Glamour Puss have been tearin' it up on Canada's East Coast for some years now, firmly establishing a reputation as one of the area's hottest party bands. And while 'blues band' is an apt enough place to start, the truth is theirs is something of a musical stew; given their region's strong Acadian roots, it's no surprise there'd be a healthy hint of zydeco's infectious spirit, nor are they averse to a bit of pop if it's catchy enough. Hence a bit of everything on this, the band's second outing.
"Blues Du Jour" opens with a big horn hook on "But They Should," part history lesson, part good-natured lament on the blues' lack of popularity ("not everybody loves 'em but they should!"). Next is a zydeco romp on "Rockin' In The Pocket," and indeed they do. "Businessman," with rollicking piano from Roger Cormier and Duane Allman-style slide from Travis Furlong, is a bouncy shuffle; Don Rogers' sax solo is a highlight as well. "It Takes One To Know One," a moody minor key ballad, shows both taste and depth; everything works on this one, from impeccable chops to a very convincing vocal duet. (Everyone in the band sings, so one can't be sure who gets credits for it). It's an abrupt turn with "Living Large," a roadhouse rocker driven by Mr. Cormier's organ and more snarling guitar from Travis. "FishBelly" is a breezy romp, again something of a departure; give it a minute, then try to resist that beat, those hooks. "Right Sized," is pure blue-eyed soul, powered by a big fat horn sound; elsewhere there's straight swing ("Baby Gotta Rock All Night") and a nasty, Chicago-by-way-of-the-delta "Won't Look Back"; with its pounding jungle beat and slashing slide it wouldn't sound out of place on a George Thorogood disc. "Everybody Gets The Blues" is another moody, end-of-the-evening masterpiece. There's more zydeco on both "Cajun Woman" and "Mike A Joe," and the title track's an easy-going but hard swinging workout.
Covering a lot of bases on this one, Glamour Puss prove adept at all of 'em; and with the disc's seventeen tracks (only fifteen are listed - two are 'hidden,' though lyrics are listed) clocking in at just over fifty-six minutes, they keep everything tightly focused, well-paced, never wasting a note; the result is a well crafted ensemble sound, everyone contributing equally to every song's success. Sound is excellent, with all the elements a big budget buys; compare the big, boomy drum sound with the average indie recording and you'll see what I mean.
All in all "Blues Du Jour" is a top-notch fun disc, with nary a clinker in the bunch. While none of the blues are particularly deep or soul-satisfying, there's great fun in every groove. Recommended!
Glamour Puss
1261 Ryan Street, Moncton NB Canada E1G 2V5
Web: www.glamourpuss.ca
E-Mail - Bruce Morel Promotions, Inc. morelpro@fox.nstn.ca
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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.
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