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Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne
88th & Jump Street
(Electro-Fi Records, 2002 E-fi 3371)
by Tim Holek
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This year's Ottawa Bluesfest surprise smash was Vancouver-based pianist Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne. His traditional blues and boogie-woogie come heavily influenced via Kansas City and New Orleans. Wayne has one of those 1950s rock and roll voices which rumbles as much as the way he plays his 88s. Oddly, this 46 minute, self-produced ostentatious disc does not feature extended solos from any of its musicians.
"My Nadine" is rolling and boogie-ing. Jeff Healey plays like a bona fide blues guitar master while shuffle queen Maureen Brown scuffles the drum skins. "Whiskey Heaven" has a divine rhythm and sinfully tempting lyrics. Kenny is accompanied by Mississippi and Chicago blues masters on 3 numbers. Mel Brown's jazzy guitar, Bob Stroger's omnipresent bass, Willie Smith's thumping drums and David Hoerl's echoing harp provide potent support while Kenny burns the ebonies and ivories to a blue flame. The CD's back cover refers to him as "the new king of 21st century boogie woogie piano". Each of the disc's 12 flamboyant tracks (11 are originals) validates that statement.
For CDs, booking and information, write to: Electro-Fi Records, PO Box 191, LaSalle Station, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 Tel (416) 251-3036. E-mail: info@electrofi.com Website: www.electrofi.com Artist website: www.kennybluesboss.com
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Fathead
First Class Riff-Raff
(Electro-Fi Records, 2002 E-fi 3374)
by Tim Holek
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The Osbournes come to mind when you mention the title of this CD. Soul, R&B, and funk come to mind when you listen to it. This group have always been about the music as a whole. However, two of Fathead's more distinguished sounds come from Al Lerman's notorious harp and John Mays' enchanting vocals. Lerman is an accomplished harmonica and sax player. This can be heard in his effective fills and beefy solos. He can also write animated songs. More than half of the 12 original tracks on this 52 minute disc where penned by him. The five piece ensemble recruited Michael Fonfara and Denis Keldie to add piano and Hammond B3. Any CD that Fonfara performs on is assured to be great. For proof just listen to "Hard Times". Although steeped in roots, this is not your typical blues album. It does not come with 12 bars or silly lyrics or mega-guitar jams. However it does have ultra-catchy tunes, great vocals, brilliant production and the joyful experience of a well rounded band.
For CDs, booking and information, write to: Electro-Fi Records, PO Box 191, LaSalle Station, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 Tel (416) 251-3036. E-mail: info@electrofi.com Website: www.electrofi.com Artist website: www.wezel.com/fathead
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Curley Bridges
Mr. Rock 'n' Soul
(Electro-Fi Records, 2001 E-fi 3369)
by Tim Holek
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Curley Bridges' second Electro-Fi release is a return to the glory years of early rock and roll and R&B. Producer, Andrew Galloway, does a fantastic job giving the disc a sound and feel from the 50s. It's a sound similar to what made Sam Phillips a household name. Only one original exists amongst 12 tracks which last 50 minutes. The covers are all choice cuts from the likes of Willie Dixon and Fats Domino. Born just outside Raleigh, North Carolina in 1934, Curley's career has spanned the blues, R&B and the dawning of rock 'n' roll.
This CD will not have to wait 20 years to be considered a classic. It achieved that status on the very day it was released. The powerhouse of Bridges shows him to be a titan while his backing musicians including Bucky Berger (drums), Victor Bateman (acoustic bass) and Chris' eldest son Dan Whiteley (guitar) expose their expertise. Throughout Bridges' stompin' piano work is matched by Chris' triple threat. In fact, this disc might do as much for Chris Whiteley's career as Curley's. Somehow the brilliance of Bridges has long been overlooked. Thanks to this baffling release, he will forever be known as Mr. Rock 'n' Soul.
For CDs, booking and information, write to: Electro-Fi Records, PO Box 191, LaSalle Station, Niagara Falls, NY 14304 Tel (416) 251-3036. E-mail: electrofi@hotmail.com Website: www.electrofi.com
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Sam Cockrell
Colorblind
(Boom Boom Records, 2001 BB 279)
by Tim Holek
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Bass playing singer/songwriter Sam Cockrell has been writing, performing and recording original music since the age of nine. Cockrell is part of the new Chicago bluesbloods such as Big James Montgomery who are determined to add diversity to blues music. Unlike the debut disc, this time special guests such as Chico Banks are used only as required. This allows for Sam's hot, regular backing band, the Groove, to avoid allusion and rock like a storm tossed ship. In fact, they play so tight you can't blow this Groove apart. Throughout, Chris Forte (guitar), Rob Davis (drums) and John Kattke (keys) prove they are a distinct and proficient group.
For an independent release, the packaging is impressive. Its high standard and professionalism is an embarrassment for the large labels who have plunged into mediocrity. Don't expect songs of the 12-bar style. The music on this disc covers a lot of ground and changes patterns regularly. It is the perfect cross-pollination of blues, R&B, soul, funk, motown, pop and jazz. Experience for yourself why Sam and his Groove confidently bill themselves as Chicago's Premiere R&B and Blues Band.
For CDs, booking and information, contact: Tel (773) 543-0468. E-mail: srl5758@aol.com Website: www.samcockrell.com
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Tommy Castro Band
Guilty Of Love
(33rd Street Records, 2001 3305)
by Tim Holek
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Some CDs require a few spins before you can really get into them. That is not the case with this disc. The grooves instantly get into the listener's bloodstream and memory banks. "Guilty Of Love" is Castro's first collection of all new material since 1999. It contains 11 songs which last a total of 52 minutes. Eight of the tracks were written as a collaboration between Tommy and others such as bandmembers Randy McDonald (bass) and Billy Lee Lewis (drums). Songwriting is just one of Tommy's talents. All tunes feature his signature whiskey-drenched voice and flawless guitar playing that is full of vitality. Once again Castro has created music to move to on this Jimmy Pugh produced release. His roadhouse voice is second only to Delbert McClinton while his guitar playing is assailing and his songwriting is exhilarating. Surely it won't be long before another big label offers him a contract.
For CDs, booking and information, contact: www.tommycastro.com
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Various Artists
Live At The Yale
(Independent, 2001)
by Tim Holek
For 10 years, Storman Norman has been bringing the blues to Vancouver by means of his popular radio program. For nearly 20 years, the city's infamous Yale Hotel has been the home of the blues. To commemorate Sunday Blues' 10th anniversary, the two joined forces and the result was a celebration to cherish for years to come. This CD was recorded live during the festivities held June 10, 2001. For over 70 minutes, you will hear Vancouver's finest blues musicians. Most of the blues included on this 12 song disc are on the rockin' side of things resulting in a very upbeat CD.
This is one of the best 'local artists' CDs that I have ever heard. Its full of the energy that only live blues can produce. Surely, it will introduce many to the blues and they will be perplexed by the genre's powers. The event was responsible for teaming up musicians who may not have otherwise performed with each other and may not again. Overall the musicianship is impressive, the vocals range from gruff to heavenly and the songs (including 6 originals) are robustful. All proceeds from the sale of this disc go to charity. Pick up this CD and experience what the locals already know about their club and artists.
For CDs and information, contact: www.sundayblues.com. For more information on the Yale Hotel, contact: www.theyale.ca
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Jack de Keyzer
6 String Lover
(Blue Star Records, 2002 (2503)
by Tim Holek
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While still a teenager, Jack de Keyzer was playing guitar with Canadian harp legend King Biscuit Boy. In 1985, Jack formed his own group and decided to play a variety of musical styles. That variety is well represented on his fourth CD. On it, 14 all-original songs cover the gamut of roots music. The songs describe the trials and tribulations of a traveling bluesman. They reflect real-life on-the-road experiences from someone who is living the life. Upon hearing this disc, listeners will come to the conclusion that Jack is content with his gypsy lifestyle. In addition to co-producing and writing all of the CD's material, Jack handles guitar, vocals and percussion.
The songwriting and artistry are this disc's greatest strengths. Michael Fonfara (quite possibly Canada's finest keyboard player) impresses on both B3 and piano. Alec Fraser (bass), Tony Ajo (drums) and David Rotundo (harp) are all equally talented and aggressively support de Keyzer. As an entity they are comfortable and confident playing jump, soul, adult contemporary, rock and roll, funk and blues. Forty-six year old London, England, born de Keyzer has a voice as versatile as his musicianship. On this disc, he doesn't delve into anything new. However, for 60 minutes he performs a bunch of great upbeat tunes. Pleasure is definitely this man's business.
For CDs and information, contact: Jack de Keyzer, 10 Hawkstone Crescent, Whitby, ON L1N 6R5 Canada (905) 433-3778 Website: www.jackdekeyzer.com
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Anthony Paule
Hiding In Plain Sight
(Blue Dot Records, 2001 BDR CD104)
by Tim Holek
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Master guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Anthony Paule has spent the major part of his career in a supporting role. On his second Blue Dot Records release, Paule plays what he loves and resists the temptation to play commercially successful music. In a world full of hybrid blues artists, this 50 minute splendid disc comes as a welcome change. There are 10 songs in all and 8 of them are originals that were either penned by Paule or his bandmembers. Since the sound of a B3 was going to be critical, Anthony specifically requested Jim Pugh to produce.
Much of the credit for this disc goes to Anthony's wife, Christine. It was her idea to bring Marsico and Gio Rossi (drums) to the US to record the disc. In addition she co-wrote half of the music and was the motivation to convince Paule to cover "Town Without Pity". The CD's greatest strength comes from its tasteful musical mix. It's jazzy, jumpy, bluesy, breezy and snappy. Paule's sassy guitar and Marsico's groovy B3 will not go unnoticed and neither will the melodramatic instrumentals. Anthony's soft and unassuming vocals are not as strong as his songwriting and guitar playing abilities. Overall, this CD is a welcome variation from the same old blues.
For CDs, booking and information, contact: Blue Dot Records, PO Box 320386, San Francisco, CA 94132-0386 USA phone: 415.665.3091 fax: 415.665.0262. E-mail: bluedot@christinevitale.com
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Guitar Shorty
I Go Wild
(Evidence Music, 2001 ECD 26119-2)
by Tim Holek
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David Kearney has had a burning desire to play guitar since his youth. On his first CD release since 1998, Guitar Shorty is explosive and outrageous throughout an hour of 13 savage tracks. Only one song was written by him, the remainder are originals by his bandmembers and lesser known covers. Piledriving production is handled by Scott Mathews and Brian Brinkerhoff.
On his Evidence debut, Guitar Shorty masters the art of combining blues and rock into a style that sounds like blues. Far too many artists end up playing rock when they attempt to marry the 2 genres. He also proves that veteran blues artists are capable of playing contemporary blues. The dynamic diminutive singer/guitar player delivers plenty of simmering licks to give your tweeters an aerobic workout. Guitar Shorty has indeed gone wild. He gets as rampant and enraged as a patient who has gone off their medications. However, upon listening to this assaulting disc, you are left with the impression that he is just warming up.
For further information, contact: Evidence Music Inc., 1110 E. Hector Street, Suite 392, Conshohocken, PA 19428 USA Tel: (800) 474-5131 Email: evidencemusic@aol.com
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Jody Williams
Return Of A Legend
(Evidence Music, 2001 ECD 26120-2)
by Tim Holek
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Veteran blues fans will recognize his name and rejoice over the return of this unsung guitar hero. For the uninitiated, Bill Dahl's elaborate and well-researched liner notes provide a detailed history of this artist who was a staple on Chess recordings from the early 50s through the mid-60s. Now, Williams returns on his first recording since 1966. Jody's fingers are nimble throughout 13 all-original tracks. Harlan Terson (bass) and Kenny Smith (drums) join forces with contemporary guitar stars who were all influenced by Williams.
This somewhat 'retro' disc is a tribute to the rich history that brought the blues to where they are today. This does not mean that Jody is living in the past. Far from it. In fact, the younger fellas that appear on the disc play in adulation of Williams and he motivates them to set the pyrotechnics aside and play in a traditional vein. Jody Williams has prevailed through trials and tribulations to cut the comeback record of the year.
For further information, contact: Evidence Music Inc., 1110 E. Hector Street, Suite 392, Conshohocken, PA 19428 USA Tel: (610) 832-0844 Email: evidencemusic@aol.com
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