A slow, uncompromising Blues like "Running Along" is equally complimented and balanced out by an upbeat Chuck Berry type rock 'n' roller like "I Wouldn't Lay My Guitar Down" on. It's classic Chuck-type guitar lines are played with all the pompous spirit that made real good down-home Mississippi Rock 'n' Roll tunes the highlight of fun party times in the first place. This is true Jam-boree music at it's best. If this one doesn't get you up dancing, then you ain't alive brother! Following this is some medium tempo classic Blues styling on "Find Yourself", featuring the very fine harp playing of harp legend Carey Bell. His catcall harp wailin' is complimented by Eddy's equally heartfelt wailin' guitar and vocals laments. Carey's superb harp mastery although well-established and highly documented by others in the past, obviously comes from the same well of blues harp immortality as does Toronto harp ace, David Rotundo's (just back from a two week/12 gig tour of the Russian Federation ).

The lyrics "I got dem Reservation Blues" is found on the title track's slow, drawn out "Reservation Blues". Other lyrics like "Plantation Reservation" - "'cause if you're raised on either one, you know you've really paid your dues" spell out the very deep, insightful message on this classic tune. "Walls of Hate" provides insight into the need for brotherly love; the message being carried along by an infectious rhythm and easy-to-take vocals by Eddy. Slow, lamenting "Running Along", speaks volumes musically and emotionally about the ruts of downs we find ourselves in sometimes, along life's bluesy highway. Eddy's guitar leads on this one seem to cry out all the misery that's befallen the world since the first Blues appeared. The superb backup instrumental chorus' answer to Eddy's guitar laments seems to echo the truth of this soulful misery. There's always a change on the blues horizon in all of us, as ably depicted in the upbeat, spirited instrumental shuffle, "Blues Cruise". Eddy's emotional, hopeful and optimistic leads on this flavorful winner, illustrate the blues release into happier times again. The whole band joins in to aid the cause with energetic instrumentals, featuring the scorching sax solo virtuosity of Dennis Taylor.

"Easy Is My Style" is an easy-on-the-ears slow blues creation. Eddy's melodic and meaningful guitar leads on this one expresses his creative soul admirably. This incredibly well put together CD ends with Chuck Berry's immortal classic, "Sweet Little Rock and Roller". This extremely upbeat and uplifting final track on Reservation Blues says it all about the true spirit of Rock 'n' Roll, and the incomparably bluesy, rockin' 'n' rollin' spirit of Eddy and the rest of his extremely talented band. Better put your reservations in early for a copy of this excellent CD, so you won't have the Blues later, if you can't get a copy.

(Used with permission of "to-nite magazine," Toronto, Canada)

Simply click on the CD cover at left to order this CD NOW!

This review is copyright © 2002 by Joe Curtis, 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.

You can help support this blues website by making a contribution (click on the banner below for details)

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