NEWS, REVIEWS
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18 August 2010
August CD Report
The summer season 2010 is drawing to a
close, and it is a suitable time to have a look
at the latest notable releases around the
blues world. In addition to the albums
'mini-reviewed' below, look out for the new
CDs from Robert Cray, Eric Clapton, Johnny
Winter, Bob Corritore, and many others.
Elvin Bishop: Red Dog Speaks
This is an honest batch of songs from an artist
that does not want to get old. Elvin Bishop
may not exactly be the benchmark of a 'good
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life' -- the new album however, released by Delta Groove, is full of life and
healthy enthusiasm. His slide guitar is at its best. John Nemeth stars on vocals on
several tracks. Winner: "Fat & Sassy".
Chris James & Patrick Rynn: Gonna Boogie Anyway
Some people have it, some people don't. Charisma, that is. The second album
"Gonna Boogie Anyway" (Earwig) is a perfect successor for James & Rynn's 2008
debut, "Stop and Think About It". The CD oozes quality playing and contains a
tidy collection of original songs. Robert Jr Lockwood and Bo Diddley are paid
tributes. Winner: "Money Don't Like Me".
Thorbjorn Risager: Track Record
The top Dane succeeded bigtime with his 2007 album "Here I Am". His new album
(out now on Cope Records), however, is a disappointment despite some
memorable moments. The music is over-produced all along. Risager's booming
vocals are a strength, but lack variation here. The artist has what it takes, so
let's hope for a much better album next time. Winner: "Let's Go Down".
John Lee Hooker Jr: Live in Istanbul, Turkey
By now all blues lovers should know John Lee Hooker Jr. This son-of-a-legend is a
blues master in his own right; skilful songwriter, singer and a good showman,
too. Turkey is not a country known for blues music, but Hooker Jr's introspective
and/or topical originals seem to work well in a live situation there. Hooker
senior's songs get creative treatment as well. Released by CC Entertainment
(USA), Jazzhaus Records (Europe). Winner: "Suspicious".
Mose Allison: The Way of the World
The veteran still puts out some classy music. Mose Allison shows his age is not an
obstacle, although it seems to slow him down just a little bit. "The Way of the
World" (Anti-) moves smoothly from one style to another. The standard "My
Babe" is self-ironically converted into "My Brains". Winner: "Everybody Thinks
You're an Angel”.
Latest Finnish Albums
Dave Forestfield: Worn Out Dreams
He never became a sociologist -- instead Dave Forestfield (born Tatu Metsapelto)
is now one of the leading solo artists in Finland. The songs on his latest release,
"Worn Out Dreams" (Propaganda) are timeless, melodic and lyrical. He also has
the ability to combine influences from various areas of roots music. Winner:
"World of Lies".
Pepe Ahlqvist: Nailla Mailla
Pepe Ahlqvist, the seasoned veteran, has been planning to cut a record in
Finnish for a long time. "Nailla Mailla" (Humble House Records) is the answer.
Although non-Finnish speakers won't understand a word, the album clearly is full
of love for African-American music. Pepe is a world-class harpist, but this time
there is no space for the Mississippi saxophone. Winner: "Aina Ei Voi Saada Mitä
Haluaa" (You can't always get what you want).
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Erja Lyytinen: Voracious Love
The leading lady of Finnish blues was, in her
own words, bitten by the rock bug some years
ago. Erja's second international solo album
"Grip of the Blues" was her most rock-oriented
to date. "Voracious Love" (Ruf Records)
continues along the same lines, and takes the
approach a little further. Not bad: the songs
and production rank among the finest on any
scale. Ms Lyytinen's slide guitar is fiery as
ever. Winner: "Don't Let a Good Woman
Down".
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Jo' Buddy & Down Home King III: Everything's Gonna Be Alright
A duo only with drums and an electric guitar? Not the newest of ideas, but it has
attracted a lot of attention in Finland, Europe, and more. Jo' Buddy,
singer-guitarist, and Down Home King III, his trustworthy percussionist, come out
with their third CD as a duo. This is an album that credibly mixes New Orleans
and Chicago influences with Finnish folk music. The CD also celebrates the 10th
Anniversary of Jo' Buddy's little indie label, Ram-Bam Records. Winner: "Tina Mae".
Pete Gage & Doctor's Order: Tough Talk
Pete Gage, former frontman of legendary British pub-rockers Dr Feelgood, teams
up with Finnish musicians and studio personnel. What we get is sure-fire blues,
boogie woogie and rock & roll. Some jazzy stuff, too. Lyrics are mainly
forgettable, but Gage and his band play well and charmingly down home. Guest
appearance by Gypie Mayo (The Yardbirds). Released by Goofin' Records. Winner:
"Living in My Sin".
REVIEWS BY TT TARKIAINEN AND PASI TUOMINEN
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