| CD REVIEW |
| DELTA MIST - JEFF HAYES (2-Song Demo CD) Reviewed by Diane Wells |
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| The sterling-silver lead vocals of Seattle drummer (and firefighter) Jeff Hayes first caught my ears when reviewing a CD by the Blues Orbiters, an excellent West Coast band with more than its fair share of great singers. Hence, Jeff�s departure last year to pursue a solo career, among his many other musical endeavours, one of which entailed a 2004 tour of the Mississippi Delta with Clarksdale blueman Terry �Big T� Williams. Greatly inspired by his musical comrades in the Homeland of the Blues, Jeff composed �Delta Mist�, a sweet but naughty song chronicling a clandestine love tryst that had run its course. This laid-back acoustic number features Jeff on vocals and percussion. Taking his cue from the resourceful Robert Johnson, his �gear� consists of a cardbox box, a brush and a microphone. The 1930 National Steel guitar work is provided by none other than Kimball Conant (of The Fugitives), whose soulful playing style greatly resembles that of his deceased brother, Dave Conant, a musical legend in Seattle circles. Kimball has carefully layered two guitar tracks, one while playing a slide, and the other, performing his finger-picking manoeuvers. I confess that I �got lost� in the guitar strains so much that I had to listen to the song again, this time to focus on the lyrics themselves, something that would be unavoidable with a less complementary vocalist. As it is, repeated listens will produce a variety of previously unnoticed nuances. Along with the Matt Minglewood-like introductory narrative, I loved the refrain, �Don�t you pick no cotton; don�t you pull no cart; Let the Blues be in your soul, but never in your heart.� I would personally interpret that as advice to be the master of your own destiny. The second track, �As the Years Go Passing By�, written by Dan Malone but previously recorded by both Albert King and Gary Moore, is performed here by the Usual Suspects � Tom and Paul Dehass � on guitar and bass, respectively, with Jeff on lead vocals and playing a full drumkit. It�s a slow-blues scorcher along the lines of �Still Got the Blues for You� (another of Mr. Moore�s classic blues anthems) and also features spectacular fretwork as well as B-3 keyboarding by Steve Flynn of Jr. Cadillac. This track is a perfect showcase for Jeff�s dynamic, well-articulated vocals. I doubt if he is even aware of the full potential of them, but I much prefer this understated approach anyway; over-produced vocals don�t do a thing for me. Jeff Hayes is a classy gentleman who has released a two-sided musical coin epitomizing the rural origin and urban progression of blues music. No self-respecting DJ should be without it! To contact Jeff for a copy of the demo CD or for bookings, email [email protected] or visit him at Stickshift Annie's website at www.stickshiftannie.com/JeffHayes.html (there are some great photos there of his Delta tour!). Check out Stickshift Annie while you are at it! UPDATE: Jeff Hayes is now playing drums with Becki Sue and Her Big Rockin' Daddies! |
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