Although not exactly hot off the presses, this CD still smokes with as much energy as when it was released in 1996. The bugs Beddow Band and their trombone-driven party blues are one of the most popular acts throughout metro Detroit. The band primarily plays covers on this 10 track, 40 minute disc. Many of Detroit's finest musicians backed bugs on this effort. Without a doubt, Robert Noll (a veteran of Albert Collin's Icebreakers) is the most impressive.
Bandleader Beddow is known as the T-Rex of the T-Bone as in a Holton TR158 trombone. In addition, he plays flute, whammy trumpet and handles lead vocals. The party begins with "She Caught The Katy". This song has become the band's anthem and this version features the amazing slide guitar of Noll. They deliver it powerfully with sensational interplay between the slide guitar, sax and trombone. The double brass (sax/trombone) attack of Marty Montgomery and Beddow breathe new life into "Leave Your Hat On". Throughout the CD, they both feature heavily with their respective instruments. In fact you will wonder where they get the air to keep blowing! "Hey Bartender" is the ultimate party tune performed here with plenty of yakety-yak sax. Al Ayoub takes over lead guitar on "Don't Bug Me" and his lead break crosses the border into heavy rock. The tune has a driving groove but it loses all sense of the band's usual R&B/funk. bugs' trumpet sounds sensual on James Taylor's "Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight" where he gets a chance to hit as many notes with his powerful voice. There is a big band feel on the final number thanks to all the brass. Here, bugs features sensationally on trumpet.
All in all the self-produced disc is laced with intensity. Beddow titled the CD, 3D Blues as a sign for another way of hearing things. His wish was to awaken the 3D Blues of one's inner sight. Give it a listen and you will see that he achieved his goal.
For CDs, booking and info contact: bugs Beddow Band, PO Box 240411, Orchard Lake, MI 48324-0411 (248) 546-BUGS Website: www.bugsbeddow.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Tim Holek, 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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