Proof that production looms large in determining a disc's success is amply evident here. Denver-based Easy Bill & The Big Beat recruited the services of rising star Nick Moss to produce their debut recording. And while they're not a particularly remarkable band, the vintage sound Moss gets here gives this project the extra punch that lifts it out of the 'same-old-same-old' ghetto where so many indie recordings rightfully belong.
That's not to say there's anything wrong with either the performances or the material on Midnight Creep. Easy Bill Towber's relaxed vocals and fleet fretwork are pleasant if unspectacular, and the rhythm section (bassist RD Jones, drummer Kyle Roberts) have a fine sense of swing at any tempo. Mark Richardson's piano sparkles in all the right places, and Ken Plum's saxophone work (often multi-tracked for a 'horn section' sound) alternates between melodically inventive lines and the requisite honk of classic R&B. And to their credit, the playlist is roughly half original, with the covers generally well chosen to avoid the obvious.
But the opener, Jimmy McCracklin's "Gonna Tell Your Mother," while likeable, adds nothing to a tune that's been done many a time. And while Towber's originals might feature new lyrics, they're invariably served over borrowed riffs, so even 'new' songs are familiar. And Towber simply doesn't have the vocal power to pull off the two slow twelve-bar grinders, his own "Live To Love" and the spare, otherwise-haunting "Awful Thoughts" penned by Moss (who contributes some fine harmonica to the track).
Yet for all that the disc remains an enjoyable listening experience. Tempos are nicely varied, with most of the songs skirting that line where Chicago meets west-coast, with the dark menace of the former and the easy-going swing of the latter present in equal measure. The sound, again, is vintage, with lots of reverb and just a touch of distortion. And there's a singular unpretentiousness about the project, with relaxed good cheer the order of the day.
There are a lot of discs on the market these days, and only so many hours in a day. If the territory hadn't been mined so thoroughly by now, Midnight Creep might well qualify as an essential acquisition. As it is, it would make a nice addition to any collection. But it doesn't quite merit a frenzied search . . .
Web: www.bigbeatmusic.com
Buy this CD NOW:
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.
"This review is copyright © 2004 by John R. Taylor, 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.
We build websites