New Blues & Soul News – 6/30/2017
By Dave Rogers
New Blues & Soul News – 6/30/2017
Roy Book Binder – In Concert – Road Songs and Stories (Peg Leg): Veteran blues singer/player/songwriter Roy Book Binder issues a new live disc that showcases his rye sense of humor and his dedication to the folk blues style. He was a student and, at times, a traveling companion of Reverend Gary Davis and owes much to his style. Several of the songs are originals. This is a very strong set that is recommended to all fans of folk blues. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
John Lee Hooker – Whiskey & Wimmen – John Lee Hooker’s Finest (Vee Jay – Concord): This set presents 16 of John Lee Hooker’s best and in many cases most essential recordings spanning from 1954 – 1969. It is impossible to do justice to Hooker’s output with such a small sample, but if you’re looking for a compact set of great tunes that span what is doubtless his greatest period, this is an excellent place to start. Songs include “Boom Boom”, “Boogie Chillun’”, “I’m In The Mood” and “Big Legs, Tight Skirt” among others. The sound is classic. Click here and scroll down to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind – Approved By Snakes (EllerSoul): Jason Ricci (harp, vocals, composer) is an award winning harp player – “master and innovator in the overblow technique of harp play, he gets more notes out of a simple diatonic than all but a few of his peers. And his use of electronics produces tonalities that are over the top.” (Blues Blast Magazine) He has also been ravaged by drug addiction, which he describes in formidably grotesque lyrics. The band also features Sam Hotchkiss and New Orleans legend Jon Lisi on guitar, Andy Kurz on bass and Adam Baumol on percussion. The overall tone is difficult and ugly, though there are a few uplifting moments. Musically, the group is completely solid. The atmosphere is presumably as horrid as the various experiences Ricci describes and it may take a good bit of determination to appreciate. Not for the faint of heart. Click here for a live version of one of the more upbeat songs on this disc.
Big Joe Shelton & The Prairie Blues Ambassadors – Ridin’ A Chicken (Self-produced): Singer/songwriter/harmonica player Big Joe Shelton grew up in the Black Prairie region of Mississippi and was exposed to the older country style blues as well as learning a few things from Big Joe Williams. While Shelton’s music and performance don’t really sound like Williams, he does stick with a more basic style that one would expect from a roadhouse band. The music is direct and even when it rocks, it’s fairly laid back. The Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors include Ben Ferrell (guitar), Ed Swan (bass), and Bob Damm (drums) with some added sound from Bobby Shannon (keys), Doug Thomas (sax) and Susan Alcorn Lobato (pedal steel). I suspect the group is at it’s best live. This is a solid journeyman performance, with some laughs and some reflection. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
New Soul Adds:
Jaye Hammer – Last Man Standing (Ecko): Jaye Hammer is clearly one of the most popular current soul singers and he certainly has his style and game down. He keeps the synth down to a degree which puts him somewhat closer to the classic genre, but… it still leans toward the disco blues mighty strongly. Then, all of a sudden he rips out a song like “I’m A Package Handler” for a more blues-ified sound and it seems so much tougher. Some of the songs are delightfully naughty, but mostly this is music for the medium speed disco fans and the lyrical and musical repetition ultimately undermine this disc for listening. For real enjoyment, you’d best be on the groove and ready to make your move. Click here to listen to the songs on this disc.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
