DJ Rice’s music runs the gamut of styles. This 15 cut all original CD contains something for everyone blues, r&b, country western and ballads and even a funkadelic type blues rock. Some of the songs on this CD were from Rice’s previous CD "Paying Dues’ but don’t let that stop you from getting this outstanding CD. The title is rather interesting. Is it a hangover from the previous album or from being a blues man out all night? No matter. If you like a variety of blues styles then this CD is for you.
"Because of You" is a blues ballad. Rice’s playing tugs at your heartstrings while his vocals rip your soul. It’s a message song as is every cut on this wonderful collection. It’s easy to listen to. "Magic Hands" has a blues feel in the BB King/Muddy Waters style. The old-fashioned drag type. One special note this song definitely destroys the myth the blues must be sad. It’s a story of a man destined to play blues. Rich guitar with juke joint feel and appeal. "Black, Blue and Country Too" is a wonderful mix of blues and the twang of country western music. It’s a throwback to those early blues songs with just the artist and his ever-present guitar.
Nothing on this CD is reminiscent of the belief blues must be about someone losing. Every song brings a flavor rich in tradition yet new in feel. "Ghetto Light" has an up tempo rock-like rhythm. The horns give it a dance flavor with 70’s hot dance beat. Toes tap and heads bob along with fingers snapping. "Hey Mister Man" is a cute song with a distinct message to stay away from my gal. It’s slow with a shuffle along energy. The lyrics are to the point. "With a face like yours, you can easily stop a clock." It’s cute but one definitely cannot misunderstand the meaning, "Hey mister man, get away from my gal."
Now if you want something of the flamenco/Spanish guitar style, listen to "Meditation." Has an acoustic big body flavor. It’s a peaceful cut (2min and 31 seconds). Not long enough for me but great nonetheless. Now one song in the BB King style is "Depressin’ Blues." It reminds you of the "Thrill is Gone" with an up-tempo beat. Quick and clean. Rice tells of how love is affecting him. The rough vocals of Rice make this song. "I cried and I cried because I’m losing you." It wrenches your gut. It twists your heart and yet you feel he’ll keep his love.
One song that really got me was "Payin’ Dues." It is a reminder not only to aspiring blues musicians but all that to get up on the stage you must pay your dues. "If you want to play the blues. You’ve got to pay your dues." It’s a slow but not drag type of song where Rice gives his guitar a quiet workout. Rice plays with a fever. A controlled fire but fire. He makes his guitar cry.
"Mammas Blues" is a jump blues. Rice is having trouble with his woman. It rocks. Rice and his band of merry musicians groove. It’s all about the music not showmanship in today’s terms. It seems for Rice it’s not about the amount of notes he can fit in but the right notes. His solos are showy but stay within the melody he’s created. Check out this CD with your favorite person and be taken on a journey. As you listen the fire in you rises.
Rice is a musician to be reckoned with. Fire and passion show in his music. It’s obvious he has a very varied background. He incorporates all into his music and it plays well. Truly hard to classify. Take a style stroll with "Payin Dues II ‘The Hangover" and let your ears tell you who he is. To Mr. Rice I say I’m looking forward to the next album and thanks for this one.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Lujira Cooper, 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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