The smiling face looking out from Dieter Kropp's fourth full-length project is pleasant and friendly. And while there's an old axiom that says one can't judge content by the cover, in this case it's a pretty accurate reflection of what's inside; pleasant, breezy, swinging blues, perfect for parties (or barbeques) and dancing.
True, missing is some of the intensity, the harrowing and gut-wrenching honesty that gives the blues its emotional impact. So Kropp's music may not sink quite as deep, nor leave as lasting an impression, as some artists. But there's more than enough room within the blue idiom for music that's of the moment, with fun it's only reason.
Kropp, who handles harmonica and vocals, leads a tight and accomplished four-piece band (guitar, upright bass, and drums) through a generous eighteen-track program with eight originals and some well-chosen covers. They're augmented by a fine horn section who give the music lots of punch.
Influences range from New Orleans (Dave Bartholemew's "Go On Fool") to the swamps (Slim Harpo's "Got Love If You Want It"). Kropp's own compositions range from the fiercely swinging "Barbeque Boogie" that kicks things off, to grinding shuffles ("Real Fine Love"). "Tired Of Being Alone" is just a little too close to "I'm Just Your Fool" for comfort, but the easy-going country lope of "My Little Girl" is irresistible, and "Kropp's Hop" gives Dieter a chance to stretch out, proving himself a fine harmonicist who understands the value of understatement and values the harp's melodic properties. Both the bouncy "Where Were You, Baby" and "Sittin' & Cryin'" show he's capable of distilling his influences into a thoroughly unique sound. And his take on "Don't Be Cruel" shows he's both innovative and unafraid to tackle songs that are part of the collective consciousness - though he's unlikely to make anyone forget Mr. Presley.
Kropp's an adequate vocalist, although his phrasing is just a little awkward at times; chalk that up to that fact that he and the band are from Germany. And while there are occasional minor imperfections, one has to listen quite closely to catch 'em; the impression is of a one-take session, without the overproduced sheen that results from too much attention to sonic detail and not enough to the feel of the music itself.
And that, in a nutshell, is what makes this disc so appealing. It's amply apparent that care and craft went into its making, but it's equally obvious that everyone involved had a ball while making it. As a means of expression, blues encompasses the entire emotional spectrum. It's delightful to hear a disc as firmly rooted in fun as this.
Recommended!
Web: www.dieterkropp.com
E-Mail: mail@dieterkropp.com
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