CD Review
Blue Messengers
Blues To Gray
(Baol Music BM 2002 c.2000)
by Craig Ruskey
Review date: September 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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With the CD becoming much like a business card, there's a constant flow of product now available by bands from every corner of the world. The Rome-based Blue Messengers have a strong tie here in the US, with frontman Shawn Logan having resided in Chicago, playing blues and soul music. Logan's smoky, mature voice is peppered by Lello Panico's guitar, and Enrico Solazzo's distinct keyboard work. Pushing the grooves along are the bass of Joseph Lepore and the steady drumming of Luca Trolli. While more of a blues-rock blend than some might prefer, they manage fine moments on the opener, Chester Burnett's "Color And Kind," and the original, "All The Way," shuffling at a fast clip. Panico's guitar is strong and hearty on "No Other Man," as Logan's vocals go from straight-ahead singing to histrionics. The title cut is a slow, soulish burner with relaxed guitar licks while Logan shows an incredible range, and on Robert Johnson's "Crossroads," the band takes the Cream version as their starting point. "In Love Again" is another tight original with an interesting arrangement full of organ swells and gritty guitar, and the choppy, "I Want You" features fine lyrics, and over-the-top guitar. Jimmy Reed's "Bright Lights Big City" closes the 45 minutes, leaving the listener wanting perhaps a bit more. The Blue Messengers are good outfit, and with Shawn Logan's muscular voice out front, the future could be great for these guys. More information is available at www.geocities.com/bluemessengers and email is bluemessengers@tiscalinet.it - they have a few CD's available, and "Blues To Gray" is garnering some fine reviews for the band.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Craig Ruskey, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.
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