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Sunday, August 30

Cathi's CD Reviews 8-30-09

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Castro, Tommy – “Hard Believer” (Alligator) B+

Blues Rocker Tommy Castro has been after it for years – a hard workin’ road man and prolific guitarist. This is another good album of blues rock with some real gems…some not so much. He seems to be writing more about the hard knocks that road and relationships have dealt him – esp. the ones he got from learning about himself the hard way. A mature look through songwriting at the tough way to go. But the music is great and he boosts the blues with rock when it needs it. A decent disc. Not much for morning mix. Dedicates the album to Stephen Bruton – a good pal.

Ford, Robben- “Soul on Ten” (Concord Music Group) B+

Guitar ace Ford is always in the interesting zone, and I agree with his philosophy that his shows pack a powerful punch (that’s why he likes to record live). He plays long riffs and solos over his always-in-the-pocket band, yet sometimes it gets a little fusion-y for me. Once again this is definitely a guitar slinger’s disc his sustain is now accented with lots of wah wah pedal), but when he tackles the blues head on, it’s dazzling (Spoonful/Set a date). But overall the song choices seem odd…for some that might just be “original.” Playing great.

Langdon, David – “This Time” (Whip Records) A-

After producing records for untold musicians at his studio and playing with his own band in California, Langdon started producing his own records. This is not his first, though the first I’ve heard. He is a really tasty guitarist, a good singer, and has the taste rarely seen in putting his band together Lots of backup vocals are a rarity and he’s got not only that, but masterful players backing him up. These guys are old enough to know better, but they can’t help themselves, and I’m glad. They do a little arranging of originals (a la Robben Ford) that might not appeal to the traditional blues lovers, but wow…they’re good, and oh my…that guitar sense…and completely smooth at the styles! (Slow ones are beautiful but kind of long.)

Riley, Dave & Bob Corritore – “Lucky to be Livin” (Blue Witch Rec) A-

Mississippi-bred guitarist Riley started out in Gospel and hit Chicago where he played awhile before stepping away from music. After a stint in the service he teamed up with harper Bob Corritore – best known as manager/owner of the Rhythm Room in Phoenix, AZ (a real stop on the blues road these days). Corritore, also a popular SWestern DJ, produced several albums (Henry Gray, Chief Schabuttie Gilliame, Janiva Magness, etc.), guesting on many of them. Recently he’s stepping more into the playing limelight, winning kudos for the excellent disc featuring Chris James and Patrick Rynn (who step in to support a few of these tunes). Here he does an acoustic based duo..paying tribute to Sam Carr, Frank Frost and other heroes. This is one of the last discs on which Henry Gray plays piano. Nice porch blues feel.

Twisters – “Come Out Swingin’” (Northern Blues ) A

This is the Canadian artists second disc since a band mate’s death kept them off the road for about 10 years. The first one was an amazing blues record. Just about the time you think they’ve moved entirely into a swing thing, they pop up with rockabilly, reggae and even a gospel tune. I love these guys. They really are good at everything they seem to do. I vote yes. Try some out!

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Sunday, August 9

Cathi's CD Reviews 8-9-09

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Bullington, Ben – “White Sulphur Springs” (King Easy) B

A doctor in Montana, Bullington just couldn’t keep his mind on medicine I guess. Wrote some thoughtful tunes with enough furniture in ‘em to catch the ear of Rich Warren (Chicago meister of “Midnight Special”), Rodney Crowell, and JD Souther. He’s a storyteller with a lonesome feel, yet they seem a lot alike. Nice verbiage but only a small cigar.

California Honeydrops – “Soul Tub” (TubTone Records) A+

A minimalist group using home-made gut-bucket, washtub bass and a jug player for rhythm. Traces of New Orleans Louis Armstrong, meshed with old roots American music brings a very bluesy soulful feel to the tunes…especially since much of the sound consists of the honey-drippin’ vocals of the four ladies, their guitar, various drums, a piano and eclectically original songs. Leaning heavily on very expressive vocals (always a good thing) this is a cool disc…original approach--a real happy surprise!

Dirty Mac Blue Band – “Victory Bar” (Independent) C-

Gritty, hard-edged vocalist who confuses screamata with feel.grunge blues of the garden drinkin’ bar variety.
Not recommended.

Dwight, Shane – “Plays the Blues” (Vizz Tone) B

Rock a la Thorogood. Lotsa fuzz tone and stops in the boogie line. Blues make an occasional appearance but this is mostly a rock dance band. Some interesting guitar work and nice change ups in tempo. Rock on.

Finnigan Brothers – “Sessions 1990-92” (Nashfilms Rec)

Billed as an “outlaw” band, these three brothers are a country bar band not quite ready for prime time – or maybe past it. Not recommended.

Gray, Henry & The Cats – “Time are Getting’ Hard” (Lucky Cat Prod.) A-

Born in 1925, Henry Gray has been playing piano since age 12. Moving from his home town – New Orleans – to Chicago after serving in WWII, where he hooked up with Big Bill Maceo and became a fixture at Chess Records—eventually working with Howlin Wolf until 1968. Back in Louisiana in 68, he’s been working with his own band and became a late-life road blues phenomenon…playing often with Bob Corritore’s line-up at the Rhythm Room in Arizona. (This harp player is mixed a little loud.) On this disc you can hear the years in his voice, his gnarled fingers still pound out the blues and he still has that feelin’…provin’ that age doesn’t take away that feel. Simple but true. He does some old favorite chestnuts 12 of 15 are originals) and throws in a little current affairs in the mix (Obama Boogie and Katrina-Katrina). He can still keep that left hand rockin! Once in the pocket boys…always visiting.

Gumbo – “Never Tell Me To Quit” (Wild Rose Artists) B

An acoustic trio who have been playing on and off together in the Northwest for about 40 years, they are masters of their instruments, to which they add humorous songwriting. Vocals so-so. A light-hearted, string and piano-worthy collection of tunes with some clarinet and horn spice when tasty. Afternoon happy music.

Inner City Blues Band – “City Limits” (Blue Gill Records) B

Big horn blues band in the Bobby Blue Bland tradition…female shouter out front. Stylin’ themselves as “contemporary blues” they’ve got a big instrumentation approach. I’m generally a fan of a more spare presentation, but they let some of their instrumentalists get out and stretch from time to time (sometimes a little TOO much in the guitar-gym line – ahem #4), to make it a little more accessible. I still vote it’s a little too produced and arranged. Best in their toolbox—nice rhythms.

Izzy & Chris – “Preachin’ the Blues, V1” (80/20 Music Entertainment) B

A couple of Pittsburg youngsters who got the call – one from a Robert Johnson record and another (after already mastering piano) for harp. They found each other while earning solo honors at a festival in 2006 – and have been taking names since. The spare delivery, good timing, and sense of TASTE (who knew?!?) are apparent in the opening track. Izzy’s (Stetar) guitar is as spare as it needs to be. Izzy’s vocals are young, the genre old, and the harp playing especially adept…a pleasure to hear as Chris (Nacy) paints behind but never stops on vocals. Nacy is adept at various styles, but clearly his first love is blues. A duo is a tough trick…there’s no cover and no survivors if you don’t know what you’re doing. These two are getting there. All originals by Izzy but # 9).

Jano, Big Al – “Some of my Best Friends Have the Blues” ( Hottrax Records) C-

An anthology of a bass players past 20 years and the people he played with. None are names familiar to me and I can see why they probably have the blues – not recommended.

McClain, Mighty Sam – “Betcha Didn’t Know (Mighty Music/City Hall) B+

Another old-timer comin’ back around for a last dance, Sam McClain is a soul-blues singer who rose up from gospel beginnings to sing in front of a variety of musicians, patterning himself after his hero – Bobby Blue Bland. After a long, but not too visible career, he bailed for a couple of decades and was brought back into the limelight first by the Neville Brothers and then Hubert Sumlin took him under his wing in the late ‘80’s. Then Audioquest got interested, he put out his first solo album at age 50, and since has been proclaimed a real blues treasure. Still going strong and never adverse to trying new things, this disc has him throwin’ down the funk and more than holdin’ the lead spot before a rockin band, an army of horn players and a complete country of backup singers (“the funky divas of gospel)—even a rapper—look out. Soul-funk-blues with a little bit of cheesy James Brown and shades of the Nevilles—can’t be bad. Vocals are still workin’ for the man.

Miles, Linda – “Home Cookin’ (Duffy/Kallok) B

Southwestern blues singer with in the pocket band (Kirk Fletcher and Todd Robinson on guitars). With modest acclaim in Blues Revue as a new belter on the scene, Miles uses this CD to get a better foothold. She can Hollar – like Koko…which is always a “find” in the blues. Heavy-duty hitters backin’ her play here are lethal weaponry. Hope she explores more mid-ground between whispering and shouting-- hope we hear more of this lady.

Morganfield, Big Bill – “Born Lover” (VizzTone) B+

Muddy’s kid working with some good musicians (Steve Guyger on harp & Bob Margolin on guitar). Though Bill doesn’t have Mud’s vocal ability, he does have that blues grit that puts it over and with Margolin producing and playin’ that tasty guitar, the blues are well served. Guyger’s feel for harp is nearly unmatched these days so that really kicks things up a notch. Bill’s got big shoes to fill, but he has been coming along well in the last decade. I think he’s making his own mark.

Mosser, Jonell – “Trust Yourself” (Better Angels) B

Jonell – long time back-up singer for just about everyone in Nashville, has been a hidden treasure too long in my opinion. She can belt ‘em and has done for many years—mostly behind Gary Nicholson with his band in a troupe of knock-out backup singers. I’ve been waiting a long time for her to come into her own as a solo star, and on this record, a bundle of great players jumped up to help her do so. She easily soars above such full-throat singers as Bekka Bramlett, who jumps in to back here on several songs. Song choice has been her nemesis in the past..trying to mix light rock with big chick backups. This selection is in the same neighborhood, and though laced both with fantastic support players (Jimmy Hall, Jerry Douglas, Kevin McKendree, John Hall, Stuart Duncan, etc. ) and supple vocals in both lead and backup spots, I think the songs just don’t do her justice. Still this is a nice sampling of fine vocalizing – especially shining on the slower, more emotive ones (9, 11). And who can complain about those vocal backups – yeow.

Muldaur, Jenni – “Dearest Darlin’” (Dandelion Music) B+

Daughter of Maria Geoff Muldaur, Jenni has been making her way around the block, backup singing for all the high-rollers you can name, from Eric Clapton, Teddy Thompson on down, record company producer, etc, and now puts out her own disc with assists from a bundle of artists. This is one of the last things Sean Costello (guitarist for Susan Tedeschi—then breakout blues guitarist before a sudden drug death at 28) did—he plays lead guitar here. Teddy Thompson and Catherine Russell both sing on this disc as well. Jenni ‘s voice is much like Maria’s, which is probably something that makes her wince, but it’s a good thing! She also has an eclectic taste in song selections—favors that late ’50’s and early ‘60’s stuff, doing everything from Big Maybelle to Charlie Rich to 1937 field call field recording (!). Vocally she has that smooth quality, can push vocals (#2) in a rock-powerhouse style (#10) but most of the songs have a mid-tempo, pop-rock feel with lush group-backups (and dig that crazy Farfeesa organ). Still she piles on interesting stuff – like James Brown’s (#8). I’d love to hear her do a whole disc of soul tunes. Sean Costello’s wacky guitar riffs really make me realize what we lost when he died. Interesting disc…Nancy Sinatra move over.

Page, Barrelhouse Bob – “Smokin’ 88’s” (Hottrax Rec) B

Piano man for a variety of popular front-men, Page gathers a crowd of adept back-up guys who have been around the block to put out a disc of his favorite tunes. Lots of horn backup and really great playing. Vocals are so-so, but it’s clear he plays all the styles well, and the musicians know what they are doing—perfectly serviceable, but nothing really knocks the listener over. This disc cries for a standout vocalist.

Pearson, Big Pete – “Finger in Your Eye” (VizzTone) B

Old time powerhouse singer Pete Pearson gets backed by some of the hottest talents on the scene today. Bob Corritore produces and plays harp; Bob Margolin, Eddie Taylor Jr. and Billy Flynn trade off on guitar chores and the up and coming award winners, Chris James & Patrick Rynn, …as well as older-timers, Pinetop Perkins, Duke Robillard, Henry Gray etc. So they have a blues-good time though Pearson’s age shows a bit in his vocals and the music has a “jam” feel to it.

Popovic, Ana – “Blind for Love” (Electro Groove)

Serbian guitarist and rocker with Blues leanings Popovic is working hard on the road to become a reigning rock rumble doll – a guitar man-handler at the same time. Her stuff is rock heavy. (She includes a babe-in-leather poster in her CD insert.) Got some great South-Western studio gals and veteran studio guys backin her play here. Just as I was ready to dismiss her as a gravel-rippin’ rocker, she threw in a couple of nice mellow ones – note #5 – demonstrating she can actually do smooth and melodic. Could be our next Aero-vic.


Shea, Rick – “Shelter Valley Blues” (Tres Pescadores Records) B

A stone Merle Haggard fan, Shea strives to write and perform tunes that come from that country core. Deep voice, but no Merle, he nevertheless has a straight-ahead country sensibility and is joined by an interesting bunch of support players – Moira Smiley (!) on an Irish ballad (#4), David Hidalgo (#7). He’s worked with Dave Alvin and I think both Merle and Dave left their marks on the guy.

Soars, JP – “Back of My Mind” (Soars High Productions) C

Guitarist…vocals mixed in the background. Serviceable blues – nothing extraordinary I’m afraid.
Not recommended. Kudos for the JB Lenoir “#10.

Spikedrivers – “Gather Round” ( Independent) B+

County rock with heavy Grateful Dead/Band influences. Fiddle and guitar working with a wordsmith and a rock band backup. Interesting songs with humorous lyrics and nice instrumental backgrounds, graced with just enough female vocals over expressive male leads. Nice record…not usually my cuppa, but clearly good musicians and songwriting.

Thunderado – “Thunderado” (Manville Records) A-

A duo that put out killer vocal harmonies, and driven hard by guest drummer Kenny Aronoff. This is Crosby-Stills- Nash-Webb Pierce and Link Wray driven at break-neck speed toward the broke-down palace by an amped up Kenny. Variety slam. Guitarist is obviously adept, throwing in some amazing licks while the bass player does his best to fend off the relentless Aronoff’s drum savvy. Then just for kicks they throw in a strange breathy ballad (See yoU now) …Interesting…weird. I’m so confused. I gotta give this one big marks for sheer audacity, careening guitar and amazing vocal doubles.

Tsak, AZ Kenny & 56 Deluxe – “Like I Do” (56 Deluxe Prodctns) C

Blues rock attempt by what is probably an okay road band. Nothing stands out as that memorable. Not Recommended.

Various – “It Ain’t Over” (Delmark)

A live performance at Buddy Guy’s blues club in Chicago, featuring a variety of Delmark blues artists – to celebrate 55 years of blues by the Delmark label. Most of the old-timers strut their stuff, including the last-recorded tune of Little Arthur Duncan—and some of Delmark’s rising stars (Lurrie Bell) too. And all backed with an army of heavy Chicago back-up heavy hitters (Harlan Terson on bass, Kenny Smith on drums, Bob Stroger on bass, etc.etc.).
Jimmy Johnson (80 years old!) kicks butt (#2 & 3) reminding us what blues “feel” is all about. This is a great album with the blues leakin’ out of every pore. What a lineup. Lurrie Bell and Eddie Shaw knock off socks, and everybody’s on their game. Chicago blues –yes. It ain’t over yet, but it’s getting elderly…we gotta keep those hot young blues stars comin’.

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