One of the Upper Midwest=s favorite blues artists, Corey Stevens, is back, and back in a big way with his all new Fuel 2000 release of "Bring On The Blues".
The year was 1994, when this unheard of artist hit the blues charts and the Midwest music scene with an amazing impact on the strong release of his first CD, "Blue Drops Of Rain".
Since that release, he has built a career on giving top level live shows, while delivering memorable CD releases.
"Bring On The Blues" is his first new release since 1999. It's been way too long for this most talented man.
His new label is Fuel 2000, and it appears they are a much welcomed addition to the blues music field. In addition to this release, they have just come out with the superb Canned Heat release of "Friends In A Can" (Fuel 2000 #302 061 306 2). Two top notch back to back releases.
This time around on "Bring Back The Blues", Stevens shows his more rootsier side. While there is plenty of Stevens=s bourbon drenched vocals and firey guitar work to go around, this effort is more stripped back and shows the man in his purest form.
Going back to what worked the first time around, he used old band mates Will McGregor-bass and Dave Salinas-drums on his new release. In addition, one unbelievable cut brings him together with Canned Heat along with Hammond B-3 wiz, Mike Finnigan.
The CD opens with "Open Road Blues", an up tempo blues shuffle that establishes Stevens outstanding vocal style and subtly adds in his expert guitar work.
Next up is "Hang On", a slower blues grooved based song that shows off the "New Stevens" in excellent form.
For those fans that want the full blues rock approach, Stevens hasn't forgotten you with the inclusion of the amped up "Triple Jack (Pissed)". It's classic Stevens, killer vocals, and in your face guitar chaps, that will leave the listener asking for more.
It's refreshing to hear Stevens put away the strat and strip down to the rootsiest song release he has ever done, with "My Love For You Has Died". It's right out of the Delta and shows a side of Stevens we've never seen or heard before. A welcome addition to his blues personality.
Unquestionably, the stoutest cut on this CD is Stevens's collaboration with Fuel 2000 label mates, Canned Heat. It's the last of the eleven strong cuts on this CD, "Getaway".
The instrumentation that Canned Heat adds to Corey's vocals and guitar, along with the stout B-3 work of Finnigan, makes for a memorable outing. It has the chance to put Stevens back on the charts, its that strong.
Entertainment Weekly recently stated about Stevens, "He's a performer that burns like barbecue over a bed of Kingsford". While that is true, he is also a blues artist with soul, style, and a healthy respect for what is the blues. Welcome back Corey!!
Your purchase through this Amazon.com link helps to support this website.
Simply click on the cover at left or the Amazon buy button (if there is one) to order this CD NOW!
"This review is copyright © 2003 by Tom Tourville, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission."
Copyright reuse notice: If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright notice, contained within the quotation marks, PLUS this statement: "Used with permission." Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website page address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
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 Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $50.
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.