We get a mountain of CDs from young white bands, especially from California, and while most are enthusiastic and well-meaning, enthusiasm can't replace authenticity or originality and one gets a distinct feeling of deja-vu that conjures up the memories of the 1968-69 blues revival and all the well-meaning but embarrassingly inept bands of that era.
I heard enough bad versions of "Little Red Rooster," "Stormy Monday" and "Rock Me Baby" in 1969 to last a lifetime and yet here we go again oh well, cynicism aside, there are the occasional bands that offer that rare combination of talent and originality that make it all worthwhile and this is definitely one of those rare exceptions.
I put this CD on the stereo not knowing what to expect (contrary to popular belief I give everyone a chance and a listen), and immediately I could tell these guys were going to be a treat.
Enthusiasm yes, talent yes and finally, most importantly, originality in heaping helpings.
These guys are a real relief to my abused ears.
While there are a couple of standards ("Blow Wind Blow" from Muddy, "I Hear You Knocking" from Lazy Lester, again from Muddy "Long Distance Call" and Little Walter's "Everything's Gonna Be Alright') they are done up fresh and full of vim and vigor and the originals are super-fine.
The harp playing of Dewrance is exceptional.
I hate windbags and toneless wankers but Dewrance is exciting and a joy to the ears.
He'll (on the strength of this CD) be very much talked about soon and quite possibly compared to Hummel, Piazza and Kim Wilson.
His vocals are natural and relaxed, a big plus, and last but not least, he fronts a band that is as solid as they come with a guitatist (Jon Lawton) who's got chops like you wouldn't believe.
I couldn't get this CD off my player and I suspect you'll be faced with the same dilemma.
"Bumpity Bump," "Hard Luck Loving" and 'That's Not Right" are three hot originals deserving special attention.
The Jimmy Dewrance Band will be heard from they're far too good to ignore.
4 bottles for a disc that presents the very best of today's new blues.
- Andy Grigg Real Blues Magazine October/November 1998
Track List:
1. Talk To Me
2. Blow Wind Blow
3. That's Not Right
4. I Hear You Knocking
5. Bumpity Bump
6. Long Distance Call
7. Everything's Gonna Be Alright
8. Hard Luck Lovin'
9. Look What You've Done To Me
10. Let's Eat
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
I heard enough bad versions of "Little Red Rooster," "Stormy Monday" and "Rock Me Baby" in 1969 to last a lifetime and yet here we go again oh well, cynicism aside, there are the occasional bands that offer that rare combination of talent and originality that make it all worthwhile and this is definitely one of those rare exceptions.
I put this CD on the stereo not knowing what to expect (contrary to popular belief I give everyone a chance and a listen), and immediately I could tell these guys were going to be a treat.
Enthusiasm yes, talent yes and finally, most importantly, originality in heaping helpings.
These guys are a real relief to my abused ears.
While there are a couple of standards ("Blow Wind Blow" from Muddy, "I Hear You Knocking" from Lazy Lester, again from Muddy "Long Distance Call" and Little Walter's "Everything's Gonna Be Alright') they are done up fresh and full of vim and vigor and the originals are super-fine.
The harp playing of Dewrance is exceptional.
I hate windbags and toneless wankers but Dewrance is exciting and a joy to the ears.
He'll (on the strength of this CD) be very much talked about soon and quite possibly compared to Hummel, Piazza and Kim Wilson.
His vocals are natural and relaxed, a big plus, and last but not least, he fronts a band that is as solid as they come with a guitatist (Jon Lawton) who's got chops like you wouldn't believe.
I couldn't get this CD off my player and I suspect you'll be faced with the same dilemma.
"Bumpity Bump," "Hard Luck Loving" and 'That's Not Right" are three hot originals deserving special attention.
The Jimmy Dewrance Band will be heard from they're far too good to ignore.
4 bottles for a disc that presents the very best of today's new blues.
- Andy Grigg Real Blues Magazine October/November 1998
Track List:
1. Talk To Me
2. Blow Wind Blow
3. That's Not Right
4. I Hear You Knocking
5. Bumpity Bump
6. Long Distance Call
7. Everything's Gonna Be Alright
8. Hard Luck Lovin'
9. Look What You've Done To Me
10. Let's Eat
Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
- BLUES: Chicago Style
- ROCK: Roots Rock
- MOOD: PARTY MUSIC