"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
If you are old enough to recognize this venerable musician's name, you lived through the British Blues Boom of the late 60s. If you missed it, experience it for the first time on this new one hour recording and see why the British Invasion still has essence today. Jim McCarty was an original member of the Yardbirds and co-wrote their now classic songs. Upon listening to this 12 track CD, you will understand how the blues deeply influenced the British Invasion which led to the evolution of heavy rock in the form of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath and others. As an example, check out the Howlin' Wolf groove "Black Hearted Woman". The four original songs on this Abbey Road Studios recorded disc don't quite mesh with the older material. There is a noticeable difference due primarily to the fact that the songs are from very different eras musically.
The title track is rockin' blues at its best featuring that classic 60s British Blues sound. "Walkin' Through The Back Streets" is a mid-tempo paced number with a guitar solo that bleeds all over you. Vocal harmonies reminiscent of Wishbone Ash abound on "Heavy Weather". Here, the bass/drums of Rod Demick and McCarty have deep pockets for the arm-twisting lead guitar of Ray Majors and John Idan. They are free to saunter knowing the rhythm is tight and locked. "Hearts Not In It" has a relaxed reggae beat giving the song the feel of the Caribbean. The band recreates the classic Warren Zevon hit, "Lawyers, Guns & Money". The presence of acoustic guitar mellows the song a tad but it still remains a great tune. As a reflex reaction, you will find yourself adjusting the volume up during this one. If you were raised on rock, "I Go Crazy" will just simply feel good.
The listed credits are very weak. Three of the band members handle vocals but the credits don't indicate who sings which tracks. Similarly, there are two guitarists but you have to recognize their styles in order to know which one is playing. Other then the four McCarty originals, no song credits are given. The final tune contains a hidden live track that features a Yardbirds greatest hits medley. Since there is no mention of the song, there is no mention of when it was recorded and who performed on it. All numbers feature plenty of hooks that will captivate an audience with a heavy, power chording rhythm. Four white guys from the heyday of the British Invasion isn't exactly what comes to mind when you think of blues. The music here is neither traditional or contemporary. It is roots rock based deep in the blues and it is simply brilliant for anyone who enjoys kickin' music. Hail, hail British Blues. May it continue to have a long and prosperous reign.
For more information contact: Big Daddy Music Distribution, Kenilworth, NJ USA Phone: (908) 653-9110
Email: rufpublicist@aol.com
Artist website: www.theyardbirds.com
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