CD Reviews -- 9-01-07
Hill, ZZ – “Goin’ to Mississippi” (Delta Roots) BAn R & B approach to the blues with a gritty vocalist and a not-too-bad band. Produced by Chicago stalwart drummer Twist Turner, the group puts over some bar blues, topped by some savvy saxophone solos, but I can’t say the material moved me that much. All songs are Turner originals and most of the slow ones bring out the best in the band. Regular Chicago fare.
Insomniacs – “Left Coast Blues” (Delta Groove) B+
Another new group for Delta Groove that springs from a blues sound, but is more pop, swing, rockabilly and a touch blues. Instrumentation is good. Lead singer has a lot of phrasing and smooth know-how, but sounds more pop-ish than blues. Very expressive though. Great guitar player. Nice musical change ups and the two live bonus tracks prove they are well received.
JD & the Straight Shot – “This Kind of Life” (Straight Shot) C
Pop. Not recommended for blues shows.
Mitchhart, Stacy – “Gotta Get The Feeling Back” (Dr. Sam Rec.) B
Tolerable “white-soundin’” blues from Ohio. Likes to play resonator guitar which he does pretty well. Does do some “lifting” of songs (#2 is a S-Wonder sound-alike; #3, Led Zep). A real keeper with his resonator instrumental in # 4 though. Not striking overall.
Piazza, Rod/Flyers – “ThrillVille” (Delta Groove) B
Rod and Honey Pizza, backed by Henry Caravajal on guitar and Dave Kida on drums, put out another tight set a-la the Flyers M.O., but it doesn’t really stand out as special this time somehow. I confess I hate Rod’s distorto harmonica tone, but thank God it’s not drowning things out on most of the numbers. See what you think. His cover of Jr. Well’s “Hoodoo Man” and “It Can’t Be True” are highlights.
Variety – “Summertime Blues” (Ruf) B+
A collection of uptempo blues tunes—some rockabilly. Nice flat out rocker by Candye Kane and Popa Chubby, an unusual mellow Luther Allison tune (soul even), and Eric Bibb’s smooth delivery are special treats here. Not too many morning mixworthy.
posted by Cathi N @ 11:03:00 AM
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