The Blues Band has been a driving force in the music scene of the United Kingdom for the past twenty years! To celebrate their years together, The Blues Band created an album filled with sweet shuffles, some solid swing and hot rockin' rhythm and blues--complete with a wonderfully talented big band, appropriately named, "The Onslaught Orchestra."
This album, entitled "Brassed Up," kicks into gear with a swingin', "Swing Out Dave" by Tom McGuinness. The horns take off with great excitement and sound like they've been playing together for years! Peter King not only shines on his sax solo, but also can be credited for creating some dynamite arrangements for the alto sax and brass. Big Joe Williams' "Baby Please Don't Go" will knock your socks off, with a fun, brassy bold arrangement! At times the horns ladder their sounds, creating a mix reminiscent of the late Bill Chase arrangements.
Okay, back to the core Blues Band musicians Paul Jones, Tom McGuinness, Dave Kelly, Rob Townsend and Gary Fletcher...Paul Jones formed The Blues Band in 1979. Jones played in the early sixties with the late Rolling Stone Brian Jones, and had a successful run with Manfred Mann. He plays a wicked harp, especially on "Got To Be The Blues" and "Stubborn Kind of Fellow." Jones' vocals are solid and smooth, and could compete with the most famous "crooners" of our time. Dave Kelly's vocals, guitar and slide guitar all cry out BLUES! His vocals are low down and sultry. Kelly and McGuinness' "Losing You Put The Blues In Me" is a strong, yet sweet melancholy tune.
The Blues Band plays a wide mix of tunes on this album--from exciting "brassed up" arrangements to a quiet, powerful rendition of Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready." This band has been popular throughout the United Kingdom and Europe. Their twentieth anniversary album, "Brassed Up" is indeed a celebration! Paul Jones' "It's Got To Be The Blues" echoes their passion for playin' and love for the blues. "Brassed Up" is a wonderful way to celebrate...Pick up the CD and join the party!
Web site: www.thebluesband.co.uk
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14 Glamorgan Rd. Hampton Wick Surrey KT1 4HP U.K.
This review is copyright © 1999 by Lisa Gault, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
