Canadian blues artists don't have quite the same history to draw upon as their counterpoints in the USA. Some, of course, do their homework, basing their music on the timeless appeal of the blues tradition and staying relatively close to the tried and true. Others are more concerned with looking forward, using the form primarily as the basis for their own explorations.
The Rockin' Highliners, who started life as a jump blues band, seem to have been drifting further away from that foudation with each successive release; on Sputnik Café, the band's third outing and first for the New England-based Severn Records, they've left what many would consider 'real' blues far behind.
That's not to detract in any way from the quality of the music on Sputnik Café; it simply means listeners won't find a same-old-same-old collection of tired grooves or a collection of solos built around a few verses and a chorus or two. The Highliners opt instead for a tighter, more controlled sound built upon a dense, moody foundation.
The Highliners are led by founding member Robert Tycholis, who I believe writes most of the band's material (advance copies don't include liner notes or credits, nor do either Severn's or the band's websites) as well as handling vocals and contributing thick-toned harp. He's ably abetted by guitarists Clayton Sample and Greg "Junior" Demchuck, drummer Ken McMahon, and bassist Chris Brzezicki; all acquit themselves admirably, again without the usual number of solos endemic to most blues recordings.
But what about the music? Well, most cuts here are medium tempo. There's a bit of harp here and there for texture; and we've already mentioned the relative scarcity of solos. There are only a couple of tunes even close to conventional twelve-bar structure, though neither is lyrically what one would expect.
Other than that, though, it's hard to get a handle on the band's sound. They themselves make no claim to be a 'blues band.' Although there's no shortage of intellect in evidence, and there's nothing tentative about the project, perhaps this is best regarded as a transitory album, one that finds the Rockin' Highliners on the verge of breaking through into something entirely different and altogether new. If nothing else it's a courageous outing, as a search for a new sound presumes a search for new audience as well.
Worth a listen, but try before you buy.
Severn Records
P.O. Box 1450 o Millersville, MD 21108
Toll-Free Information and Order Hotline 877-923-2275
Main Office 410-923-0593
(Fax) 410-923-3353
Web: www.severnrecords.com
Web: www.rockinhighliners.com
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!
Copyright and reuse notice:
This review is copyright © 2003 by John Taylor, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without permission. If you would like to reprint or use this review please include the above copyright information which includes a link to Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com. Then send an email to Ray at: mnblues@aol.com indicating how you are using the review or the website address it will be appearing on. Thanks!
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.