General Description of Music: Blues
Particular type within general description: Blues rock
This CD will be appreciated by audience members who like original material
done in a rocking blues mode, and who enjoy the emphasis put on lyrics and
melody rather than individual instruments.
The material is a good mix of non-standard covers and originals.
I felt that the musicianship was very good throughout, with a good blend of
instrumentation, with nothing "over the top", and good work on the mix.
The vocals are excellent both on the covers and on the originals.
The original material shows good song writing skill
I particularly liked the way the CD moves right along. I found it very
listenable, good transitions from song to song, so that it flows
well, and nicely blended together. Definitely got my toe tapping.
The cover art on the CD is kind of homey looking which I liked. It is a
watercolour rendition of the band in front of a bus on some small town street.
Blues Parlour is the brainchild of lead singer/guitarist/harp player Mike
Battram and guitarist Hugh Hardy. John Shand sings, plays Sax, Bass and
guitar, and Ian Black plays drums.
Formed in 1996 in the City of Barrie, Ontario, (Canada) the band has worked
in bars and local music festivals since it began. The band has a full
repertoire of cover material by artists such as Eric Clapton, ZZTop, Ray
Charles, Stevie Ray Vaughan and Wilson Pickett, but after 4 years of
playing covers, the band decided it was time to start adding in some
originals. They found they got good reception to this new material and
when they were ready to record this CD, they decided to include 7 of their
own songs.
The new CD has received very positive feedback, as well as Canada-wide
airplay on Canadian Broadcasting Corp's morning show "This Morning".
Order information on CD: http://www.realtyguy.com/bluesparlour or call:
1-800-383-3980 or 705-733-0981
This review is copyright © 2001 by Louise Peacock, 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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