| CD REVIEW |
| TWO THINGS FOR SURE - BLUES ALLIANCE (2005) |
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| There are two things I�m personally sure of here � firstly, it�s been much too long since this wonderful group of musicians released a follow-up to its 2003 debut; and secondly, it was well worth the wait. If you love the harmony-filled vocals of Motown, soul and rhythm and blues that dominated in the late �50s and early �60s, this is a revitalized version capturing that essence. Their collective experience playing with Albert Collins, John Lee Hooker, Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Freddy Cannon, R.B. Greaves, Ann Wilson (of Heart), Angel Baby and her Daddyos, Tanglefoot, etc., etc., lends credence to their well-earned chops. While the band first caught my ear with Laurie Johnson�s gutsy vocals, this second release alternates the spotlight on each of the band members� individual and collective talents. Doug Skoog (the band�s founder) has an equally healthy set of lungs to express his own lead vocals. His forte as a keyboard player is also displayed successively better and more intricately on each and every track. Whether the two singers take the lead solo, in duets or harmoniously with the whole band, it always sounds great. Two Things for Sure presents itself as fairly laid-back and relaxed, with a stimulating variation within the danceable rhythms and beautiful melodies. The selection of songs, both original and covers, includes a country-blues slant with searing slide guitar licks by Steve Cavanaugh on the opener, �It�s 2:00 a.m. (do you know where your baby is�), also covered by Shemekia Copeland. Ms. Johnson demonstrates her vocal dynamics and intensity throughout the CD. When she sings how her baby taught her how to �make a song cry� (on "Lord, Fill the Hole"), you can believe she learned her lesson well, although there aren�t any �tear-jerking� songs included here, just a lot of emotion. A wistful ballad titled �Tacoma Rain" features piano noodling on par with anything by Elton John. Tacoma is a midway point among their various whereabouts in the state of Washington. Laurie is originally from South Puget Sound and is well acquainted with Eastern North America. Lead guitarist Steve Cavanaugh, electric fretless bassist Doug Fulcher and drummer Billy �Hot Pocket� Barner are top-notch players and back-up vocalists, which is particularly evident on �I Don�t Wanna Lose You� (one of the original suggested titles for the CD). Skoog wrote it a week before the recording was scheduled to begin, and the band expertly recorded the take after only one rehearsal. Drummer Billy Barner gets to perk up with a funky marching beat on the most upbeat track, �Two Things for Sure (one I can�t have and the other I can�t lose)�, i.e. good love and the blues. It�s an organ-filled, bass-slapping original that showcases the solid songwriting, thrilling guitar work and harmony vocals. Billy's wife, Sharon, a Canadian, created the cover artwork for the CD. Further on, there�s another slow-blues, titled �Say It�s Not So� (by Angela Strehli), featuring Laurie on wildcat vocals, and, like all the others, bears repeated listens. There�s a piano-trilling version of Hendrix�s �Little Wing�, featuring Doug on vocals and Bruce Hornsby-like keys that is very innovative and quite pleasing to the ears. Steve Cavanaugh accompanies soulfully on guitar, but the focus is really on the piano on this rendition. Otis Day�s �Shamalama" is also included, reminding me heavily of Ben E. King, and then there�s the Motown-soul-gospel mix of �Lover, You Don�t Treat Me No Good No More�. Although I wasn�t previously familiar with the latter, it was a hit for Chicago band Sonia Dada in 1999 and not surprisingly so � it�s been running through my head repeatedly, with no signs of abatement. Two Things for Sure is an outstanding release by Blues Alliance that sets itself apart from run-of-the-mill blues. For more information, visit www.bluesalliance.net. |