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Brian Blain
Overqualified for the Blues
(Northern Blues Music NBM0011)
Review Date: Nov 2008
by Gordon Baxter
This is one of two recent releases from Canadian based label Northern Blues Music that have focused on Canadian roots and blues artists. The catalogue numbers for Brian Blain's "Overqualified For The Blues" suggest that it has been in the pipeline for a while, and the liner notes confirm this: the first tracks were laid down just before Christmas 2002.
Blain is an astute observer of life and this is reflected in his lyrics which are shot through with a wry sense of humour. Few would be able to get away with the opener "Saab Story" which cleverly plays on the Saab/sob pun, but Blain pulls it off with consummate ease. Blain sings and plays guitar throughout, accompanied by a range of familiar names including Michael Jerome Brown, Harry Manx, Paul Reddick, and the rhythm section from Downchild. Despite the various line-up changes, the musical quality, remains unfailingly high throughout, as Blain traverses the blues and roots landscape. The album has a light, relaxed feel to it, the main exceptions being the straighter blues tracks, such as the excellent Magic Sam influenced "Terrace Inn" which has more of a rocking groove. Every one of the tracks has a tale behind it, and they are all memorable in their own way. The closing track ("The Big Fire"), in particular, occupies a soft spot in Blain's heart. Every year he enters it into the "Songs From The Heart" contest, although he is still waiting to pick up first prize!
"Overqualified for the Blues" is a real grower that amply rewards the listener with repeated plays, and every track has something to recommend it. The standard of musicianship and songwriting throughout is of the highest order. The mixture of Blues and Roots music that makes up "Overqualified For The Blues" is one that is well worth tracking down.
www.northernblues.com
www.brianblain.ca
This review is copyright (c) 2008, Gordon Baxter and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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