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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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Pleasure & Pain - Blue
Rock Records
Dennis Jones
When we first looked at this CD, we thought, "Uh oh, another angry
young man." Dennis' expression on the CD cover gave us that impression.
But, what
a pleasant surprise! We hear a lot of music coming our way, but seldom
do we hear anything as uplifting as this CD, "Pleasure & Pain."
Each track is different from the last. Dennis Jones not only excels at
writing great music, but his guitar work is as good as it gets. Each song
is filled with great riffs, stinging leads and red hot rhythms. It will
be a pleasure to hear how Dennis evolves. After hearing this CD, we're
already looking forward to his next.
Keep the music coming Dennis. And smile. You did good. |
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I Got Blues for You -
NorthernBlues
Music
The Homemade Jamz Blues Band
Well, this is a tough one to review...we love the band. The
kids are all very talented. The songs are all very interesting. Ryan
especially shines on lead guitar and vocals. His guitar seems to dwell
in the Albert King world and yet he has a voice of his own. Taya and
Kyle, on drums and bass respectively, hold down the groove with authority.
So what's our gripe?
We think the mix detracts from what otherwise would be a great CD. The
drums seem to be on top of the rest of the mix - and it's distracting to
hear a snare drum and cymbals that are so in your face. And to top it off,
the bass guitar is almost inaudible compared to the rest of the instruments.
Too bad. The kids deserve better than this.
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Born Lover - Black
Shuck Records
Big BIll Morganfield
Wow! Big Bill hits the mark with this CD! We were surprised
and pleased that he sounds so much like his father, the late Muddy
Waters. And yet, the music is fresh and modern as well as firmly rooted
in the tradition of Chicago Blues. Big Bill's voice is perfect, and
his guitar playing and the rhythm section sparkle with enthusiasm on
every track.
This is Blues as it was meant to be played and heard. Raw, real, and to
the bone.
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Escape From the Chicken Coop - NorthernBlues
Music
Watermelon Slim
This CD is the result of Watermelon Slim's desire to record a country
music CD. Having followed and enjoyed his earlier releases, we regard him
as an authentic and one of a kind Bluesman. So we approached this CD with
a bit of curiosity and hoped for the the best.
We are pleased to report that we enjoyed the CD immensely. When it comes
down to it, Slim is an American treasure. His style is unique and transcends
genre classification. If you've enjoyed Slim playing the Blues, you'll
equally enjoy him paying tribute to country music.
For us, Watermelon Slim
is an artist of American Roots Music. And the genre doesn't matter
- he's the real deal, a master of his art, an American treasure. |
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Like I Do - 56 Deluxe
Productions
56 Deluxe
This CD is a like a celebration of early rock n' roll - with
a modern twist. The tenor sax brings us back to the early 60's when tenor
sax was king. But unlike early rock n' roll, the guitar also plays a dominant
roll in the music and solos - and we LOVE the tone of AZ Kenny Tsak's guitar
- nice, fat and juicy.
In addition to stellar musicianship, the CD boasts a compliment of
mostly original songs and they all make us want to get up and dance!
So if you like your Blues with a dash of rock n' roll, great musicianship,
and tunes that move you, give this CD a spin. |
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Blind for Love - Eclecto
Groove Records
Ana Popvic
One of our favorite Blues divas, Ana Popovic, returns with a great
CD of all original tunes.
We first heard, met and interviewed Ana in 2005,
and we can say that as impressive as she was then, her musical journey
continues to evolve.
Her new release displays a growing instrumental
and vocal authority that highlights her diverse and adventurous song selections.
Don't expect to hear the "same ol' Blues," on this disc. Instead, sit back
relax and groove to the eclectic, adventurous and exciting sounds of an
artist brimming with an explosive creativity that drives her Blues to the
limit. |
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Dearest Darlin' - Dandelion
Music
Jenni Muldaur
I can hear you now. You’re saying, “Wait a minute. Muldaur.
I know that name from somewhere”. You’d be right. Jenni Muldaur
is the daughter of two of the nation’s most interesting musicians;
Geoff Muldaur and Maria Muldaur; the latter known as the sultry singer
of New Orleans. Geoff Muldaur is a masterful singer/song writer/guitarist
having played with Paul Butterfield and recorded with Jerry Garcia and
Bonnie Raitt.
As they say, apples don’t fall far from the tree. Man, as I’m
writing this review I’m listening to “Dearest Darling”;
Jenni’s newest album and I can tell you sure as I’m sittin’ here
that this is one great piece of work.
This young lady has a voice that
just oozes soul, spirit and sense of confidence of her place in the world;
somewhere between Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. If it’s possible
to get the best genes of both parents, Jenni Maldaur has pulled it off.
All
but one of the songs on this album are “vintage” songs;
she wrote “Comatose Town”; a song that makes you want to
pour a glass of single malt scotch and light up a cigarette even if don’t
drink or smoke.
Jenni sounds as if she could just have easily been around
in the days of sequins dresses, cigarette holders and four-inch heels.
She has a remarkable ability to drift from one era to another and end
up square into the music of today. There is not another singer/entertainer
out there today who can pull this off with the grace and ease of Jenni
Muldaur.
Currently on tour with David Byrne of the Talking Heads, Jenni
can be found in Europe this summer. She should be back in the states
late summer or fall. Right now before you do another thing go to: http://www.jennimuldaur.com.
As soon as you get there save her website in your “favorites” file
so that you can keep track of her. She’s one busy lady, but rest
assured that she’ll be somewhere near you someday. And when that
day comes you better be ready. You don’t want to miss one of the
greatest talents of our day. You’ll be glad you did.
Downtown Bob
Stannard |
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Super Hero - Delta
Groove
Candye Kane
We can't say enough about this disc. Candye's vocal command
is as good as it gets, and it seems that she always offers up the best
musicians to present her material. Laura Chavez provides quite a bit
of magic on this disc, and combined with Candye's vocals and the great
selection of tunes, it's a testament to the health of the Blues when
done right.
The fact that Candye has recovered from a bout with cancer is another
testament. One that reminds us that life is precious and every moment
should be celebrated - and that's what this disc is - a celebration
of the human spirit. A celebration of a Superhero. Welcome back, Candye!
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Comin' Back Hard - Delta
Groove
Bobby Jones
Tradition done right. Just the right blend of Blues and R&B to stoke your
fire. Great tunes, great grooves and the human condition expressed as only
this music can.
It's all here. A great rhythm section flowing under
exquisite guitar, harp and keys. Bobby's vocals float on top of it all
with expressive emotion that has this listener tapping his feet and bobbin'
his head. A real treat.
Music done well speaks for itself, and this disc says a lot. Spin it soon. |
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Split Decision - Blind
Pig Records
Roy Rogers
Well, we must admit, the first track had us scratching our head - kind
of too processed sounding. What was Roy thinking? We wondered, will we
even get past it to hear the rest?
Innovative? Hmmm...
Well, we're happy to report that once past the first tune, "Calm Before
the Storm," business picked up.
Although the rest of the CD is in fact innovative, it bridges the distance
of its originality with more familiar territory. We can hear the roots
and appreciate the fresh approach as well. The all original tunes on the
CD are fresh, with a spark of studio magic - just enough to please without
distracting from the music. Yes. Fresh and honest too. The tune "Someone
like You," is a perfect example - and a perfect tune.
Now, if we can only get past the first track...
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