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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.
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AMERICANA - Rip Cat Records
The 44s
We love this CD! It starts out with the up tempo, "Hanging Tree,"
and never stops rocking out. The thing is, the music is raw and honest,
the way we think Blues should be. Too often, we hear "Blues" that is over
produced and processed like homogenized milk. Yuck! That is definitely
not the case with this CD, and The 44s! Earthy, organic tones, emotionally
tinged vocals and superbly performed original tunes, as well as a couple
of classics by Willie Dixon and Howlin' Wolf. Kid Ramos guests on several
tracks and assisted The 44s in producing this fine outing. If you like
the real deal, then we promise you, you'll like this CD!
http://the44sband.com |
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Heaven - Blind
Pig Records
Pinetop Perkins
This recording is simply a treat and a treasure. From the opening
bars of "44 Blues," Pinetop's vocals and piano playing are mesmerizing.
Special guests include Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and Otis Clay, and classic
Blues tunes "Sitting On Top of The World" and "Sweet Home Chicago" spring
to life when performed under Pinetop's perfect piano treatments. No wonder
the man had such a long and illustrious career.
The CD cover states, "Rare Previously Unreleased Tracks." We don't know
why that would be, but we gladly accept the gift that they are, and heartily
endorse this wonderful recording. Truly "Heaven."
http://www.pinetopperkins.com/ |
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Dressed Up to Fess Up - Fruition
Records
The Strata-Tones
Think deep grooves, great tunes, spot-on rhythms and commanding
vocals and you'll have an idea of what this CD is all about. And it all
sounds FRESH, yet with a tip of the hat to traditional R&B. Sweet stuff!
In short, we love the material, the performances and the groove. This
is a recording that definitely deserves repeat listening. BUT - we must
confess... there is one tune we could have done without. (And we know
this will likely ruffle feathers with their fans...) But here it is -
the last tune on the CD, a live rendition of "Ball And Chain," a tour
de force performance by vocalist Valerie Johnson and the band of the
classic Janis Joplin tune.
Yeah, it's a great rendition, and we're sure it went over well in a live
environment, but really, why does every female vocalist feel the need
to strut their chops on this tune? The fact of the matter is, we've heard
it a hundred times before, let it rest. You'd already convinced us that
you were a great band. We didn't need to take this walk down memory lane.
This is 2012. There. We said it. Now go out and buy this CD.
http://www.thestratatones.com/ |
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Back Proch Dogma - Blind
Pig Records
Contino
This tasty collection of eclectic roots music is a refreshing change
of pace for those of us steeped in the Blues. Just a twist of what we love,
with a dose of something new and vibrant. But Americana is Americana and
that's what this is. A bit of all the best of American genres thrown into
a pot, seasoned with just the right amount of superb writing, stellar performances
and heartfelt vibes. Ahhh, and let's not forget the vibrant and sensual
rhythms. It's all here. Blues, zydeco, rockabilly and more. And the result
is a tantalizingly spicy treat for your aural pleasure.
Check it out.
http://www.continoband.com/ |
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