Barrelhouse Blues - The Ultimate Soul Food™

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Sound Impressions
It's a fast paced world and you only get one chance to make a first impression...

To make your Sound Impression, send 2 copies of your CD or DVD to:
BarrelhouseBlues.com
490-B Plymouth Street
Bridgewater, MA 02324
ATTN: Sound Impressions

There are no guarantees that all submitted CDs or DVDs will be reviewed.

	Black John - Eclecto Groove Records The Soul of John Black This is the second release of John Bigham that we've reviewed and it is every bit as tasty as the first. As a multi-instrumentalist performer, writer and producer, John seems to do it all and does it better than most. There aren't many contemporary artists that can touch the unique originality and depth of soul that emanates from every track. The entire CD sparkles with musical gems that waft you away on a musical journey unlike most you've traveled. Highly recommended.

	Love Me Tonight - Blind Pig Records John Nemeth This inspired release of mostly original tunes by Nemeth demonstrates how an artist can remain faithful to the Blues, while pushing the boundaries beyond the usual three chord "traditional" format. With a crack rhythm section pulsing behind him, Nemeth fronts the band with precision - and his vocals are particularly noteworthy - they soar above the firm foundation, and his harp glides effortlessly throughout. Our personal favorite is the ballad, "Fuel for Your Fire." But this is a CD that will strike a chord with every Blues fan. If you've lived your life to the fullest, you'll find you can relate to John's songs as though they were written for you.

	I Know It's Hard But It's Fair - Blues Express Freddie Hughes This R&B gem of a CD is a joy to the ears. Spot on vocals & guitar are abundant in every song - as well as great back up vocals, harmonica and horns! Every song provides a musical palette that stimulates the auditory senses and inspires the soul. Freddie's vocals are the pinnacle of the swirling sounds and rhythms that permeate this disc. Latch onto this CD and prepare to hear the kind of music that transcends styles and trends. It's the real deal!

	A Night in Woodstock - Mojo Rodeo Paul Rishell & Annie Raines What a treat! The elegant simplicity of this music, played so well, and with such reverence for its tradition and roots is something to be savored. Paul & Annie show not only great artistry, but a profound understanding of the music they perform and where it came from. The CD is recorded live, and showcases a number of classic covers as well as original tunes. One of our favorite's is, "Got to Fly," featuring Annie on vocals with a fabulous harp solo that brings joy to your ears. Paul's plaintive vocal on the medley, "It'll be me/I'll be looking for you," is equally inspiring. And Paul's composition, "Blues on a Holiday," will bring tears to your eyes. Enough said. Stop reading this review. Buy the CD for yourself or a dear friend. It's wonderful.

	The Original Slim - Aladdin Entertainment Slim Fatz "...just wood, steel glass and string." So says Slim Fatz in his introduction to this gem of a CD. It fulfills the promise of that opening statement with honesty and a quirky style. Traditional, but not quite. Something new, but with deep roots in the delta. This is an engaging musical journey down a road less traveled by many modern Blues artists. Unique and familiar at the same time. Let Slim take you on the journey with him. Sit back and let yourself enjoy the ride...

	Live at Montreux - Eagle Records Albert Collins This is The Iceman at his best! Live and alive! For those of you that are Albert Collins fans, this is familiar territory that showcases some of his best known songs, all of which are performed with energy and passion. If you are new to The Iceman, it's a fantastic introduction to one of the greatest and most original Blues stylists ever. This is a must own CD for any Blues enthusiast. The Master of the Telecaster and his band travel full throttle from start to finish. Albert and company are truly at the pinnacle of their powers on this one.

	Shot the Devil - Uncle Larry's Records GravelRoad Although the band's website lists the influence of many "modern Dark Blues masters," we had a hard time discerning the influence of any Blues masters at all - hence our trip to their website to discover them. What we hear is a lack of nuance and subtlety that is the cornerstone of most great Blues performances. The guitar and vocal performances on this CD seem to revel in straight out loudness - forsaking the use of any dynamics or expression. We get the impression that the guitar tone is processed and not a result of an overdriven tube amp - hence the sameness and lack of expression in the tone. The vocals follow the same pattern. The band needs to explore the theory that in Blues, less is more. Moreover, the songs all scream out with the same intensity. Again, no expression or subtlety. And the warning label that profanity is used within some songs was a complete turn off. This is Blues, where risque lyrics are a tradition - but leave the profanity to the gangsta' rappers. GravelRoad would be well served to listen a bit more to Muddy Waters, B.B. King, Robert Johnson and Albert Collins - then give it another try.

	Skin Deep - Zomba Label Group Buddy Guy If you want to experience the REAL DEAL - the very soul of the Blues, then you've got to listen to Buddy Guy. No one makes a guitar speak, or sings with a passion as intense as Buddy Guy. With a star studded cast of Blues greats at his side, including Eric Clapton, Robert Randolph, Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi, Buddy reminds us once again what it's like to FEEL the Blues. Skin Deep is full of emotionally charged songs that grab you and don't let go. And that's OK. We were delighted to take the ride.

	Soul Bender - Vizztone Label Group Matthew Stubbs Wow! When we put on this CD, we were simply amazed! An all instrumental disc with songs that stand on their own without the need for lyrics or vocals. Songs with hooks and melodies that brought us back to a time when instrumentals were part of the musical landscape on pop radio. The Ventures, Duane Eddy and the Rockin' Rebels once ruled the airwaves with great tunes that still resonate today. Matthew Stubbs has hit the jackpot with this disc of all original tunes that speak to that time when a guitar and saxophone could communicate as well as any song lyric. He does this with a pop sensibility that is infused with The Blues and R&B that are so much a part of his musical tapestry. Our hats are off to Matthew for this great collection.

	Feel so Good - Blind Pig Records Albert Cummings There's nothing quite as honest as a live recording. Especially with a trio - guitar, bass and drums - as simple and as honest as it gets. No overdubs or studio trickery. Just the music and the artists. So when you hear the audience reaction on this live CD, you know it's for the real deal. Albert and the band rock the Blues with a passion. Something greatly needed in the Blues world of today. When you hear his renditions of Hoochie Coochie Man and Rock Me Baby, you know this ain't your daddy's Blues - and it's about time. Rock on Albert!