I could almost feel the sultry air of the South dampen me with heat waves produced from years ago as I aesthetically took a jump back in time, listening to The Soul Deacons. Immediately, my heartbeat slowed in pace as I relaxed, indulging in their smooth, traditional music. These blues men are seasoned with artistic talent and ingenuity, and know how to nostalgically bring the past into the future with style.
Skillfully played 50's style Rock & Roll, R&B, Jazz, Swing, and old time soulful blues masterfully blend together like brilliant colors upon a white canvas. Their saxophone decadently soothes you with lush, resonant notes; their harmonica wails hypnotically with joy and misery; the guitars tell a story, sometimes sad, sometimes joyful, sometimes so full of pain; the drums pound like the beating heart of a blues man; and Brother E's vocals are deep as the South, rich and so full of soul.
The Soul Deacon's vintage style mesmerized my ears for hours. Now, my copy of their CD "Uptown" skips from my playing it so much. They are a New Mexico-based band. Among the members are Brother E. Clayton who plays lead vocals, rhythm guitar, and harmonica, Jimmy Martinez on bass, Steve O'Neill on keyboards, Fred Spencer on lead guitar, and Graham Binette on drums. (Information found at
http://www.gottheblues.com/archive_reviews/souldeacons.phtml) I thought that
their faces distinctively defined the great passion they have for their art
as they belt out blues notes or play their instruments; their photographs
are exhibited at http://www.souldeacons.com.
"Uptown" is a showcase of cover tunes never performed before as The Soul Deacons have done. In a world that's spinning fast into the future, it's nice to hear these adept artists bring back the simple times in life. As I shut my eyes and listened, they made me feel as if I was sipping on chicory coffee at Café Du Monde in New Orleans, listening to the traditional blues men on the street who share their art amongst those who will listen.
If you want to take a trip back in time to visit something nostalgic, you must get a copy of The Soul Deacon's CD, "Uptown." You can purchase your copy at http://www.souldeacons.com/html/music.html.
Your purchase through this Amazon.com link helps to support this website.
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 Mia Jennings, 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.