CD Reviews -- Cathi 5-13-07
Foley, Sue, Deborah Coleman & Roxanne Potvin – “Time Bomb” (Ruf) BThree blues-rock ladies that can really play guitar. Cut one IDs their chop-credentials to good effect, and the rest of the CD is divided up to feature each star and a closing tune together. Sue Foley sticks to her blues rock focus with less effect I think than the others. Deborah Coleman’s cuts are always rhythmic with a funky tinge, and newcomer Roxanne Potkin easily has the most supple voice which she puts to great use here on # 5 – a smoother approach than the rest of the tunes. Nice comparison study of three lady blues warriors, though the whole things doesn’t really stick together that well as a CD
Hole, Dave – “Rough Diamond” (Blind Pig) B+
If you like your rock kinda bluesy, Dave’s your guy. He makes no apology about a straight-ahead rockin’ approach to blues. Lots of sustain, slide guitar up the wazoo, and stomp it up for a good time stuff. You gotta love it. Definitely chop-ridden, this disc features some George Thorogood-type dance material (“White Trash Girl”) and an interesting version of the standard “Since I Met You Baby” – with a rock tinge. Nice party music in the blues line.
Holmstrom, Rick – “Late in the Night” (M.C. Records) B
I never know what to expect from Holms. He’s quirky. While a SPECTACULAR blue-swing guitarist, he has come out with such an odd assortment of styles on his solo discs, it puzzles me. This one is no different, except on this he features fledgling singing efforts (only 4 instrumentals). Not a bad voice really…one maturity will deepen. He keeps the music down to a trio to give plenty of room to every player – to good effect, but I think the all original format (and his quirky taste in same) takes away from the disc’s potential. Maybe it’s me. See what you think.
Kane, Candye – “Guitar’d & Feathered” (Ruf) A-
Raucous blues-rock shouter, Candye Kane delivers on this disc—bristling with killer musicians: Jr. Wells, Dave Alvin, Sue Foley, Kid Ramos, Ana Popovic, Bob Brozeman, Bill Stuve, Popa Chubby…with Bob Margolin producing. Wow. A dearth of her usually FCC banned material (heh), and everything from acoustic blues to no-holds barred rock. Best I’ve heard from her. She’s got the punch to deliver in all these formats. It’s kind of a relief to hear her lose her ex-stripper/naughty-girl approach.
Loomis, Hamilton – “Ain’t Just Temporary” (Blind Pig) B+
Loomis has one of the most interesting voices I’ve heard in awhile…many vocals (and some of his originals) are heavily reminiscent of Stevie Wonder—great beats and infused with funk and rhythm. He also is a killer rockish-blues guitar player. It’s a more even mix on this disc than his last one..and this one features Bo Diddley, who is now a Loomis fan. Loomis pulls out all the stops when he does a solo – watch for tube screamers, wah-wah pedals and triplets that sting. It’s fun though – a little Winter-Wonder treatment with Loomis on top.
Mannish Boys – “Big Plans” (Delta Groove) A-
Bring the money and they will come. So it is with the So. Calif. blues stalwarts as they arrive in droves to Delta Groove records. Some great blues musicians are getting air out there, and the Mannish Boys is a group put together of regular posse members. This time award winning Richard Innes (drums) drives the talents of Finis Tasby and Johnny Dyer on vocals—two old timers with the gritty blues sound; Kid Ramos and Kirk Fletcher on guitars (both independently acknowledged blues stars; Paris Slim (Goldwasser)—a new electric blues player from Europe; with guests out of blues Who’s Who: Jody Williams, Bobby Jones, Rick Holmstrom, Mitch Kashmar, Larry Taylor, Jeff Turmes, etc.
I think I’d run out of superlatives if I tried. So I’ll just say try everything!
posted by Cathi N @ 12:27:00 PM
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