Having endured several sub-par indie releases in succession recently, I approached Delta Moon's self-titled debut fully expecting to relegate it to the 'interesting but unremarkable' pile. Which would, I'm more than happy to say, have been wrong. Very wrong. This is indeed a remarkable disc, the kind that makes one wish for more hours in the day simply to enjoy it again (and again, and again . . . ).
Delta Moon began life as a trio - Gina Leigh on vocals and percussion, Tom Gray on lap guitar, keys, and vocals, and Mark Johnson on bottleneck. They've since gained a regular rhythm section to help propel things along, in the process adding a welcome punch to proceedings. But it's unquestionably the atmospheric sound achieved by the core threesome that makes this project such a success.
First, the guitars. Weaving in and out, they're alternately shimmering with sun-drenched sunshine and brooding with moonlit menace. And the material's intelligently arranged to take full advantage of the textures each contributes, from the thick, dirty tones of Mr. Johnson's slide to the chiming acoustic contributions of Mr. Gray. Vocally, both Ms. Leigh and Mr. Gray are top-notch, she sultry (there are hints of Dusty Springfield in places), he gravely gravelly, both singing with unforced ease yet oozing with passion, trading leads and employing their voices to accent and compliment each other to great effect.
Material includes a half-dozen covers from the likes of Son House, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Tommy Johnson; Willie Dixon's "Wang Dang Doodle" is given a swampy treatment while Dave Evans' "Play Me A Song Little Blind Boy" features an almost delicate reading to close the disc. Mr. Gray adds five originals, all very much in a similar vein; those unfamiliar with the older songs are unlikely to notice that Tom's are from an entirely different era.
Performances are uniformly excellent, but again it's the carefully constructed and intricately layered arrangements that raise this disc above the pack. Together Delta Moon manage to update traditional delta blues while respecting its origins and the pioneers who forged the sound (I doubt there's anything here that wouldn't delight the composers), while adding to the menu with their own compositions. Some listeners might find some of the arrangements more satisfying than others (to me the driving beat of Tommy Johnson's "Big Road Blues" seems a little forced), but I'd mark that down to personal tastes, not aesthetic deficiencies.
All in all an excellent disc, unique yet in a classic vein. Recommended without reservation!
Delta Moon Records, PO 5352, Atlanta, Ga 31107 USA
Web: www.deltamoon.com
You can now order other CDs, books, and videos from Blues On Stage in association with Amazon.com. Simply click on the logo at the left and shop! They have some of the best prices on the web and even offer some used product at lower prices.
This review is copyright © 2002 by John Taylor, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, 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.
Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $50.
You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details).
Or mail a donation to: Ray Stiles % Blues On Stage, PO Box 582983, Mpls, MN 55458. Thanks!
Web Hosting & Design:
Web Hosting & Design.
Most affordable web hosting and design services available.
Find out how you can host your current site at Blues On Stage, or how I can help you design your own website!
If you would like your CD reviewed, please send TWO (2) copies, along with promotional material to:
Blues On Stage
PO Box 582983
Minneapolis, MN 55458-2983
E-mail Ray Stiles @ mnblues@aol.com with any questions.
We build websites