CD Review
Harpdog Brown and The Bloodhounds
Once In a Howlin' Moon
(VR01)
by Terry Marshall
Review date: July 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Live recordings are particularly interesting because of the spontaneous nature of both the performers reaction to the crowd and the audience reaction as the performance is taking place. This "live" collection from Alberta Canada's Harpdog Brown and the Bloodhounds was recorded October the 13th (a Friday by the way) to a very appreciative group at the Vat Pub. This CD Features Will MacCalder on piano and vocals, Charlie Sures on guitar, Gary Latimer on bass, Grant Stoval on drums and "The Dog" on harp and lead vocals. Running through a song list that includes selections from harp players like Big Walter Horton, Little Walter Jacobs, James Cotton and Jimmy Reed as well as even a T-Bone Walker tune. the ensemble playing is tight and understated. Will's piano solo on Flip Flop Bop becomes Charlie's guitar solo in a transition that moves back to Will's boogie woogie finish. The "Dog" demonstrates throughout these thirteen songs (notice a theme here?) his command of harp phrasing, tonal expression and the solos and improvisations are well suited to this selection of material. Charlie's guitar solo on the T-Bone cut (Evenin;) is notable for its chorded not single string treatment. All members demonstrate an obvious talent for their instrument, but don't get in each other's way or try to overplay the mood or feeling of the song. The crowd response indicates an appreciation for the performances of the individual playing and the group as a whole. In a couple of email exchanges "da Dog" indicated he gets to the states on occasion. I hope to see him in the near future, but until then this disc does a good job of capturing an evening with him and the 'hounds. Contact The Vat Pub online or Harpdog at www.harpdogbrown.com, for ordering this terrific harp lovers disc!
Recorded "Live" at the Vat Pub, Red Deer, Alberta Canada
Order: www.harpdogbrown.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Terry Marshall, 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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