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2006
Recipient for Best Blues Society
New Detroit
Releases
The
Bluescasters – LIVE
Self-released,
April 2010
Pasted
Graphic
This, the latest
release from Detroit’s own Bluescasters, is a LIVE CD that
was recorded in June of 2009 at Guy Hollerin’s in Ann
Arbor. It is, without a doubt, THE BEST example of their
work, to date. This 16 track CD showcases the boys at their
very best, on each and every song. These guys are just
plain fun and this release is a testament to that fact!
The CD features the “Bluescasters of old”, Kerry Adams on
guitar (now with Justine Blazer), Phil Ryski on the ol’ tin
sandwich / guitar/ keys, Harry Rodman on the skins, and
Doug Wolgat on bass. I can assure you that the new band is
every bit as good as the old and you owe yourself the
opportunity to hear them soon.
From beginning to end, I enjoyed each and every track and
found myself tapping my toes and bouncing in my chair,
right along with the beats. Seldom does this ever happen to
me when I am listening to a CD for review. Also rare is the
fact that I have listened to it, from beginning to end, on
multiple occasions.
This CD will remain in my permanent collection and I would
strongly suggest that it become part of yours as well. Get
you copy at www.thebluescasters.com
- you will not
regret it.
Steve Allen
Detroit Blues Society Reviewer
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REVEREND
ROBERT SEXTON'S BLUES REVIVAL (released March 2010)
Big Time Records
This latest release
by Detroit's very own Reverend Robert Sexton, is, without a
doubt, his finest work to date. This rollicking romp
through the crazy world of Reverend Robert stays very true
to the style of the master himself, yet it is distinctively
fresh in every aspect. He is joined on this work
by of Gerry Mattei on Guitar, Nick Tabarias on
Guitar, Randy Patton on Bass and newcomer John Marconi on
Drums. Also on this CD are Lira Fisher on Vocals, Roger
Dietrich on Harp, Paul Cervenak on Keys, John Hudson on
Guitar, Grant Bratton on Drums, John Reese on Harp, and Joe
Mitchell on Guitar.
BLUES REVIVAL is a CD that just rocks from beginning to
end. Listening to this release is like taking a bus trip to
Bluesville with your neighborhood Tabernacle. The rhythm
section churns up an awesome back beat while Robert's
nonstop energy brings on the power. His energy level makes
this old road dog tired, just watching (or listening).
These guys MUST BE SEEN in person, after buying and
listening to the CD, to experience the full effect. No
disappointments - I promise! This CD is a "must have" for
all serious Detroit Blues fans because it is a exemplary
example of the fusion of Gospel and Blues - the real basis
of the Blues. WARNING: Reverend Robert Sexton is
infectious to all of us with his own contagious style of
Gospel Blues.
You can (and should) get your very own copy at
http://www.myspace.com/reverendrobert.
Steven J. Allen -
Musician and Independent Reviewer
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RJ Spangler’s
Blue Four – The Bill Heid Sessions / You Know I can’t
Refuse
Eastlawn Records ELD-019
I first met RJ Spangler and
Bill Heid at the Blues Estafette, Utrecht – Spangler being
there every year with a variety of wonderful Detroit blues
artists.
A consummate drummer, Spangler has continued, over the
years, to record and release fine records by the likes of
Joe Weaver and Alberta Adams – whilst Heid ‘s résumé
includes recording with Roy Buchanan, Fenton Robinson and
Koko Taylor as well as working with Jimmy Witherspoon and
Fathead Newman amongst many others.
On this set RJ Spangler’s Blue Four, which features Heid
(piano and vocals), Pat Prouty (string bass) and Keith
Kaminski (tenor saxophone) team up with the great Johnnie
Bassett and James O’Donnell (trumpet) and Joshua James
(baritone sax) to deliver a set steeped in the great
R&B of the 40’s and 50’s .
Spangler is one of the great drummers of the genre, and he
and Prouty lay down a superb bottom end throughout this set
which is all covers that are chosen to reflect the talents
of Heid, Bassett et al.
The set opens with Sonny Boy’s “Ninety Nine” which in
Heid’s hands becomes a swinging jazz inflected shuffle that
rocks irresistibly replete with strident piano and vocals,
hot swinging guitar and almost military drums – a great
start that is maintained throughout this set.
Floyd Dixon’s “Red Cherries” boasts a relaxed swing fired
by cascading piano and sultry sax – another Dixon song
“Baby Let’s Go down To The Wood” encourages the listener to
“mellow down easy” with it’s mellifluous piano and
beautifully understated guitar – whilst Leiber &
Stoller’s “Too Much Jelly Roll” is a lascivious horn
fuelled slab of R&B.
“Piney Brown Blues” has Heid sounding like a laid-back
blues shouter underpinned by smokey sax and lascivious
trumpet whilst notes cascade from his piano like showers of
rain – Rudy Green’s “Meet Me Baby” generates an
irresistible swing as it melds piano and sax in an almost
sexual coupling – whilst Andre Williams’ “You Know I Can’t
Refuse” is a slab of greasy R&B on which Johnnie
Bassett excels.
If classic R&B is your particular penchant then this
set is a “must purchase” that obviously comes highly
recommended. (www.eastlawnrecords.com)
Rating 9
Mick Rainsford
http://www.blueprint-blues.co.uk/
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