Often forgotten but nevertheless appreciated is the blues-rock music one can find down in southeastern Oklahoma and more particularly in Hartshorne, McAlester and Krebs. This is where Blak Cat Bone roosts and plays their rock-infested blues in the areas woodsheds, juke joints, taverns and honky-tonks. This is rural Oklahoma, folks. The closest major town is some 45 minutes to the north.
Kicking off the CD is guitarist Aaron Lalli's "Can't Take No More Blues," which is an acoustic guitar number featuring twin guitars dueling for the spotlight (one slide) and complimenting each other quite well. The Lalli penned "For Me" has a 1980s feel to it along with some fine guitar phrasing, tone and credible vocals.
"Mama Dee's Blues (Smokin' A-Flat)" is the first of two originals from bass guitarist/singer/songwriter/producer/engineer R. "Rockin' Roscoe" Chronister. The lads love of the Allman Brothers is revealed on this burner, which also contains a nice solo from Lalli. And closing down the session and asking an age-old question is the ballad "How Do I Make You Love Me?"
What makes "Red Dirt Turf" work is way above average production, songwriting and musicianship, which are only three of many assets needed to succeed in the tough and crowded music industry.
Rockin' Roscoe Productions, 1224 Ute Avenue, Hartshorne, Okla. 74547
(918) 297-3438
This review is copyright © 2000 by Matt Alcott, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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