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More Blues CDs To Look For - by J. Blake
Posted on 9/07/2010 by J. Blake
(New York, NY)
Want to know what’s out there that is worthwhile and might be slipping under your radar?
With BIG ROCKIN’ BOOGIE (on Underworld Records), Becki Sue & Her Big Rockin’ Daddies deliver a fun and energetic collection of blues, mixed with a healthy dose of good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n’ roll. The band is in great form and as “tight as drum”; with Jim King deserving the MVP award for his sax and harmonica-work. The song selection is strong, the production values are above average for a band at this level of popularity and the musical arrangements are actually quite good. BIG ROCKIN’ BOOGIE is a lot of fun…check it out!!!
With their latest release the Mike Hallal Band gives audiences a taste of contemporary blues-rock; for the lack of a better term. A nice mix of originals and choice covers, HATCHET BLUES is not confined to one specific style; seemingly pulling from influences that include Cream, Stevie Ray Vaughan, The Beatles and even contemporary country…among others. The album is definitely not for everyone, but it does provide an interesting listening experience. By not limiting themselves to 12-bar blues progressions, they have run the risk of alienating the blues purists, but deserve “props” for attempting to stretch a form that is getting a little bit tired in many other people’s eyes.The bulk of HATCHET BLUES is not particularly my taste, but I respect what the band is going for. With this studio effort, they seem to be held back by a less than ideal budget and slightly mediocre production quality. I am curious to see what the future holds for this band, because given the right circumstances and the room to spread their wings in the studio, the Mike Hallel Band has the potential to make a really killer album. In the meantime this one is, at the very least, definitely worth a listen.
Floyd McDaniel was a staple of Chicago’s blues scene in the 1980s that sadly died two days after his 80th birthday in 1995. Thankfully two years after his passing, Delmark Records released WEST SIDE BABY; a fantastic live album recorded in Europe in 1994. It exhibits McDaniel delivering his signature brand of jazz-driven blues; backed by the exceptional Dave Specter and the Bluebirds.With shades of Wes Montgomery, Nat “King” Cole and B.B. King, WEST SIDE BABY is a delightful change of pace for today’s rock-heavy blues scene and an absolute must for all fans longing for a tasteful display of superior musicianship…or just looking for some really great blues.
Ron Hacker and the Hacksaws’ BURNIN’ (from 2003, on Blue Skunk Music) is a pretty straight forward contemporary electric blues album; with just a hint of blues-rock added for flavor. It contains few (if any) surprises and Hacker’s vocals aren’t the strongest in the business, but it is still an enjoyable and fun listening experience. The band is tight, the grooves are strong and Hacker’s guitar playing is top notch. In an age of copycats, Hacker has managed to find his own style and for that alone he deserves some recognition. BURNIN’ may not be groundbreaking or mind blowing, but it contains some fun and competent blues that definitely deserves to be heard.If you enjoyed this article, you may also enjoy: Blues CDs To Look For
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Copyright © 2010 - J. Blake. All Rights Reserved
