Cathi's CD Reviews 9-20-09
Cowsill, Barry – “US 1” (Artist Airply Advisors-Indie) CFormer child star (10 years old when formed duo with brother to sing Everly Bros tunes, then incorporated 6 other family members to form the “Cowsills”—the original inspiration for the TV show “The Partridge Family”), Cowsill experience teenybop fame in the last ‘60s. The whole family had moderate fame and then disbanded (musically) in the early ‘70s. Individual members had desultory careers elsewhere and Barry kept his solo thing going. But for the next decade or so not much happened. He was working on a new sound (still trying to shed his teenybop past) with a new ”Power-pop” sound when Katrina hit New Orleans. His siblings got out – he didn’t. His body was recovered several months later. Died at age 51. This disc is a posthumous release. This is a sad story, but I still can’t rate the music here very well. It’s definitely pop and not recommended pop.
Dakota, John – “It’s the Journey Not the Goal” (Lagunitas music)
Guitarist/Harp player with a shakey, often off-key vocal skill, playing acoustic guitar and painful harp. Original tunes and I tip the hat for effort, but eek…not recommended! (I think he’s a Shagg’s cousin, only he’s taking himself seriously.)
Hart, Nicole – “Treasure” (Blues Leaf Records) B
Sultry vocals and she puts some nice double backup vocals behind her lead voice. Her band is okay. The overall sound is kind of a lounge-y ballad and blues. Voice is the attraction here – well, blond and built doesn’t hurt either I guess – heh. She’s got a real clear and supple (alto) pop-blues voice. Overall the music doesn’t really stand out to me though.
Hunt, Kelley – “Mercy” (88 Records) B
A piano playin’ shouter, Hunt made her bones as a big time blues vocalist on the blues circuit…along the lines of Bonnie Bramlett. She appears to best advantage with Aretha-like vocal chops administered in the soul/gospel tunes (#3, #8), when she’s really wailin’. Interesting combination of styles – along the mainstream line with touches of soul and blues. Nice pipes, mixed review on her songwriting.
Knowles, Davy & Back Door Slam – “Comin’ Up For Air” (Blix St. Rec.) A-
Mega talented lead singer and guitar player for Back Door Slam moves to the forefront of the Slam and puts his name ahead of the band’s in this disc that sports tunes written by Knowles, often with guests like Peter Frampton (who produced this album) and Gary Nicholson. This kid is only 23 but has a streetwise sound, GREAT guitar, singing and songwriting chops. Look out. His innate sense of to put these things together, added to the old timers’ prowess in how to put together a great record really serve him well. This album just rocks and stands out in a bunch of different ways. Definitely more rock than blues, it still comfortably adds blues touches. Knowles’ abilities knock me out as did the first Back Door Slam CDs…he’s a talent to reckon with. (Opened on tour as an acoustic solo act for Jeff Beck.) Not good for morning mixes. A great rock effort.
May, Imelda – “Love Tattoo” (Verve) B+
Dublin gal with a nightclub, Billie Holliday-ish style that she can morph into a Beatles-y pop delivery. But everything is overlaid with rockabilly touches…and then back to lounge-y. Hard to classify. Really nice vocals and minimal (but stellar and adept) backup music. I vote yes.
Pickens, Slim & Doctor Baz – “Next Time” (Black Albert Rec) B+
Two half-centurian Australian cowboys playing accordion and steel guitar, with double vocals put together a garden of Texas-swing , and Cajun-influenced Americana music (who knew?). The vocals are mellow, songwriting full of humorous philosophy, country twists, even a little trombone, and an intersesting eclectic collection that’s good for all mixes.
Pittman, Shawn – “Meridian” (Indie) B-
No information on record and insert has only “thanks for listening” with artist’s address. The man is clearly a guitarist who likes the blues. He gives us some interesting blues beats and not-bad vocals but the production and mix are pretty uneven. Sounds like a great weekend garage-blues band. Serviceable but not a stand out. He’s lucky if the lyrics of his second tune (“don’t need fortune and fame”) are true. Record blues-playable, but no key to the city.
Texas Sheiks – “Geoff Muldaur &the TS” (Traditional & Modern GmbH) A
This disc is a labor of love by a gathering of old partners on the jug band and Texas landscape. Veteran performers Geoff Muldaur, Suzy Thompson, Cindy Cashdollar, Stephen Bruton, Johnny Nicholas and Bruce Hughes gathered to do some favorite Americana music. Geoff’s old partner Jim Kweskin couldn’t resist and stopped in to add his talents to this amazing collection of music. Sadly, Stephen Bruton died from Cancer (after an amazing career of playing guitar behind just about everyone in the top echelons of music –Bonnie Raitt, Delbert McClinton, Dylan, etc.). The disc is dedicated to him. Steller at jug music Geoff does this genre proud. Good for all mixes.
posted by Cathi N @ 1:16:00 PM
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