deserve such treatment, on the contrary it fully deserves that... this CD deserves more than that...it deserves to be 'LISTENED' to...to get the treatment it fully deserves.
I will give a track listing to wet your appetite.
Track 1 - All Through the Night (J. Sheer)(as sung by Cyndi Lauper)
Track 2 - Mary (H. Bennett)
Track 3 - Blues Etude (O. Peterson)
Track 4 - Someday You'll Be Sorry (L. Armstrong)
Track 5 - Dreamer (H. Bennett)
Track 6 - Nature Boy (E. Ahbez)
Track 7 - When it's Sleepytime Down South (C. Muse, L. Rene,O. Rene)
Track 8 - Lost Girl (H. Bennett)
Track 9 - All My Loving (Lennon/McCartney)
Track 10 - Boo-Bop (H. Bennett)
Track 11 - Search for Peace (M. Tyner)
This CD is a mixed bag of music from the pop field to the most intricate from the jazz field. All Instrumental (although I do understand that Ms. Bennett is also a vocalist but not on this CD which is a showpiece for her remarkable piano talents). All so magnificently presented by Heather Bennett and her associates. All so superbly arranged by Heather, all interpreted to become magnificent jazz pieces played Heather Bennett style. And what a style that is! Oh so melodic in parts, so intricate in others, but all so much good listening. You will really have to listen to pick up and appreciate the subtle nuances of each piece presented to us. Some penned by Heather, some by such great composers and great artists as Oscar Peterson, Louis Armstrong as well as John Lennon and Paul McCartney of Beatles and solo fame. I do admire an artist that is not afraid to include her own material to stand alongside such famous pieces, as well as dare to interpret such well known work by such well known artists, especially when you pull it off, as Heather has so remarkably done, no mean achievement, she deserves all praise possible. We will be hearing a lot more of Ms. Bennett in the not so distant future. A Jazz Star in the making.
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
CD Review - The Mississippi Clay Blues Band - 'Live' Promo CD.
For more info call - Chris Lovasz (516) 753-2545 - e: clovasz@optonline.net
The Mississippi Clay Blues Band
Ernest Clay - vocals and blues harp
with his core band lineup of guitar, bass and drums together since '92. For larger venues a horn section, female back up singers, keyboard, and percussions are added.
Ernest Mississippi Clay, born and raised in Greenwood, Mississippi. This makes him qualify to be called a genuine 'Blues Original'. As a 'live' performer he is well known on the Club and Festival scene in the USA and Germany, playing with the best. Here he is with his band on a 1 track 2 number Promo CD. I feel priviledged to have been invited to review this unique recording.
Critique track by track.
or should I say in this case number by number.
Number 1 - The Thrill Is Gone
number one of two great classic blues/r 'n' b numbers.
Starts with terrific guitar, bass and drums givin' a really soulfull intro. then Ernest joins in with a mournfull vocal that could only come from a true raconteur from way down the Mississippi. Superb!
Number 2 - High Heal Sneakers
this second and last number, has Ernest and the guys blastin' away on this one. A real blast from the past. This band are really together enjoying every moment...as I am.
Only two tracks! and Ernest on only vocals, no harp! with just a basic lineup! how can a review be written on just that! you might say! Very easily...this is the stuff that blew all the way up the Mississippi from the Delta to Chicago and found itself after many years adaptin' and being appreciated by a worldwide audience. So, play two tracks! KNOCK EM OUT! (decided to rephrase that out of respect for such recent tragic circumstances). The Mississippi Clay Blues Band are a true Roots, R 'n' B, Blues Band of exceptional talent that I would love to see 'live' as well as hear a full CD of their material.
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
Review - CD PG-002 - Feel The Fire - Paul Gargiulo
web: http://www.paulgargiulo.com
e-mail: giulo@nac.net
Recorded at The Pigeon Club Studio in Hobroken N.J.
An Accoustic/Electric SOLO project with 11 tracks
of original music written and arranged by Paul Gargiulo
except 'A Kiss In The Wind'. Lyrics by Karen Wolsky.
Paul Gargiulo used a custom strat, Les Paul Greatch.
Tacoma & Guild acoustics. Mesa Boogie Maverick, Ampeg,
EV,amps AKG microphones.
Paul Gargiulo is an Inovator, a new breed of Bluesman stretching Blues formats to the limit, using all the techniques of Rock, Jazz and Funk intermingled into a new form of the Blues. Singer, Songwriter, Arranger, Producer, Accoustic and Electric Guitarist Extrordinaire!! He has set himself a vast project with this Solo effort...............Superbly achieved. Paul has set me a task in analysing this Masterpiece of his ...here goes... to give it the Justice it deserves.
Here is my Critique Track By Track.
Track 1 - Electric woman.
Unusual jazzy, funky guitar and brushes on cymbal on this opening track. Vocal delivered very well, fantasizing about his Electric woman. Good second guitar brought in over the main in a Solo at the end of this piece.
Track 2 - Feel the fire.
Extremely fine melodic vocal and accoustic guitar on this one. Paul intersperces a second vocal with the first. Later a second guitar is brought in to perform an amazing duet. I Felt the fire, it had an extremely calming effect on me. Mesmerising!
Track 3 - Im so tired.
Uptempo, dynamic, punchy delivery on this one. Strumming one guitar and superb lead on the other, Paul instrumentalises and vocalises that he won't be pushed around anymore.
Track 4 - Holy water.
My favourite track on this CD. Opens with a Scott Joplin type intro, then hits you with one of the best pieces of guitar work I have heard in a long time. Superb gospely type vocal and lyric, Wow... this guy has certainly converted me to his cause.
Track 5 - I walked across the river.
Confident now, Paul is walkin' on water! Striking vocal and guitar with some extra percussion instruments to add a bit of extra interest to this track.
Track 6 - Karinka.
Another favourite. Soft melodic guitars on this one, beautiful vocal and lyric about Karinka his love, so in love it sounds like he named a boat after her? A haunting melody superbly performed. Very classical, very classy.
Track 7 - It's a good thing.
Uptempo again, vocal vying with his guitar, he wins with both. Uses a good guitar duet as a break between the lyrics. Like it.
Track 8 - Where do I go from here.
Paul in a quizical mood, rocks the question here. Fine chord work. He can only go onward and upward as far as I am concerned.
Track 9 - A kiss to the wind.
A Favourite. Can feel the gentleness here, the lingering memory of his father and the yearning....brought tears to my eyes remembering my own late father from so many years ago.... Too much man!
Track 10 - Cold steel blues.
Need to steel my heart after the last track. Talking of tracks, railway tracks take his babe away this time. A real cold steel blues, dramatically performed. Do I detect an Eastern European influence on this one?
Track 11 - Tell the truth.
A good honest blues played on two guitars, told in perfect harmony with Paul's vocal. A fine finale to an extremely fine project.
Respect...
is the only word I can use to describe Paul Gargiulo and his Artistry on this Solo project.A rare talent that I am sure will be around for a very long time. Can't wait for his next project.
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
Review - 'Live' promo CD - Paul Gargiulo Band
web: http://www.paulgargiulo.com
e-mail: giulo@nac.net
Recorded at Future Sound Studios, Fairfield NJ.
Paul Gargiulo Band
Paul Gargiulo - guitars and vocal
Charles Japhe - bass (from Hoboken NJ)
Dan Coluccio - drums (from Belmar NJ)
Having recently reviewed Paul's solo CD 'Feel the Fire' I am more than happy to review this 'LIVE' promo CD that came with it. This time Paul is with a trio, a really tight outfit.
Indeed a priviledge to review such excellent material.
Critique track by track
track 1 - Pride and Joy (Cover)
Good starts with Paul on guitar, with bass and drums soon joining in. Good rockin' number. Like Paul's vocal throughout and guitar break in the middle.
track 2 - Swing Thing (original)
Excellent original instrumental, featuring Paul's superb guitar work, very ancy! Good deep bass. Tappin' my foot now. Hot stuff!
track 3 - Holy Water (original)
First heard this track on his solo album, was my favourite then, even more so now! With a band...fantastic!!! Same Scott Joplin intro then they hit us with the trio blastin' out. Paul's straining vocal, his blistering guitar riffs. ow! man, this is one for my bible!
track 4 - Just a Little Bit (cover)
Another good rockin' bluesy number, they are givin' us more than just a little bit here. ll the band are really rockin' this one, havin' a ball! as I am. One more time, hit me!
track 5 - Superstition (cover)
Stevie Wonder 'soul' number translated to an excellent blues. Starts with drums followed by Paul's guitar and that ever present deep bass. Jazzy vocal by Paul tells it all. Funky!!
track 6 - My Heart Comes Home (original)
Paul starts with a bit of fancy guitar, the band soon join in as Paul starts a great vocal, ten changes mid way to another really fancy bit of guitar from Paul stirring the band to new heights. Good Finish to an excellent set.
Paul has certainly got a really tight outfit together. Treat yourself! Get out there and see them Live! Paul tells me the band are making a CD of original material. Can't wait for it's release. look forward to hearing from Paul again in the near future.
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
CD Review - Snakes-n-Angels
- Scenes From A 100 Acre Wood - CD SNA 18789
Recorded CMC Studios, Zebulon, NC.
and Music Box Studios, Hamilton, NC.
All tracks written by JC Stephenson and Nanette Stephenson
except 1, 4, & 10 writtten by JC Stephenson,
and track 7 by JC Stephenson, Jay Fortenbury, David Griffen and Nanette Stephenson.
Web: www.snakes-n-angels.com
e-mail: sna@go.to or snakes-n-angels@geocities.com
JC Stephenson - all guitars and keyboards
Benny Dellinger - lead solo on track 11
Nannette Stephenson - bass guitar
David Griffen - fretless bass on track 12
Kim Ramsey - drums and percussion
Tom Benson - drums on track 2
Snakes-n-Angels fronted by Washington couple JC and Nannette 'Hoot' Stephenson are described as Heart meets Eric Clapton. Sharing the lead vocals these powerfull bluesy rock balladeers, have a Stevie Nicks, Lindsay Buckingham stage presence. JC having prevailed against some of life's hardest knocks, having a brain tumor removed and losing his father soon after, has not held him back. This Album is a true labour of love, 7 and a half years in the making. Some old songs and new songs from their splendid repertoir.
Critique track by track.
track 1 - Love's Hard to Find
Good intro and fine guitar work, vocal backing and keyboard by JC throughout this number, good solid beat by drummer Kim. Mighty fine vocals by 'Hoot', if I may presume to call you that my dear? A good rockin' ballad to open this album.
track 2 - Caveman
Good start on this one, straight in with some fine guitar from JC and thumpin' great bass from 'Hoot', well backed up by Tom this time on drums, lead vocals shared alternately by JC and 'Hoot'. Bet the Bikers stateside love this one! Yeah! Snakes 'n' Angels does sound a bit like their chapter colours, Ride on!!
track 3 - Scenes From a 100 Acre Wood
This title track is like an epic! everyone doin' their utmost. There's danger in them their woods, the instrumentation and vocals evocing memories of childhood. Kim back on drums for the rest of the Album, doin' a great job.
track 4 - Take Me Back
Great keyboard and vocal by JC, good backing vocal by 'Hoot', Go on take him back! He deserves it. Some superb guitar work here. A more melodic number.
track 5 - Kingsnake
Starts with a bit of a quieter guitar and vocal, bluesy, man! Building to the 'Snake' his custom built Jim Gilbert 'Warmouth Tele', hittin' us. Awesome!!! The 'Snake' is King. This number really rocks.
'
track 6 - No Surrender
Another quieter number to start with,'Hoot' with a soulfull lament. It builds, a number with different facets, just listen...a superb, solid slow rock ballad.
track 7 - Don't Cha Know
An echoey intro, an alternating lead and duet by JC and 'Hoot'. Very nice. Yeah! I know. You guys are good, Really gettin' into this stuff now. Takes me back to my youth. Heavy Rock ballads.
track 8 - Couldn't Resist
Some fancy Guitar and lead vocals from JC intersperced with a beltin' chorus from 'Hoot'. This number really wails. Good rockin'.
track 9 - Cry for Justice
Excellent guitar duet to start with, leading in to a superb lead vocal from 'Hoot', she sure is a fine raconteur, she can really belt out a tale over such great guitar work from JC. This band are really somethin', they certainly do this number Justice!
track 10 - Only Time Will Tell
A bit trancendental sounding to start with the guitar work on this one. Builds to a rock crescendo. Superb vocals from JC and 'Hoot' once again. They certainly are raconteurs of the rock ballad, superb stuff.
track 11 - You're In My Blood
This high voltage number, is certainly stirring my blood. A heavy duty rock number. I'm rockin' round my den right now!!! All the guys right behind their amazing lead guitar and vocal. Wow!
track 12 - Secret Love
An amazing finish with this haunting number, 'Hoots' excellent vocal and JC's instrumentation blending so well. Really gives me the 'Moody Blues'. We all have a secret love, well guys, the secrets out...I just love your music!
Snakes 'n' Angels are certainly an extension of the stuff I listened to in the 60's, 'Lead Zepplin', 'Deep Purple', 'The Moody Blues', and most of all 'Fleetwood Mac'. (Was privileged to speak to 'Mick' on the phone for about ten minutes, at the time when 'Albatross' was number one.)
Snakes 'n' Angels are a Stadium group, a large sound needs a crowd to match. A stint of support to bands like 'Kiss', 'Status Quo' etc, would lead them into eventual well deserved tours as the headline act. Must just say this, 'Hoot', no offence, but, just where have you got that Amp plugged in? Check out the photo on the web site guys!
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
REVIEW - BLOCK PARTY - CD...VD- 4.
THE VooDUDES
WWW.THEVOODUDES.COM
WWW.BIKE.PRINCETON.EDU/VOODUDE
Produced by the VooDUDES and Tony Shanahan
(Bassist Patti Smith Group)
Except 'Low Down Santa'
produced by Jim Beckerman
Mastered by Greg Calbi who also did
same for Digital 'Sgt Pepper'
THE VooDUDES.
DAVE AMBROSE
drums, percussion, background vocals,
lead on 'Ali' and 'Party When Your Gone'
GARY AMBROSE
guitar, lapsteel, mandolin,ukekele,
background vocals
JIM BECKERMAN
piano, organ, keys, accordion, percussion,
background vocals and lead on
'Shake Those Coconuts'
ANDY BERNSTEIN
lead and background vocals,
percussion, harmonica
FRED SAUNDERS
bass guitar
ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS
Tony Shanahan
backing vocals on 'Master's Ship
Backhand and Adam Lund
on 'Lowdown Santa'
Come on down to the corner of New Jersey and Louisiana there's a 'Block Party' goin' on! Mardi Gras has come to Town. The VooDUDES are here with a good mix of New Orleans and other Southern styles. Very danceable, good rockin' music from this New Jersey Band.
Critique track by track
track 1... 'All The Guys' (Andy Bernstein)
This number starts the party with a Mardi Gras beat that gets you movin' your feet, extremely good vocal by Andy, very rich pleasant voice. Good guitars, piano, accordion, drums and backing vocals by the band. Think I will stick around this looks like it is going to be a pretty good scene!
track 2... 'The Way That Men Be' (Andy Bernstein)
A good Country Blues number, excellent vocal by Andy again, with superb piano, lapsteel, bass and drums from the rest of the guys. Did I hear a ukekele as well! Sure I did! That's the way we guys are girls!
track 3... The Crawdad Song' (Dave Ambrosy)
This number sure makes me feel like joinin' you guys on a fishin' trip down in Louisiana. Where's my pole and line! Book my ticket I'm on my way. Wow! I could sure hear them Crawdad's squeal when they got tipped in the cookin' pot and can imagine my teeth just sinkin' in, yum! yum! Rockin' good fun number, one of my four favourites on this CD. Love the Vocal throughout and lapsteel and piano break in the middle.
track 4... 'Lido's Tango' (Jim Beckerman)
Dig that piano and drums, the guitar or is it mandolin as well? and the extra percussion, wowee! would like to tango with my babe to this one, number two of my favourites. Extremely good instrumental guys.
track 5... 'Groove Thing' (Gary Ambrosy and Andy Bernstein)
This is my favourite track! Superbly funky .Haunting lapsteel and piano, Andy's lead vocal is spot on, interspersed with 'harp' nice, nice! Unusual but outstanding bluesy number.
track 6... 'Party When You're Gone (Dave Ambrosy)
Churchy Organ starts this one, with a good vocal chorus. Everyone takes an instrumental solo on this one, Is there even a bit of ukelele from Gary? Dave is lead singer on this one, rightly so, he wrote it. Good bouncy fun number to keep this party goin'.
track 7... 'Master's Ship' (Gary Ambrosy and Andy Bernstein)
Back to Andy on lead vocal and 'harp', another strong one from him, a real raconteur, good lyric too. Tony Shanahan the producer on backing vocal, nice one Tony. Strong lead guitar from Gary and piano from Jim. A real tight sound by all the guys.
track 8... 'Ali' (Dave Ambrosy)
Dave back on lead vocal, and why not! He wrote this one too. Good drum intro by Dave, quickly followed by Jim on piano and Gary on guitar. Good bit of Honky Tonk, rocks along, keepin' the party goin'. Good 'harp' by Andy minglin' in well with the rest of the guys.
Track 9... 'Shake Those Coconuts' (Seiler and Jim Beckerman)
Jim takes the lead vocal on this very good fun number, well if you write it, you can sing it, seems to be the norm in this band, and why not? Good for him. Good lapsteel or mandolin? Can't make up my mind.Whatever it is, it gives a really good carib-bean sound along with the extra percussion, Oh yes! I know, it's a steel drum. From Cuba on Lido's Tango to a Carib-bean shore on this one, this New Jersey party is certainly liftin' off.
track 10... 'Justine' (Andy Bernstein)
Unadultarated Rock an' Roll, of the Richard Wayne Penniman 'Lucile' style. Just love it, Andy. Takes me back to my teenage days in the 50's. Yes, I am that old! But still groovin' to the Blues. Good solo's by all the guys, especially the lead vocal, guitar, piano and organ.
track 11... 'Hen Party' (Jim Beckerman)
Now it's a Hen Party! this old rooster is glad he stuck around. Jim's piano and organ is just great, along with Gary's guitar work. Another great instrumental.
track 12... 'Lowdown Santa' (Seiler and Jim Beckerman)
This party is certainly not for the feint hearted, now it's Christmas already! Good lead vocal from Andy and vocal backing from Backhand and Adam Lund. All the guys bashin' away right to the end. This ends the CD on a really great note.
A really great CD, a really great band. Superb lead vocals by Andy, what a great voice, like it that he is willing to share the lead vocals with the rest of the band. What a great gathering of musicians, what a versatile bunch of guys, the number of instruments that they play amazes me. It all blends very well to make an extremely tight outfit. The VooDUDES can invite me to the next Block Party. Just say the word, and I will be there.
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
REVIEW - LUCKY PETERSON - NEW CD - 'DOUBLE DEALIN'
Issued March 13th 2001: Available in your record store NOW!
CD Number 314 549 475-2 : BLUE THUMB RECORDS - www.bluethumb.com
The Band Lucky Peterson: Vocals, Hammond B3 Organ,Lead Guitar
Johnny Lee Schell: Rhythm Guitar
Jon Cleary: Keyboards
Reggie McBride: Bass Guitar
Tony Braunagel: Drums
Tamara Peterson: Background Vocals
and the Texacali Horns
Darrell Leonard: Trumpet,Trombone
Joe Sublett: Tenor Sax
Producer: John Porter
Texas based Blues Maestro Lucky Peterson blasts his way into 2001 with his new CD 'Double Dealin'. Is there any other Bluesman that can claim to be a master at the B3 Hammond Organ (lessons from Bill Doggett and the Legendary Jimmy Smith as a child, started him on the way). As well as a superb Lead Guitarist (his unique style can only have been picked up rubbin' shoulders with the best and a lot of hard graft) I would put him in the same category as Luther Allison, Buddy Guy, Albert Collins and Albert King. And such amazing Vocals with such power and conviction. With such a superb band and material on this CD and his three wonderful talents, in my opinion, here we have the Artist who is destined to be the leader and inspiration for Blues in the 21st Century. This elevates him from being the 'Young Blues Giant', to be firmly established as a 'Legend of the Blues'.
Yes, I am that impressed.
Here is a critique of this CD, track by track.
(1) DOUBLE DEALIN (Jimmy McCracklin)
Straight in with searing guitar solo's and such a powerful vocal, this title track gives an introduction to what we in for, Blues Power unleashed!
(2) IT AIN'T SAFE (S Carter, G Jackson)
Find out what 'Ethel' (Tamara, Lucky's wife) was told on this one. Lucky, man! you are a real wicked dude! A real gas!
(3) WHEN MY BLOOD RUNS COLD
(Lucky, his father James and Road Manager, Steven G Washington)
This one starts off at a little bit slower pace, the Hammond is a bit more evident behind the Guitar work on this one. Good Keyboard intermingled here. Builds nicely with the Texacali Horns. Recognise the influence of The late, great Luther Allison in one particular guitar solo from Lucky. Done well!
(4) SMOOTH SAILING (Marty Grebb)
Another funky blues, ably led by Lucky, assisted by good keyboard from Jon and a driving bass from Reggie. All aboard for a smooth ride.
(5) DON'T TRY TO EXPLAIN
(K Moore (that's Keb Mo to the uninitiated))
Beautiful intro by Lucky on Hammond and Jon on Keyboard, a softer vocal on this slower number. Builds to stunning guitar work and vocals. Nice! Nice!
(6) MERCENARY BABY (Jon Cleary)
A good jazzy blues written by Jon the keyboard player. The whole band take this one along, liked Tamara's backing vocal, blends very well with Lucky.
(7) AIN'T DOIN' TOO BAD (Deadric, Malone)
The band drive this one along very well, fun lyric from Lucky, terrific tenor sax solo from Joe on this one, followed by searing lead guitar from Lucky. Ain't Doin' Too Bad? they done good!
(8) WHERE CAN A MAN GO (Banks, A Jones)
Slowing down the pace, givin' the lyrics more feeling. Good arrangement of the Hammond, Keyboard and Horns intermingling. I'd get the hell out of there anyway guy!
(9) 3 HANDED WOMAN (Andre Williams)
Bringing up the speed to a rockin' good pace, they all blast away, Lucky's fine vocal delivery on the top. Guess I've met that bitch somewhere too!
(10) DOIN' BAD, FEELIN' GOOD (Jon Cleary)
Another good number penned by Jon the keyboard player. Real Funky undertones on this one, makin' me feel so good!
(11) 4 LITTLE BOYS (Lucky and his Father James)
Poignant tale, told by a raconteur supreme, Lucky, That's what the Blues is all about man! I'm diggin' it!
(12) REMEMBER THE DAY (Lucky and Road Manager Steve)
I'm groovin' to this one, drivin' rhythm section. Lovin' this one. That the last track? Hot Diggerty! All good things come to an end!
More! More! Encore!Who is taking nominations for the 'Handy' and 'Grammy' Awards etc.? Make a big note of this one! Lucky and the Guys deserve credit for this CD. Good luck on your tour of the USA and Europe. Hope to see you soon, live!
A 'Delta Dawn' Review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.
Review - CD. Live Style! - Family Style.
Promo Copy BFPR01 - Blue Flame Records
- http://www.blueflamerecords.com
FAMILY STYLE
The Band
Marco Limido - Guitar / Franco Limido - Vocal and Harmonica
Davide Bianchi - Bass / Pablo Leoni - Drums and Cajon
The blues band Family Style hailing from Arluno a small town near Milano, Italy are making a name for themselves on the World Blues Scene via the Internet. After sending in their CD to Russell at Adrenaline Radio in LA, California, USA. http://adrenalineradio.com they received considerable air play on Russell's Saturday morning Blues Show giving them considerable exposure and aclaim on the Blues Scene Stateside.
Marco and Franco Limido are Brothers steeped in the blues tradition not unlike the Famous Vaughan Brothers - Jimmie and Stevie Ray. Is this why the band are called 'Family Style' ? I more than wonder. With Cousin Davide on Bass and family friend Pablo on Drums a very apropriate name indeed. A solid combination, a real solid sound.
The CD starts off well enough, straight away you know it is live. BACK IN THE CHICKEN SHACK (J Smith)
and ROLLIN' OVER NEW ORLEANS (F and M Limido) put you in the mood for a good bluesy listen.
Then track 3, LIVIN'. LOVIN'. DRINKIN'. (F and M Limido) hits you ! Marco's guitar solo's and riffs cut like a knife and Franco's 'Harp' soars way above. With Davide on bass and Pablo on drums this foursome really blend so well. The lyrics fit my lifestyle so well guys !
PUB CRAWL (F and M LIMIDO) well, I will join you boys anytime !
Followed by EVERY TIME YOU SMILE (F and M Limido) kept a satisfied expression on my face.
Then PRISONER OF THE BLUES (B Branch) blew me sideways, this is the best track in my opinion. It will stand up against any other artists work, the feeling you get from the Limido Brothers Guitar and Vocal/Harp playing send shivers up your spine.
MELLOW DOWN EASY (W Dixon) I have many versions of this one. Hard to follow some of the the Legends versions but a fresh arrangement makes this evergreen sound like new.
FAMILY STYLE (M Limido) the title track, another blues to keep the mood going.
CALEDONIA (Louis Jordan) Another Classic originally by another Blues Legend, hard to follow the original yet again. Good arrangement by the band, extremely fast lyrics by Franco. The Guys had me jumpin' for more.
Some extra tracks on this Promo CD
BIG BOSS MAN (Smith-Dixon) F Limido with G Schinina
BLUES JAM M Limido and Honey Davis
LITTLE BLUEBIRD (Porter and Hayes) Honey Davis Trio with Special Guest M Limido
Spotlight Franco and Marco as artists that can fit into any outfit anytime, anywhere.
This CD - Live Style - is a must for any discerning blues collector, Blues - Italian Style - Family Style.
The original 'DELTA DAWN' review
Spalding, Lincolnshire, England.