CD Review - Mahajebee (Self Titled)
This is a hot five-piece Blues band. They consist of Tim Ambrass on bass, Lonny Holdby on guitar and bass, Chazz Kramer on guitar and vocals, Brent McConnell on drums, and Pat Tevis on harp, keys, and vocals.
There are two statements on their website, (a great website to check out), that summarize this band pretty good. First, they describe themselves as playing, “not your mama’s blues.” Brent then explains, “It started on a whim, we just decided to pound some beers and play. Then somebody got the crazy idea to take it on the road…that’s Mahajibee.” They are serious musicians who have fun at what they are doing! It shows not only in their CD but at their live shows, also.
They have been around since 2000 and have released two live CD’s at the Hard Rock and Rosebud and more recently a sampler. I think it was wise to test the waters as they did. They were able to draw from all three. Their patience paid off for this CD. This is their first studio release and their preliminary work really paid off!!
The CD starts off with a political statement, “Who’s Standin’ Up for the Little Man?” This is a great start with top-notch lyrics and guitar work. The rhythm section not only shines here but throughout the CD. (Wouldn’t it be nice if somebody in Washington would actually pay attention?) Nine of the twelve songs are original. They stay in the Blues throughout…. even on “Funkified Blues,” where Lonny takes a turn on the bass. It is funky but still true to the twelve bar Blues form. This is the part of their live show where all the ladies get up on the dance floor and strut their stuff. Lonny shines!!! “Blues Guitar” is just sensational. It is a beautiful, slow ballad. This is the song at their live shows that “us” guys grab our ladies and head to the dance floor. The guitar solo on “Find your Way Home” is searingly beautiful, the kind of thing that keeps this guitar fan coming back for more.
Mahajibee is a tight band and this CD shows that. See them live, too. You will not be disappointed. Blues lovers…the front and back covers of their CD depict a big chunk of blues history in Mississippi.
-- Jim Weber
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