CD Review
The Joe Richardson Express
Wayyyy Beyond the Blues
(Viewpoint Records VP0008)
by Bobby Manriquez
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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The Joe Richardson Express is Joe, bassist Kevin Phelan, and drummer Mike Taylor. It is a trio, and it works. Produced by Joe Richardson and Christy Popp in a tasteful, "simple is good / old school fashion," it delivers a lot of soul and feel in 11 tracks that hold together well. All were created by Joe; he got some collaboration on "Dead Man's Money" from Mike and Lori Taylor. In the midst of writing a review (which may suggest critique), the fellas keep groove an obstacle between me and criticism. I can't rave, but he has a cool voice. I don't hear fancy guitar playin', but I don't want for nuthin'. The man plays with taste and tone; the band is there in classic form, and for 53 min./ 53 sec., it works.
I hear spiritual music from the top, with "Medicine Man." It drives......and with "Come Home Baby," cut # 2, the spirits relax into a rich brew of potent smokehouse charm. These men have soul. Their skills are not those that raise the hairs on the back of my neck; they are the kind that have me soothingly bringing my eyelids to lazily close, in welcome want of what may come next. I have been won over in a lane where my personal tastes don't usually drive, because The Joe Richardson Express knows how to drive real well. They hug the road. Especially alien to my usual tastes, "Showed My Soul To You" also showed me a nice guitar touch, a real talent. Better yet, it shows me that my tastes were only that; they were what I thought they were. Now I know a little better. I'm glad this band is on the move. The Joe Richardson Express has ridden into friendly territory, and my ridin' lane's enriched. Look into a good thing for yourself at www.joerichardsonexpress.com
BOBBY MANRIQUEZ: http://www.b-side-blues.com/
This review is copyright © 2001 by Bobby Manriquez, 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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