| CD REVIEW |
| This second CD of popular blues/rock classics, which follows the band's hugely successful "Live Rounds from Seattle", was also recorded live, this time at Big Daddy's Place in Woodinville, WA, with the regular fabulous line-up of band founders Brad Spear (lead guitar and slide guitar) and Bill Majkut (bass guitar), along with Bill Brammer (drums and vocals), Jack Johnston (lead guitar and vocals) and Jamie Phalen (lead vocals and congas). New piano-man Dave Cashin proves more than capable here of filling the shoes of former keyboardist Rik Ulsky (now with Nicole Fournier & Her 3-lb. Universe). While the former CD was more of a guitar-heavy effort (on both leads and bass), this CD gives more prominence to that special effect that only keyboards can give to playing the blues, and it works like a charm! That's not to say the double lead guitarists are slacking off in any way, shape or form either. Upon hearing "I Still Got the Blues" towards the end of the CD, I was scrambling to remember who had performed the original! Some quick research yielded the name of Gary Moore, whose name I had at first confused with Gary Wright ("Dream Weaver"). Apart from the difference in vocals (charismatic Jamie�s trademark growl is a cross between Wolfman Jack, Joe Cocker and David Lee Roth), the guitar rendition by Brad Spear came pretty close to following the original leadwork while still allowing for his own personal styling - absolutely stunning! Although I had never previously heard the first track, it was obviously an Allman Brothers cover, which segued into another of their tunes, "It's Not My Cross to Bear". Smokin' Gun has, in fact, been previously complimented on its uncanny ability to reproduce the Allman Brothers sound and this CD is no exception. Fortunately, they know when to give it up and get on with their own individual sound, as evidenced on their take of "Before You Accuse Me" (E. McDaniel), popularized by Creedence Clearwater Revival and Eric Clapton, on whose CD Gary Wright coincidentally handles the mixing! Jack Johnston, an equally proficient lead guitarist, shares the limelight with Brad Spear and Dave Cashin on B.B. King's "The Thrill is Gone", bringing a new element of urgency and anxiety to the composition, and the whole crew gets into an exciting manic boogie on "Sugaree"! While I'd like to compliment the two Bills on individual tracks, it's pretty nearly impossible, as their talent is consistently excellent throughout the CD, although if I had to choose one song in particular, it would have to be the Doors' "Roadhouse Blues" - the quintessential jamming song! And what better cover to end a CD with than Stevie Ray Vaughan's "Cold Shot"? Now that I've heard Smokin' Gun surpass the grade on covers, I can't wait to hear their upcoming CD of original material! Apparently there were originals as well on their first (also award-winning) CD, Bad Luck Blues, which also features 1997 WBS award-winning saxophonist/ recording engineer Raven Humphres on "Nothin� Good to Say", which has to be heard to be believed! Raven has also released a brand-new CD called On the Loose, which I intend to snatch up as well! Diane Wells |
| RUNNIN' FOR COVER - SMOKIN' GUN |
 |
| TO RETURN TO CD REVIEW INDEX PAGE, |
| (Original cover artwork) |
| (Final cover artwork) |
 |
 |