CD Review
The Fremonts Featuring Mighty Joe Milsap
No More Doggin'
(No label No cat #)
by Gordon Baxter
Review date: December 2003
|
|
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
| |
Although they have only been going a few years, The Fremonts' sound
suggests a pedigree extending much longer than that. The Fremonts' new CD,
"No More Doggin'" confirms that they are more in tune with the traditional
elements of the West Coast, Texas and Chicago styles. It is something of a
refreshing change to hear a new blues band that eschews the recent trend of
pitching to the rock market.
There is a subtle understated element to the Fremonts, which permeates the
album from the opening of Taj Mahal's "Strut" right through to the ending
of the instrumental "Boom Shaka." If you are looking for big flashy guitar
solos, you will be sadly disappointed. Instead what you get is a tight
outfit playing their way through a bunch of well constructed tunes
(including six out of 11 originals), fronted by the rich baritone of Mighty
Joe Milsap. Although the arrangement of "St James Infirmary" is fairly
unnoteworthy, most of the other arrangements of the covers offer a
different take on the original. On Roscoe Gordon's "No More Doggin'," for
example, Troy Sandow plays unamplified harp, and the accompaniment is very
lean; Sandow also contributes unamplified harp on Jimmy Reed's "High and
Lonesome." The best tunes here, though are the originals, starting with
Sandow's instrumental "Brother James", ranging through the ju-ju-like
"Wooden Monkey," on to the excellent closer "Boom Shaka."
If rock/blues or blues/rock leaves you cold, and you are feeling the need
for something a bit more subtle, "No More Doggin'" could be the antidote
you have been looking for. The Fremonts have a good line in original
material, and are a tight unit, with everyone knowing their role and
playing it accordingly. The CD suggests that they put on a good live show,
but until they come around to your town, you could do a lot worse than
check out "No More Doggin'."
www.thefremonts.com
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner to order your products, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
"This review is copyright © 2003 by Gordon Baxter, 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!
Your purchase through the Amazon.com links at the end of each review, or by simply clicking on this banner (below) to order this or many other products from Amazon, helps to support this website as well as the featured blues artist.
Click on this banner to get you new low percent credit card:
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT! 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:
CLICK HERE for Web Design SPECIAL, get your own website for just $75.
The most affordable web hosting and design services available. Click Here
to 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.
|
Ray Stiles at: mnblues@aol.com
Copyright © 2003 Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
|
|