CD Review
Nathan Maxwell
Undone
(Hoodoo Music HM00002)
by Tom Hamilton
Review date: July 2005
|
|
"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
| |
Fledgling New York label Hoodoo Music sets it's sight to record and develop "artists inspired by the roots of American music" and with the release of Washington born Nathan Maxwell's debut EP Undone, they could not have made a better start. Recording down in Nashville with legendary producer Bob Johnston (Cash, Dylan ) at the helm and an array of top session musicians including Motown studio ace Bob Babbitt on bass. The collaboration between the different generations and styles gives a blistering live feel to the 4 original tracks on Undone.
From the opening chords and vocal phrasing on the first track, Brooklyn Bound, it is clear to hear the Stones blues influence,throughout Undone, but that's no bad thing . It's a blues tinged rocker with some great guitar riffs that Keith would be proud of . This is a glorious start to the EP with some great harmonica from Nathan included. Things slow down to smouldering pace on What It Means (To Be In Love You), a soulful blues song, with great laid-back guitar and an E-Street sounding saxophone blending together for that late night feel for lying in your lovers arms. We head down to the local honky tonk for Ain't No Turning Backs, Just Mine for a bit of fun with a different take on lost love . Great pedal steel and bar-room piano along with some quirky lyrics, "You took everything, even the running car" lightens the mood on Undone. Change in vocal styling slightly to a sort of Pettyesque drawl with the final track, Here I Go, on a great roots rocker as it progresses to a jam session finale, though I feel it finishes slightly too early.
Label founder Anja Wodsak says that Undone is a "suggestive start". This EP, more, than suggests a genuine talent and given the right airplay and opportunities could do great things. This is a fantastic bebut from a mature songwriter. Add this to your collection and stack along side your Stones, Ryan Adams or John Hiatt, leaving a space for his full album. It's as good as any debut I've heard recenlty. It may only be 14 minutes but it's pure pleasure all the way!!
www.hoodoomusic.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 © 2005 by Tom Hamilton , 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 © 2005 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.
|
|