hook Savoy Brown album Witchy Feelin’ out now too. It is a smoldering hot eleven track plateful of electric guitar-blues. Returning to the studio with Simmonds is bassist Pat De- Salvo and drummer Garnet Grimm, both of who have been playing in Savoy Brown since 2009.
A strong impression is made when I
hear the intoxicating Texas blues of “Why Did You Hoodoo Me”. The driving rhythm and searing guitar seals the deal. The hypnotic hook and swampy slide of “Livin’ on the Bayou” lures me in like the song of the sirens. It’s beautifully played. I then get a big smile on my face when he breaks out more boda- cious slide singing about one of my favorite places, “Memphis Blues”. Simmonds pumps a delightful dose of psychedelia into the amazing, “Thunder, Lightning and Rain”, making for an exquisite listen. “Can’t Find Paradise”, the anthem of the album is rockin’ and contagious. It’s terrific. Witchy Feelin’ certainly ranks up there
among my favorites of the year.
-Phillip Smith (
phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com)
QUARTERNOTES By Michael Buffalo Smith
Little Steven Van Zandt is back with a passionate, rocking album called Soulfire (UME/Wicked Cool), his first solo record since 1999’s Born Again Savage. On Soulfire, the huge political statements of his 1980’s records have been wiped away, replaced by a sound more reminiscent of his work with Bruce Springsteen and the E-Street band, with a heart full of soul, huge horns and load
of the Jersey sound so many of us have come to love. Still, he manages to toss us a few curve balls, such as the 1970’s AM radio groove of “Down and Out in New York City” and the blues of “Blues is My Business.” It was great hearing Steve’s take on his old buddy Southside Johnny’s classic “I Don’t Wanna Go Home.” Love it. In my humble opinion, Steven’s singing voice is the best it’s ever been, and the playing is stellar. This may well be Vand Zandt’s best work ever as a solo artist. It’s an album that will please both fans of Little Steven as well as Springsteen lovers, or just anybody who likes to rock. . . It was truly refreshing to once again hear the voice of Dexter Romweber coming through my speakers on the new 2-cd release Wild Wild Love from Flat Duo Jets. (Daniel 13) Dex- ter, vocals and guitar, drummer Chris “Crow” Smith and bassist Griz “Tone” Mayer, created a unique sound that blended rockabilly and alternative rock into an exciting sound that they were happy to perform anyplace, any- time. It could be a big stage opening for an- other band, or even an in-store appearance, like they once did at the tiny X-Records in Greenville, SC. Dexter and the guys were al- ways about getting the music out there, not about fame or corporate recognition, which only added to their greatness. Hailing from
55
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66
