CD Review
Charles & Ed
"Play the Blues"
(Independent Production)
by TR Marshall
Review date: December 1999
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1999 KBA Award Winner
Achievement for Blues on the Internet
Presented by the Blues Foundation
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Of all the things about the Blues that attracted me many years ago was the unlimited variations, styles and endless interpretations of the music. The acoustic duo, Charles Lawson & Ed Petsche, "play the Blues" of Jimmy Rogers, Sonny Boy Williamson, Little Walter, Charlie Musselwhite, Lightning Hopkins, Jimmy Reed, Freddie King, Mance Lipscomb, Hound Dog Taylor as well as their own material on this fourteen song disc. All tracks were recorded live in the studio with no overdubs at Steve Rippe’s Back Door Studios in Minneapolis. In this day of sampling, layered, often overproduced studio efforts, the musicianship of Charles and Ed is obvious as they move through each song with subtlety and an understated interpretation of the original. As guitarists they demonstrate an easy and uncomplicated approach to the material, however vocally I was left with the impression that it was less comfortable territory than the fretboard and the vocals were necessary because of the material they chose to cover, (I would have enjoyed the disc just as much as an acoustic duo tribute without any vocals.) I liked this disc and enjoy it more each time I listen to it. Nuances in their playing appear I had not heard before, and its laid back feel grows more comfortable with each listening. It’s easy to put this collection of tunes into the CD player and have these guys keep you company while you’re occupied with other things. Watch for Charles and Ed in the Twin Cities as they regularly play at the Viking Bar (every Thursday 7-9 PM). If they venture out don’t miss an opportunity to catch a couple of accomplished guitarists do the blues acoustically...and well!
You can get the CD at the Electric Fetus, 2010 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN (or)
Call Charlie at: 651-644-7176 and leave a message.
This review is copyright © 1999 by TR Marshall, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
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