Blues Album Reviews
Eric Sardinas - Treat Me Right (CD)
Well, what can I say. This guy has just blown the blues scene apart! Playing slide on a Dobro Guitar (the metal ones) through a stack of Rivera amps set on shred. This guys tone is just to die for, songs like My Baby's Got Something (originally written by John Lee Hooker and Bernard Besman) and Get Along Rider would get any party blazing. Sardinas also throws in a few mellower moments, but these still rock. And for those rainy days there are a couple of slow numbers, Murdering Blues(!) and Low Down Love. Even Steve Vai saw the talent powering this guy and invited him to support him on his Ultra Zone tour (where your faithful writer was there at the front). A great live act, setting fire to his guitar in true Hendrix style and playing slide with a bottle of Bud which explodes upon conclusion of the song. I can guarantee if you like slidey blues/rock with attitude you will love this, go buy this album. Though you may have trouble finding it (I had to order it) but well worth the hunt. If you spot him coming to your town get a front row seat and be amazed!
5/5
Gwyn Ashton - Feel The Heat (CD)
Not his most recent album (I have yet to find that one) but Feel The Heat by Aussy blueser is a corker. The album kicks off with a solid drum pattern and chugging bass then BOOM a cool slide riff in the style of George Thorogood. People have unfairly labeled Ashton as a Rory Gallagher clone, and he is obviously influenced by the late great Irishman but this collection of blues and rock songs have their own identity. Ashton casually melds styles of guitar playing from old folk/blues to almost metal soloing. Backed by the groove laden rhythm playing of Geoff Brown (bass) and Rick Tredrea (Drums and backing vocals) Feel The Heat is a rollicking ride through the whole gamut of how to play the blooze. When this guy comes to England I will be going.
5/5
Rory Gallagher Irish Tour 1974 (Video)
A superb live video from the late great Rory Gallagher. Previously only seen in cinemas, this shows Rory in his element playing live to his home audience. Between songs are clips of backstage antics, though these are not of the usual drunken rock star behaviour, more like the band tuning up and the drummer putting powder on his feet! Also there are short interviews and clips of Rory playing in music shops and pubs. The songs vary from loud and bombastic to quiet and mellow. Being 1974 the audience is full of crazed tanktop wearing, scarf waving fans. The quality is quite grainy in places but this adds to the charm of the film. A great blast form Rorys past and a long time in coming, but worth the wait. Fantastic.
5/5