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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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Wanna Feel Somethin' - Independent
Mary Bridget Davies
You know what we like? We like CD's that hit you strong and
hard right from the opening bars of the first track. And that's exactly
what this CD does. Ms. Davies hits the ground running with powerful
vocals and a superb backing band. And guess what? It gets better! The
second tune explodes with intensity and fire and is sure to get your
mojo workin'. They do slow things down on the third track, but by then,
you're ready for a bit of R n' R. Even so, the third track, "Same Ol'
Blues," is superbly executed and will grip you till the end.
The entire collection
of mostly original tunes is well arranged and provides a solid platform
for the band and Ms. Davies stunning vocals. This is the band's debut
release, but they perform like a group of well seasoned veterans. Have
a listen.
http://marybridgetdavies.com/
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Where I'm Coming From... - Tastee
Tone
Dave Keller
The objective of this CD was to create an album of "soul covers."
May I say that the results are glorious! Seems like there is too little
of this music being recorded and performed in today's market. But to listen
to it brings back memories and feelings that are seldom captured by far
too many of today's artists. The music is smooth, seductive, full of feeling,
and yes, soulful. Dave Keller does a masterful job of singing and performing
these classic soul tunes. And the band, The Revelations, absolutely nail
it. Kudos to Dave Keller, The Revelations, and a host of additional
musicians that brought life to this wonderful selection of pleasing and
powerful tunes. And thanks to all the artists that inspired, pioneered
and performed the originals.
You got soul!
http://davekeller.com/ |
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Congratulations - Painted
Rock
Records
Amy Hart
We enjoyed this CD - a lot. Ms. Hart displays a confident, commanding
vocal style which superbly complements the well arranged songs on this
well produced CD. Superb performances by the killer backing band really
bring the songs to life. And what songs. Amy Hart has authored 10 lively,
upbeat, catchy tunes that captivated our hearts and ears for the entire
sonic thrill ride of the CD. Good stuff.
http://amyhart.com/ |
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The Big Show - Houndog
Records
Papa J and Friends
This is a great CD chock full of Blues standards performed with
energy and enthusiasm. "Checkin Up On My Baby," "Further On Up the Road,"
"Laundromat Blues" and other classics reverberate with authenticity and
yet come alive with superb treatments by Papa J, Blues Gone South, The
Flames and Lance Dieckmann.
There's tons of spot on guitar and harp, as well as great vocals by Papa
J and Michelle Cole. It's great to hear these tunes performed as they
should be - by musicians whom obviously respect the genre and are clearly
enjoying the performance. Kudos for a job well done.
http://papajandfriends.com/ |
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The Mighty Mojo Prophets - Rip Cat
The Mighty Mojo Prophets
This self titled first release from The Mighty Mojo Prophets is
testament to the fact that the Blues is alive and well in Southern California
- not only well, but vibrant. The songs capture the essence of the great
Blues tunes and bands of yesteryear, but amazingly, most of the tunes are
original. This speaks well of the band's talent and devotion to the genre.
The vocals are smooth, yet authoritative, and the guitar is as slick, spot
on, and authentic as it gets. It's a pleasure to listen to young musicians
that are honoring the genre and pushing it forward with energy and enthusiasm.
We thorouhly enjoyed The Mighty Mojo Prophets.
Grab this CD.
http://www.mightymojoprophets.com/ |
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Groove - Big Whale
Artists
The Johnny Childs Band
This CD is totally refreshing! Simple instrumentation and production
coupled with Johnny Childs unique phrasing are a winning combination. Seldom
have we heard an artist so firmly rooted in the genre yet so riding on
the edge of inventive and creative twists within. Songs like
"Don't Quit The Man" explode with energy and swing relentlessly - and all
the while Johnny's phrasing explores undiscovered sonic and rhythmic terrain.
Riffs like that on "I'm A Ram" burrow into your consciousness
and won't let go - but oh, so tasty!
For tone, touch, technique and fun factor, dial in this CD and your entertainment
and listening pleasure is assured. Highly recommended.
http://www.johnnychilds.com/ |
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Holler and Stomp - Blind
Pig Records
The Cash Box Kings
What a fantastic record! From the opening bars of Holler & Stomp
we were immediately struck by the authenticity and spirit of the tunes,
and the recordings thereof. The liner notes indicate that the tracks were
recorded on vintage equipment - and that explains a lot of why we felt
we were back in time listening to original recordings from the 40s and
50s (without the snap, crackle & pop of the vinyl). The spirit and musicianship
is equally up to the task of transporting us to a simpler time and place
- full of joy and foot tapping goodness. I defy anyone to listen to "Hayseed
Strut" and not smile, stomp their feet and have a generally good time.
The CD is filled with a combination of originals and covers, including
an early number by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards and another by Muddy
Waters. There's even a great countrified blues number by Hank Williams
Sr. Good stuff all around. Plenty of Honky Tonk and Barrelhouse goin' on
here.
For a spirited and joyful trip down memory lane, spin this disc soon.
http://cashboxkings.com/ |
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False Profits, Love & Border Towns - HarveyCMusic
Harvey Charles
How would we characterize this CD? The performances are low key,
and the songs are minimally produced. Harvey Charles has written and performed
a collection of introspective tunes that portray a slice of life. Perhaps
his own, but certainly a part of every one.
The thing that strikes us the most is the unique and clever guitar styling's
on all of the tunes. For us, that is what makes the CD stand out. Harvey's
voice is calm and restrained, but the guitar parts leap out of each track
and make the CD a joy to listen to.
So if you're looking for an energetic electric Blues CD filled with burning
solos and churning rhythms, look elsewhere. But if your intent is to sit
back, relax and enjoy a subtle journey following an artists muse, then
give this CD a spin.
http://www.harveycharlesmusic.com/ |
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Overclocked - Sandy
Key Music
Jim Allchin
No wonder they entitled this CD "Overclocked."
The high
octane fretboard excursions of Jim Allchin are pushing the tachometer
of his Stratocaster into the red and beyond. The CD's all original tunes
provide a satisfying backdrop to his powerfully potent rhythmic and lead
chops. (We couldn't help but think that if Eddie Van Halen had played
the Blues he would've sounded like Jim Allchin.) But we can also discern
Albert King on the slow blues, "One for the Money."
Transition to track 6, "Fall," where the guitar displays the more sensitive
emotions of Mr. Allchin's exploratory musical wanderings...and on to
the opening harmonics of "Mr. Unknown..."
I guess there's a
bit of everything here. From monster Blues guitar with massive tones
to the purity and openness of a clean sounding Stratocaster in the hands
of a master.
Try this one on for size.
http://www.jimallchin.com/ |
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Voodoo Workin' - Blue
Edge Records
Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires
featuring James "Rock" Gray
This CD brings back memories of a simpler time, when music was unprocessed,
pure and joyful to listen to. James Gray's vocals are perfect for this
journey down memory lane. They fit the uncluttered music to a "T," and
work well with the equally sparse but spot on guitar work of Steve Gerard.
Doug James also brings feelings reminiscent of a 50s' sock hop to the
mix - all in a good way. In short, the tones, the textures and the talented
performers all combine perfectly to produce a timeless and thoroughly
enjoyable CD.
Check it out.
http://www.nationaldebonaires.com/
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