CD Review - Chris James and Patrick Rynn
Gonna Boogie Anyway
Earwig 4960
According to the liner notes, these two San Diego based players “established themselves on the Chicago blues scene….” Understandably, their sound is unmistakably straight out of the spirits that haunt the windy city. After receiving critical acclaim for their 2008 debut Stop and Think About It, the duo have released another top notch recording full of original blues songwriting that is steeped in the Chicago tradition and includes a few new takes on some classic covers from Bo Diddley, Jimmy Reed, and Robert Jr. Lockwood. The recording also features such legendary players as Henry Gray and David Maxwell on piano and Sam Lay on drums. The opener, “Money Don’t Like Me” features Magic Sam-styled guitar playing with Sam Lay providing his classic and innovative double shuffle beat. James’ vocals are classic smoky Chicago. The horns on the CD by Jonny Viau and Allen Ortiz are recorded in the classic Chicago style where they act as subtle complimentary instruments throughout, much like the Elmore James, Howlin Wolf, and Otis Rush recordings of the late ‘50s and early ‘60s. The CD also features four stripped down duos with James and Rynn. The first, “You Can’t Trust Nobody” has the added accompaniment of Maxwell’s piano and features James’ subtly with the electric guitar as well as Rynn’s mastery of the upright bass. The guitar tone throughout the disc is pure Chicago from the classic era. A cover of “Can’t Stand to See You Go” demonstrates James’ ability to capture Reed’s vocal phrasing and tone with one of many examples of authentic harmonica playing from Rob Stone.This great recording helps keep the tradition of Chicago blues alive and well. Whether it comes from San Diego or Patrick Rynn’s hometown of Toledo the sound of Chicago Blues is alive and well with this recording. – Jimmy Adler
