Blues-Finland.com - British Blues Round-up

CD REVIEWS

21 March 2018 Levykatsaus suomeksi
British Blues Round-up

It would be difficult to overestimate the
significance of the British blues scene in the
development of contemporary blues, as well
as rock and pop, so it's most satisfying to
know there are great blues records still being
made in the UK today. Below, you'll find a few
notes on four 2017 albums and one historical
release that's been long overdue.

Starlite Campbell Band "Blueberry Pie"

Led by Suzi Starlite and Simon Campbell, the
Starlite Campbell Band is exactly what it's

billed as: professionally executed classic British blues rock. Vintage keyboards are
literally key here, but while John Mayall's influence looms large, the overall sound
owes more to the wistful 1970's than the enthusiastic drive of the 60's.
Nominated for the European Blues Award in the Best Album/Recorded Session
category, the meanest thing one could say about this record is that its most
original aspect is its "angry granny" cover; the best thing – it's neither
overplayed nor overproduced like so much of today's blues rock tends to be. On
the European festival circuit, this band should live long and prosper.

The Mighty Bosscats "God Bless America"

With and without the Mighty Bosscats, Richard Townend has kept a staggering
pace for new releases; he has promised to slow down after this one, but I find
that very hard to believe. With the title track inspired by watching Donald Trump
win the election while sitting in a bar in Houston, Texas, "God Bless America" is
Townend at his most political, bordering on vitriolic. But that's just the lyrics – the
production is stellar as ever, easy on the ear and possibly even prettier than
usual. In addition to his standard Dire Straits/Chris Rea influences, I keep hearing
Tom Petty/Jeff Lynne tricks here and there in the background, but maybe it's just
me. While it made #1 in the UK blues airplay charts for December, it is not really a
blues album – but it is great Americana.

Chris Corcoran Band "Blues Guitar Grooves"

Ever since I heard his first album, Chris
Corcoran has been my favourite contemporary
"guitar hero", and he just keeps getting
better. Instead of his usual trio, "Blues Guitar
Grooves" was recorded live in the studio with
a 7-piece band – guitar, drums, bass, piano,
baritone sax, tenor sax and trumpet – and
man, does it swing! From Henry Mancini to Milt
Jackson to Albert Collins to Corcoran originals,
there are no unnecessary notes or tangent
arrangements here, just solid, brilliant music,
all played with unmatched feel. Without a
doubt THE instrumental blues album of the
year.

Dave Arcari "Live At Memorial Hall"

Anyone who's ever seen Dave Arcari live must have been left longing for a live
album – not that the studio stuff isn't great, it's just a different beast altogether.
Of course, capturing the live experience can be tricky, but Arcari has succeeded
here – "Live At Memorial Hall" really is "The Best of Dave Arcari" in more ways
than one. The 26 tunes gathered on this glorious coloured vinyl double album
include new numbers and old favourites, originals and traditionals, acoustic
ballads and electric rockers – really, the only complaint I might have is that "Day
Job" didn't make the cut! But everything that did make it on here is fabulous; if
you haven't heard Dave's music yet, this is THE place to start, and if you are
familiar with his work , you don't need me to tell you it's a must-have.

The Rolling Stones "On Air"

I really wasn't sure if I should include this "archival" compilation of BBC recordings
by the original incarnation of the Stones – but after the disappointment that was
last year's much-heralded "Blue and Lonesome", I felt I had to. For this time, it's
the real deal: great British R&B live from 1963-1965. Even after a state of the art
demixing/remixing process, the overall sound quality is not as stellar as on the
Yardbirds' corresponding BBC disc, but neither is it as muffled as the Mark I Deep
Purple BBC stuff available on CD. The band is on fire and there are several
numbers here they never recorded commercially – just be sure to get the 2CD
deluxe version, as most of the killer stuff ended up on that bonus disc!
Disclaimer: after hearing "On Air", it is quite possible you'll feel Bob Dylan was
right in 2009 when he said: "They’ll be the real Rolling Stones when they get Bill
back."

ANDRES ROOTS

Starlite Campbell Band: Blueberry Pie. Supertone Records, 2017
The Mighty Bosscats: God Bless America. Richard Townend, 2017
Chris Corcoran Band: Blues Guitar Grooves. Shack Records, 2017
Dave Arcari: Live At Memorial Hall. Buzz Records, 2017
The Rolling Stones: On Air. Polydor, 2017

.

Jaa juttu profiilissasi: |

UUSIMMAT