Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

By Too Slim and The Taildraggers

I had heard of, but never heard "Too Slim and the Taildraggers." The chance to review and hear "Shiver" was a welcome opportunity. Tim Langford (Too Slim) has been around for 25 years and this is his 16th CD. Also in the trio are drummer Tommy Cook and new bass player Polly O'Keary. I looked at his schedule to see if I could catch him somewhere close, but he seems to be only touring on the West coast. First, the music is very good -catchy tunes and tasty guitar licks. Second-the lyrics are pretty intense, not your every day stories, I'll tell you that. Here are some examples. First from the initial song "Stoned Again"-the devil drinks his whiskey and Jesus drinks his wine. One is a sinner- the other is divine-now tell me what's the difference when both of them are getting high". The second song, "Daddy's Bones," deals with a chilling subject. It is about a man who was rumored to have 'snitched' on big-time criminals , and was killed and thrown in the swamp. The story is a plea from the son to find his bones and save the farm. Whew! On a different side is "Workin." This is a protest on what the government is doing to the working man. "We the people bailed out your ass, maybe oughta think-about giving some back "People everywhere just wanna get workin', cheap talkin words don't pay the bills."

Some of my favorite tunes are the title tune, "Shiver," with a great lead guitar by Too Slim's son,

Austin Elwood, while Dad plays rhythm guitar. They sound great together! Another favorite tune is "As the Tears Go By," with a Stevie Ray sound on guitar. This CD left me with a few questions. Why did it take me so long to hear this guy? Will I ever get a chance to see him perform live? Where are all the other 15 CDs I haven't heard?

Let me end with this...when I review CD's, I try to listen at least 3 times. This hint came from Jim Weber. It sometimes is difficult to muddle through the CDs I get even twice. I think I listened to "SHIVER" at least 25 times, and will again and again. You should try at least once.

~ Don Vecchio

by Mojo Theory

This band finished in the top ten at the 210 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. After the IBC, the Blues Review magazine commented that the soulful voice of Mark Richards on "Lay My Burden Down" was the best song of the finals evening (this particular song was from their first CD). Comments were made that with their stage presence, they belonged on a New York Broadway stage.

This second CD, MoJo Theory II, is self-produced and brings to the forefront every talent in this band. All songs are written or co-written by members of the band. This CD will take you to all realms of the Blues world. Let the music take you where you want to go and enjoy every song on the CD.

~ Miss Ella - Sister to the Blues

This is a self-titled debut for a young man who has been a well-known Blues artist in the Columbus, Ohio area for some time. Patrick McLaughlin's music has been influenced by the history of the Blues and people who believed in his love of the genre. When you see him on stage he makes his guitar sing to you. He bends that guitar to his style- it has no choice. My husband's favorite song of Patrick's is "Which Way to Go." When he hears the song he sings it for me at home for hours! Patrick's voice will take you on a journey that you will want to follow. The CD brings along friends and family who believe in his talent and who are there for him.

~ Miss Ella, Sister of the Blues.

Ann Kerstetter (the Duchess of Duke Street)  is known for her emotional live performances. She knocked 'em dead at the IBC’s. That doesn't mean she can't make a hot CD; in fact she has two of them. Her second CD, "Duke St.

Mikey Jr. seems like an unlikely name for a blues guy. Don’t let the name put you off, this guy’s got the goods. He convinced me at last year’s Heritage Blues Festival in Wheeling.  Backed by a crack band, he put on a great performance, wailing out chorus after chorus of harp licks, jumping off the stage and into the crowd with his wireless rig. The point was driven home at the after jam, when I went outside for a smoke. Out comes Mikey Jr., soaked with sweat from the August heat, fueled by some liquid refreshment, still blowing away on his chromatic. The guy loves to play and entertain

I don’t listen to rap music, so I am very happy that Grady Champion left his rapping career behind to offer up some blues.  He has the blues thing down pretty good, as witnessed by his recent International Blues Challenge crown at the finals in Memphis.  If you are not familiar with Grady and his band, this CD is a great way to explore his powerful brand of blues.

When I saw this CD, I had to hear it. It spoke to me "Gumbo Blues." Sounds tasty and delightful. I listened to it before I read the insert as I always do. I liked what I heard, but wondered why all covers.

We receive way more CDs than we can review here, but appreciate everyone sending. I try to do a select couple CDs. You may notice that I don't do negative reviews. It's not that I don't find CDs that I'm not wild about, there

(Alligator Records)

Anders Osborne
Alligator Records ALCD 4936

The opening sound from Osborne’s outing immediately puts one in the mind of Buddy Guy’s Sweet Tea release with its fat, heavy and bluesy groove. One difference is that Osborne does not highlight the guitar and instead focuses on the subtlety of the six strings accompanied by tight rhythms and catchy lyrical hooks. “You’re a diamond without any shine… on the road to Charlie Parker,” puts the listener on the road of Osborne’s American journey in this allusion that reminds one of the difficulty of any artist who struggles to find his place. With the support of Stanton Moore on drums, Pepper Keenan on guitar, and Robert Walter on piano and keyboard bass, Osborne paints a patchwork of vivid images upon this canvas laden with solid grooves and textures of reggae flavors, soulful sounds, and Americana roots, while delivering such universal themes as redemption and suffering on this hero’s journey. “I know this world can seem so cold and hard, but baby don’t you worry ‘bout a thing ‘cause I got your heart,” is contrasted with the personal and social commentary of lyrics like “We’re killing each other.”

The CD also contains acoustic ballads like “Acapulco” in its Dylenesque Desire-like vocal delivery that underscores the depth of Osborne’s singing and gifted writing. “Standing with Angels” is a beautiful yet haunting ballad inspired by Dylan Thomas’ poem “Do not go Gentle into that Good Night.” This song highlights Osborne as a serious singer-songwriter who is cognizant of the power of poetry as exemplified by this patchwork of all original songs. This is not a traditional blues record in any sense of the word but it is a terrific collection of spirited songwriting, singing and playing that will satisfy those who are looking for a fresh and original artist who can be seen this August at Johnstown’s Flood City Music Festival.

~Jimmy Adler

Debbie Davies Vizz Tone Label Group

Debbie Davies' Holdin' Court release pays tribute to those guitar players that got her started.  This one especially "keeps it real." It is an all-instrumental where her guitar does the talking, but that's what makes the CD special!

As typical Debbie, she 'keeps it real" by exhibiting her own style and tight riffs, while always letting you know where her roots lie and who inspired her along the way. There is a mix of her own instrumentals as well as other numbers from artists that she either honors, or has shared studio or stage with, such as Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Gatemouth Brown, and Kenny Burrel.

Opening up with the Duke Robbillard tune, "Fishnet," the CD starts off with a cool funkiness and then lays into some screamin' riffs along the way.  Many would quickly recognize the tune, "Down at the Honky Tonk Shack." It is where Debbie's passion for the Hammond players, Jimmy Smith and Bill Dogget, brings together the classic Honky Tonk tune through her tight, swing-like guitar riffs.  On one of my favs, "I Wonder Why," Debbie moves on down the line with a classic low-down blues style where you can feel Deb's energy and passion run through the tune. Albert Collins' classic rhythm and blues tune, "If You Love Me Like You Say," Deb uses her wah-wah pedal to send the message through the guitar.  Her "Holdin' Court" is an awesome original cover tune starting off with soulful and melodic sound, then sprinkling in some jazzed-up blues throughout the song.  The last tune, "Zoom-in," is a Deb original that has a classic surfin'-sound, with a powerful tone that finishes the CD with style.

For any blues guitar player who has desired to own a blend of blues instrumentals with Debbie's incredible style, in one package, this is the CD for you!  And, for the listener, you will no doubt want to crank this one up when you are cruisin' down the road!   This CD displays Debbie Davies' extraordinary talent across the board in all styles of the blues.

~Mary Rose Durdak

Zac Harmon
Northern Blues Music

Every so often, someone new comes about that just knocks you out. I heard a song or two from this man, but that was it. I sat and listened to the CD, "From the Root," and was blown away. What a talent! For those of you as clueless as me about Zac, he won the 2004 IBCs in Memphis. He was voted Best New Artist on XM radio awards in 2006 .

Now, to the present! We get a lot of music to review for our newsletter and can only choose 5 at the most to do each issue. It would be a crime to omit this CD.  I liked about every tune on the CD. Those who have read my reviews before know that after talent, the most important thing for a CD and the artist to have is 'versatility.' If you heard one song a day from this, you would think that you were listening to a different artist each time . From delta blues, 'Man Is Not Meant to Be Alone,' to Reggae, 'That's What a Woman Needs,' to R & B, "Smile on Your Face" and 'Price of Loving You' (a kind of gospel/R&B). This reminded me of the old Delfonics style. But mostly...just great Blues! "Enough" features some great guitar. 'Don't Give me Another Reason' contains some good Blues lyrics..."If I ever lose a good thing, it won't be because of losing you. "  Other great blues tunes include 'Scratch,' ' Keep the Blues Alive' and 'Honeybee."  You can't pass this CD up- Go get it!
 
~ Don Vecchio

Tim Woods - Earwig Music CD 4962

Make no mistake about it; this is a blues record! Tim Woods went on a personal journey and discovered the deep satisfaction of meeting and recording with some of America’s best living purveyors of the genre. He writes in the liner notes that, “When I began this project, I had no idea what I would end up with….” What Woods has captured is a blues record that is not about recreating or writing original songs so much as it is all about reinterpreting some of the classics, with a heavy emphasis on the songwriting of Willie Dixon, particularly those recorded by Howlin’ Wolf. Where Woods scores big, is on his interpretation of these classics as he breathes new life into the compositions and includes a variety of respected pros such as Honeyboy Edwards, John Primer, Bob Stroger, and Big Jack Johnson, to name a few.

Michael Frank’s Earwig label can be satisfied and proud in that Woods took the time, and had the foresight to seek out these artists and create these inspiring interpretations of fresh new versions of the songs. The guitar playing is clean and crisp throughout. The songs include full ensembles as well as the acoustic gems of the Honeyboy Edwards driven tracks, of which there are three. These alone are worth the price of admission as Woods trades guitar and vocals with Honeyboy in a sympathetic and respectful manner backed by the accompaniment of Franks and Eric Noden on the Mississippi saxophone.

Woods brings a fresh read to these timeless songs that any blues lover would relish. After a successful CD Release show at Memphis’ Rum Boogie Cafe, Woods is back in Irwin, PA where you can find him at timwoodsmusic.com.

~ Jimmy Adler

Let me start of by saying that if you're a fan of Mississippi and Chicago style blues then this
CD should satisfy your cravings quite easily. Dave Riley's guitar and throaty Sam Myers/Muddy Waters type vocals along with Bob Corritore's haunting harmonica tone, work together on this CD very well. From the opening track Jelly Roll King to Sharecropper Blues all 10 tracks on this CD deliver the goods. Riley and Corritone pay homage to the Mississippi delta and the gritty Chicago juke joints with both seasoned musicianship and fresh vigor. Blue Witch Records has done well for blues lovers. Produced by Bob Corritore, the arrangements are solid, the multiple backup band musicians are excellent and both Riley and Corritore can flat out play. Would I recommend this CD? ...the answer is... it's already in my iPod!

Another hard-hitting blues/rock CD from Tinsley.  There are usually no surprises from Tinsley- not that it's a bad thing. He just puts out some good tunes with some very nice guitar work and “no holds barred” lyrics which his snarling vocals are a perfect match for, and this is no exception. The title tune is a good one, “Speak no Evil.” Great beat and nice guitar work. He includes a few mellower tunes. “It takes what it takes,”  “Cold Love, Hot Night,” and “The Night is Easy,” not that they are lullabies, mind you. They are not as fast-paced and rockin’. I particularly like, “The Night is Easy,” sort of a haunting type melody. “Cold Love, Hot Night” is another favorite from this CD.
Now as far as the “smack you in the Mouth” lyrics here are a couple examples. Both of these seem to do with people who overindulge - you know party a bit too much, to the point that they don't function properly. “You walk around like a zombie-tombstones in your eyes...since you won't be around much longer, let's just plan to meet on the other side” (From “The Other Side”) and “To get inside that brain of
 yours of yours would take an adjustable wrench ....Your mouth is working overtime, your mind took a personal day, I got me a private space cadet- nothing left to say.” “Why don't you say what's on what's left of your mind” (from “Left of Your Mind”) I love the humor here. I had to listen over and over to hear the exact wording, and cracked up from the first time I heard it. Another tune with 'hard words' was “Grow a Pair.”  Yes, it's what you think.   So, yes, I recommend this CD. I listened to it quite a few times and liked it more each time.

While I had heard of Bryan Lee, I had never actually heard his tunes.  My eyes opened wide when I saw this CD enclosed in the unmarked envelope, I immediately popped it in my car's CD player and drove off listening intently.  I did like his style and most of the tunes but some seemed at bit too long (a lot of 5 - 7 minute tunes).  I listened again and again.  Each time I heard it, I liked it more.  It seemed to be much better suited to listening to at night, kicking back.  It is a mix of covers and originals.   The title song, "My Lady don't Love My Lady," is an original.  The two ladies he refers to are his woman and his guitar.  My favorite original is "Me and My Music" which features some great sax work by Gordon Beadle and Doug James.  Some of the tunes had a little bit of jazzy tone to them…a la Duke Robillard who I later noticed produced the CD.  My favorite tune is a Junior Wells cover, "Early in the Morning," which features Buddy Guy on guitar. (I'm a big Junior Wells fan, by the way.)  Other guest artists are Kenny Wayne Shephard who also wrote the tune he plays on "Let Me Up, I've Had Enough" and producer, Duke Robillard.
Bryan evokes some old time blues here with some soulful vocals. Nice CD, give it a listen, preferably when you're kickin' back...it'll get your toes tapping.

Some of you may know a bit about Homemade Jamz. Many consider them a "cute" or "amusing" act. They are all young (Kyle 17, Ryan 15 and Taya 11) and the guitar and bass are made of mufflers. They came in 2nd in the IBCs in Memphis in 2007.
The first time we saw them, we were at Pittsburgh Blues Fest in 2008. I had told my wife about them and she was interested. I took off from our BSWPA booth and headed to the stage when I knew they were scheduled. They started playing and I loved it. My wife found me during their third song and asked me "when are those kids going to play?" I gently moved her head to the stage and her jaw dropped. "Wow, I wasn't expecting anything like that." Little Taya, the drummer, was 9 at the time. You could barely see the top of her head, but she played like a pro. That's how most feel after actually hearing them and not just ABOUT them. They are for real! Their new CD, "I Got Blues For You," is full of great tunes from beginning to end. My favorites are "Rumors" and "Roots" which both feature 'Papa' Renaud Perry's harp.  While Renaud stays in the background on stage and off, he is very much a large part of their success. He writes the songs and plays a great harp.  If you see them in concert, you most likely won't see him- he says on the side of the stage and keeps the focus on the kids.

Other fine tunes on the CD include: "Heaven Lost an Angel," "Hard-Headed Woman" and the title tune, "I Got Blues for You." ...Some good lyrics and just a wonderful beat that keeps on coming. I highly recommend this CD to Blues fans young and old.