Blues-Rock Review: Ten Years After-A Sting in the Tale (Deluxe Edition)

Release Date: March 19, 2021

Label: 2021 Deko Entertainment / Ten Years After

Website

From across the waters in Nottingham, England, arises a band that’s name derived from the period that saw a boom of rock & roll exhilaration after Elvis Presley broke through the doors of the genre. The band was launched officially in 1967 but, Ten Years After spent the first six years solidifying their group members and working out the band’s kinks. Heavy touring through the first 5 years was the first lead to their growing success. And, though the band suffered splits, and a less-than-stellar album, Ten Years After ultimately resurrected themselves within a new rise to success even 40+ years later.
 
The album A Sting in the Tale has now been re-released with live tracks to bring the band’s power to life in full force. “Land of the Vandals” starts the album out with a rising tide intro that for a rock record, keeps a soothing but steady-handed tone throughout. “Iron Horse” describes someone with the capacity to outperform those around them with every move he makes. Then, we arrive at “Miss Constable” where he sings of a blood-sucking woman who Is not only seemingly abusive but too, is never happy with how things are around her and the person that stands beside her. The guitar solo in this track offers a sense of levity to how dark the song is overall.

“Up In Smoke” really blows a hole in the listener’s heart. If you could look the definition of blues up in the dictionary, this song would be sitting right underneath. The singer speaks of how it’s too late to save him from the woes that have allowed him to arrive at this point in his life. It is overly apologetic but, sadly he knows that there is still no one listening, even at the very end. “Retired Hurt” is kind of somber like the prior track however, with a constant beat behind it and the fact that it sounds like the first-step process of life admissions, the song does not depress listeners entirely. Rather, it is a song of acknowledgment, even if the singer is still questioning what to do next.

“Suranne Suranne” is love slipped away. Although, with the subject matter being should’ve, would’ve, could’ve, it is a fun changeup from the album so far. If only the woman knew who the singer was, would things have been different? “Stoned Alone” is a cool piece, that depicts a relationship starting and ending all within the same breath and now the singer is left in his emotions (now heightened) alone. “Two Lost Souls” is the most fun and free-spirited track on A Sting in the Tale. Its up-tempo, action-movie-car-chase-styled tone brings levity and funk to the rest of the blues-smothered tracks.

“Diamond Girl” is a reminiscent song of this girl who is ideal perfection that sadly either does not stick around or slips out of the singer’s sights and life completely. It sings of this ideal perfection of a person that many dream up but few, if any, could ever find in life; especially since we are all flawed, to begin with. “Last Night of the Bottle,” “Guitar Hero,” and “Silverspoon Lady” all keep a constant pace to end out the record. “Silverspoon Lady” is a strong way to complete the album as the singer announces that this overly entitled-minded woman will not take advantage of this man and “will not get the best of him.”

So, to include the four live tracks, one of the tracks being a lead hit single that blasted the band to top success off of the album A Space in Time. As stated through one of the band’s press releases, it’s certainly true that “you put it on…you can’t just listen once.”

Gregg Keniston - MuzikMan.net Staff
April 1, 2021 

Tracks:
01. Land of the Vandals
02. Iron Horse
03. Miss Constable
04. Up in Smoke
05. Retired Hurt
06. Suranne Suranne
07. Stoned Alone
08. Two Lost Souls
09. Diamond Girl
10. Last Night of the Bottle
11. Guitar Hero
12. Silverspoon Lady
13. Land of the Vandals (Live)
14. I’d Love to Change the World (Live)
15. Silverspoon Lady (Live)
16. Last Night of the Bottle (Live)

Blues - Rock Review: Jimmy Carpenter-Soul Doctor

 Release Date: November 8, 2019
Label: Gulf Coast Records

Website

 If there’s one thing I needed this week, it was a good pick-me-up! Soul Doctor is outstandingly full of energy and true guitarist artistry. Coming from a man who spans close to twenty years and six albums of hard work and music genius. Originally a Country-focused artist Jimmy has maintained much of an Indie look and appeal to his sound.

This is an album to just let all your worries slide away. The opening title track, “Soul Doctor” gives you that revival feel right off the bat. The share between the guitar and the overtaking of the saxophone just blends so effortlessly. The feel-good vibe flows throughout the album, however, thankfully every song varies in their tempo and flavor. “When I Met You,” feels like the artist is constantly reliving that moment when you meet a particular person who just feels like you’ve known them your whole life or you trust them almost immediately. That is possibly one of the strongest bonds of the human race.

Moving forward, “Wild Streak” takes me back to the thought of The Blues Brothers, it seems as though this song would fit them perfectly, both on a studio album and within the movie. If you take a look at the artwork on Soul Doctor, its vibrant color and unique patterns give an idea to the positivity that jumps off the album. The Blues, particularly, in this case, doesn’t always mean negative. Rather, it’s an ode to better times or wanting to relive them in the present somehow.

“Love It So Much,” starts with a drum roll that captures the image of a man marching down the main street to his theme song. His current situation of a routine is just fine by him with a few out of the ordinary happenings along the way. It is my personal favorite of the album because of its reflection on being happy from a minimalist perspective.

Some people long for that close affection of another more than anything else in the world. “Need Your Love So Bad” pays homage to that feeling. The song also has an instrumental section where it breaks away a bit from putting feelings into words. It’s a great transition to showcase what brings the Blues to life…horns and rhythm.

“Wanna Be Right,” is a modern take on a timeless question, what do we desire or want more of? Do you want to be right and have all the answers and things at our disposal, throughout your life, or would you like to be happy and content with life and go with the flow of each day and see what each of us can make of it? The choice is ours.

Following up on that question, the artist creates “One Mint Julep” with all instrumental stylings. The saxophone continues to be the main focus of both the song and album. It lends to a sound that sounds much like a 70’s TV show theme song. However, the keyboard also turns the tune on a more interesting level, bringing down the intensity of the notes then, building back up to the saxophone funk vibe.

Throwing it back somewhat to his Country roots, “Wrong Turn” speaks of how the artist always took the opposite turn of what he was supposed to do. At one point, he says that he sees that things might be changing, but, at the same time, he tells others just what they want to hear. The song is a great combination of Country and Blues, it does a wonderful job of showing the contrast of what we should do and what we go to do; often out of spite.

“Lofi Roulette” is another instrumental piece that is more of a soothing sound than its predecessor. Still keeping with the saxophone, Jimmy Carpenter allows the listener to sit back and relax almost bringing the listener into a trance state to just embrace the sounds and feel of how the guitar builds up and the saxophone stays mostly constant throughout.

“Yeah Man” finishes off the record with a relaxing tune that builds up the listener’s attitude towards the day. The artist speaks of how there are endless possibilities every day as “the sky’s the limit.” It can be pretty struggling at times but, one has to keep the faith that everything will work out for the best of the rest of one’s days…Yeah Man.

Key tracks include: “Wild Streak,” “One Mint Julep,” “Soul Doctor,” and “Love It So Much.”

Gregg Keniston- MuzikMan.net Staff
February 1, 2020

Track Listing:
01. Soul Doctor
02. When I Met You
03. Wild Streak
04. Love It So Much
05. Need Your Love So Bad
06. Wanna Be Right
07. One Mint Julep
08. Wrong Turn
09. Lofi Roulette
10. Yeah Man

Rock-Blues Review: Cream-Nineteen Sixty-Seven

Release Date: April 6, 2018

Label: Vogon

Website

Cream Nineteen Sixty-Seven features a fantastic live recording made for Swedish radio in March 1967 and previously unreleased BBC radio sessions. Also included are live in-concert and live in the studio recordings made in the period leading up to their classic 1967 album Disraeli Gears.

Personally, I have always appreciated Cream and the talents of Eric Clapton (guitar, vocals), Jack Bruce (bass, vocals) and Ginger Baker (drums). I remember when the first round of the remastered catalog CD releases came out many years ago. I was in awe of their power and skill. They were the first supergroup trio that I can recollect. 

This CD is a documentation of a band maturing from a rock-blues band to a progressive wide-open rock-blues improvisation unit. You can hear them stretching out on all of the eleven tracks. “Toad” for instance, just cuts loose on every instrument. Baker’s drums are simply phenomenal and of course, Bruce playing bass, keeping up with his rhythm section mate, is a true wonder. And last but not least is Clapton, peeling off some scorching licks on his six-string. 

Cream was a band destined for music immortality and the music these three men made was incredible. If you stop and considered what they presented, it sounded more like 4 or 5 musicians. That is how amazing they were.

Nineteen Sixty-Seven is a fantastic recording considering how dated it is. The Vogon label did a nice job of curating and a mastering the tracks. They are as clear and concise as I could have hoped for from that time period.

Another example of how this band was cooking along is “Traintime,” with Bruce on harmonica. He definitely emulated a train rolling down the tracks on that blues burner.

Cream fans will be glad to know that this is not just for the completist. This is a group of recordings that have great historical value but at the same time hold up very well to this day. At some point, this release will be coming out on vinyl and I know I will want a copy.

The Vogon label has a growing library of releases of classic rock music. I have provided a link to the Discogs site so you can take a look for yourself.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 26, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

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Tracks:
01. N.S.U.
02. Stepping Out 
03. Traintime 
04. Toad 
05. I'm So Glad 
06. Sleepy Time Time ("Saturday Club", Recorded 8 November 1966 - Broadcast 11 November 1966) 
07. I'm So Glad ("Saturday Club", Recorded 8 November 1966 - Broadcast 11 November 1966) 
08. Traintime ("Saturday Club", Recorded 10 January 1967 - Broadcast 14 January 1967)
09. Toad ("Saturday Club", Recorded 10 January 1967 - Broadcast 14 January 1967) 
10. Tales of Brave Ulysses ("Joe Loss Show", 14 July 1967) 
11. Take it Back ("Joe Loss Show", 14 July 1967)
 

Rock-Blues Review: Cream-Nineteen Sixty-Seven

Release Date: April 6, 2018

Label: Vogon

Website

Cream Nineteen Sixty-Seven features a fantastic live recording made for Swedish radio in March 1967 and previously unreleased BBC radio sessions. Also included are live in-concert and live in the studio recordings made in the period leading up to their classic 1967 album Disraeli Gears.

Personally, I have always appreciated Cream and the talents of Eric Clapton (guitar, vocals), Jack Bruce (bass, vocals) and Ginger Baker (drums). I remember when the first round of the remastered catalog CD releases came out many years ago. I was in awe of their power and skill. They were the first supergroup trio that I can recollect. 

This CD is a documentation of a band maturing from a rock-blues band to a progressive wide-open rock-blues improvisation unit. You can hear them stretching out on all of the eleven tracks. “Toad” for instance, just cuts loose on every instrument. Baker’s drums are simply phenomenal and of course, Bruce playing bass, keeping up with his rhythm section mate, is a true wonder. And last but not least is Clapton, peeling off some scorching licks on his six-string. 

Cream was a band destined for music immortality and the music these three men made was incredible. If you stop and considered what they presented, it sounded more like 4 or 5 musicians. That is how amazing they were.

Nineteen Sixty-Seven is a fantastic recording considering how dated it is. The Vogon label did a nice job of curating and a mastering the tracks. They are as clear and concise as I could have hoped for from that time period.

Another example of how this band was cooking along is “Traintime,” with Bruce on harmonica. He definitely emulated a train rolling down the tracks on that blues burner.

Cream fans will be glad to know that this is not just for the completist. This is a group of recordings that have great historical value but at the same time hold up very well to this day. At some point, this release will be coming out on vinyl and I know I will want a copy.

The Vogon label has a growing library of releases of classic rock music. I have provided a link to the Discogs site so you can take a look for yourself.

4/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

March 26, 2018

Founder of:

MuzikMan Productions

MuzikMan Reviews

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Review Provided By MuzikMan Reviews and News

Tracks:
01. N.S.U.
02. Stepping Out 
03. Traintime 
04. Toad 
05. I'm So Glad 
06. Sleepy Time Time ("Saturday Club", Recorded 8 November 1966 - Broadcast 11 November 1966) 
07. I'm So Glad ("Saturday Club", Recorded 8 November 1966 - Broadcast 11 November 1966) 
08. Traintime ("Saturday Club", Recorded 10 January 1967 - Broadcast 14 January 1967)
09. Toad ("Saturday Club", Recorded 10 January 1967 - Broadcast 14 January 1967) 
10. Tales of Brave Ulysses ("Joe Loss Show", 14 July 1967) 
11. Take it Back ("Joe Loss Show", 14 July 1967)
 

Blues Rock Review: Foghat-Under The Influence

Release Date: June 24, 2016

Label: Foghat Records

Website

Foghat is one of those bands that I have a history with. I feel a lot of excitement and anticipation when they are getting ready to release some new material. I go back to the early days of the 70s when I discovered them in Don Kirschner’s Rock Concert. I distinctly remember Lonesome Dave singing “Honey Hush.”

The first time I heard Under The Influence I was immediately impressed with their spot on combination of traditional blues combined with hard driving rock. There are many examples of that process they have down so well on this album.

The lead off and title track kicks the door open (or should I say kegs filled with vinyl) in a way only Foghat can. Working in their fifth decade of making great music, Foghat still has the engines running full steam ahead and the midnight oil burning.

“Ghost” is the first real killer track after the boys tear it up on the first two tracks and warm up your seat. One of the trademarks of this band is the slide guitar and this one track cements that expertise and fiery sound. The combination of blues and rock, the thumping bass and drums and stinging lead lines and their blistering guitars sound like a blazing fire of music. Bryan Bassett and special guests like Scott Holt and Kim Simmonds make for a real blues rock festival!

“Upside of Lonely” carries with it the irony and comedy that the blues can deliver. Besides having a foot stompin’ riff to push along the perfected made for the blues vocals of Scott Holt, it’s a real cooker and one of my favorites because it made me smile and kept the mood rocking.    

When it comes to catchy riffs I think “Heart Gone Cold” hits the bullseye. This is a get down and get funky rocker with all the lyrics to boot. Foghat does not get any better than this track it’s as simple as that. All of their best is rolled into this one track. To put the icing on the cake and close out the show, they perform an updated version of their classic and most famous track “Slow Ride.” I think it was a good idea as this particular lineup has been together long enough to justify rebooting some of the more famous music. If you want to get an idea of what this band sounds like live, this jam will give you some perspective, yes indeed they can still kick some ass!

If you want to get your motor running and restore your faith in the church of rock ‘n’ roll and a some of its best known disciples (or should I say rock ‘n’ roll outlaws), then check out this excellent studio recording by Foghat titled Under The Influence. This is a very strong effort that is consistent from start to finish. There are no surprises and you get what you came for with this band, straight ahead blues rock with an attitude. There is complete understanding of what the “influence” is and that is a good thing in this case.

Smile Lonesome Dave wherever you are, I think Roger Earl and his mates have preserved the Foghat sound and kicked it up another notch on this one.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ghost, Heart Gone Cold, Upside of Lonely          

Tracks: 
01. Under the Influence   
02. Knock it Off   
03. Ghost   
04. She's Got a Ring in His Nose
05. Upside of Lonely   
06. Heard it Through the Grapevine
07. Made Up My Mind   
08. Hot Mama   
09. Heart Gone Cold   
10. Honey Do List   
11. All Because of You   
12. Slow Ride
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck

October 12, 2016

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MuzikMan Productions

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Vinyl Review: The Animals No. 2 10" Vinyl EP

Format: 10” EP 45 RPM LP

Genre: Blues/Rock

Release Date: April 18, 2015

Label: ABKCO Records

Website

The Animals are one of those legendary blues bands from England that popularized the blues and brought it into the mainstream by injecting rock music into their sound.

ABKCO Records is celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their 3^rd British EP with the release of a high quality vinyl release. This special Record Store Day release was never before released in the U.S. and now it is cut at 45 RPM on 10" black vinyl for audio fidelity. How sweet it is indeed. This will be a fine addition to your library of music if you happen to be a collector not to mention a lover of vintage British white boy blues.

This music was meant to be heard on vinyl and not in a digital format. The LP cover is perfect as it shows the band during that time period. It is hard to believe that 1965 sounds that far away especially if you were just a little tike at the time. 

Eric Burdon (vocals), Bryan (Chas.) Chandler (bass), Hilton Valentine (lead guitar), Alan Price (electric organ) and John Steel (drums) were in this early line up. 

The four tracks are an excellent representation of The Animals electrified blues. Burdon’s soulful distinctive vocals ride along the top of the music as it churns and burns the midnight oil. Side One opens with “I’m in Love” a Burdon original, then comes a number by Price tiled “Bury My Body.” It is interesting how one mood of happiness and a joy of life goes straight away into the moroseness of death, but that’s what the blues are all about. Both are bubbling over with spot on vocals and fine musicianship.

As side two spins two covers are the topic. “I’m Mad Again” a classic John Lee Hooker track done very well and “She Said Yeah,” a bit of a rave up if you will but still soaked in the blues. So you get the best of both worlds on this short jaunt into Animals history, a taste of originals and covers.

This was an enjoyable listen for me, I am big Animals fan and really appreciate the tribute to their early sounds and classic EP releases. I am glad I have it to hold and add to my collection and I suggest you get your copy before they all disappear!
 

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: I’m Mad Again, I'm In Love     

Tracks: 
1. I'm In Love  
2. Bury My Body  
3. I'm Mad Again  
4. She Said Yeah
     

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

April 24, 2015

Review Provided By Write A Music

Blues Rock Review: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble-The Complete Epic Recordings Collection

Release Date: October 27, 2014

Label: Legacy

Website

How much does the world miss Stevie Ray Vaughan? I would venture to say a whole lot considering the state of affairs the music industry is in. Stevie was a shooting star burning ever so brightly before his light was so abruptly extinguished by an ill-fated helicopter crash. Unlike some of the guitar legends that came before him he stopped living life by the drop and was in recovery before he died. This is what made it so much harder to take when the news arrived of his fatal accident. SRV certainly made an indelible impression on us all when he was recording music. Those of us that remember his meteoric rise harkens back to another time when a great guitar player named Hendrix did the same thing. Further proof of SRV and Double Trouble’s relevance is the upcoming induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

The Complete Epic Recordings Collection is 12 CDs housed in a clam shell box with each CD in its own single sleeve and a booklet is included. 

I think it’s safe to say that Stevie and his band Double Trouble were most comfortable performing live where they could cut loose and improvise, much to the delight of their audiences. Half of the CDs in this set are live recordings so that should put those thoughts into a proper perspective going forward.

The key studio recordings released prior to his passing are present of course, Texas Flood, Couldn't Stand The Weather, Soul To Soul and In Step.Those four studio releases stand as classic renderings of blues rock to this day, in fact now more than ever. Artists like Stevie come along once in a while and he wasted no time in making sure we knew he had arrived. It is unfortunate the iconic artists such as this continue to gain momentum even though they are not here to enjoy it. The best part about music is that it lasts forever and we can listen any time we like, which on the flip side is very fortunate for those of us that remain.

Besides the obvious, the fantastic and clearly relevant studio releases, it is all the live recordings that make such a stunning impact on the set. Stevie Ray Vaughan (guitar), Chris Layton (drums), Tommy Shannon (bass) and Reese Wynans (keyboards) had their mojo workin’ in a live setting; there is no question about that on any of the recordings. The first revelation comes at you like a runaway truck on the first disc in the set In The Beginning (KLBJ-FM radio broadcast). This is when people where just starting to discover SRV and his band. It was recorded at the band’s home base in Austin Texas on April 1, 1980. 

What I found amazing about this introduction was that once you listened you just knew that Stevie was destined for immortality. I was watching a video clip of him at a sound check, wiping the sleep out of his eyes and yawning yet strapping on that guitar like it was his first cup of coffee in the morning. Some people are just destined to play the guitar and they find their way to greatness in short order, well most of the legends the general public is aware of did anyway.

I appreciated this box set for many reasons and first because I have always been a SRV fan. Blues can be a predictable and sometimes repetitive genre, reworking a lot of the same licks over and over again but Stevie was innovative and fresh at all times. I do love the blues and always have but there are times it does not hold my attention long enough, with Stevie it was always different. An added bonus is the two discs titled Archives. That is one of the special extras you get with a box set.

After revisiting his studio releases and hearing all of the fantastic live material it reconfirmed my belief that he was one of the blues greats and will always be in the upper echelon of guitar players when discussing the best that ever strapped on a six string. This one came just in time to be a stocking stuffer for your favorite blues fan so doesn’t miss out!

5/5 Stars

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

December 17, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music 

Tracks:

Disc 1: In The Beginning (KLBJ-FM radio broadcast produced by Wayne Bell

Recorded April 1, 1980; Austin, Texas
In The Open
Slide Thing
They Call Me Guitar Hurricane
All Your Love I Miss Loving
Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place In Town)
Love Struck Baby
Tell Me
Shake For Me
Live Another Day

Originally released as Epic 53168, 1992 / Peak chart position: #58

Disc 2: Live At Montreux 1982 (July 17, 1982; Montreux International Jazz Festival)

Hide Away
Rude Mood
Pride And Joy
Texas Flood
Love Struck Baby
Dirty Pool
Give Me Back My Wig
Collins Shuffle

Originally released as Epic/Legacy 86151, 2001 / Peak chart position: #178

Disc 3: Live At Montreux 1985 (July 15, 1985; Montreux International Jazz Festival)

Scuttle Buttin'
Say What!
Ain't Gone 'N' Give Up On Love
Pride And Joy
Mary Had A Little Lamb
Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place In Town)
Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)
Texas Flood
Life Without You
Gone Home
Couldn't Stand The Weather

Originally released as Epic/Legacy 86151, 2001 / Peak chart position: #178

Disc 4: Texas Flood

Love Struck Baby
Pride And Joy
Texas Flood
Tell Me
Testify
Rude Mood
Mary Had A Little Lamb
Dirty Pool
I'm Cryin'
Lenny

Produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Richard Mullen and Double Trouble / Executive Producer: John Hammond / Originally released as Epic 38734, 1983 / Peak chart position: #38

Disc 5: A Legend In The Making—Live At The El Mocambo (recorded Toronto, Canada, July 20, 1983, originally released for radio broadcast only)

Testify
So Excited
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Pride And Joy
Tell Me
Mary Had A Little Lamb
Texas Flood
Love Struck Baby
You'll Be Mine
Hug You, Squeeze You
Little Wing/Third Stone From The Sun
Lenny
Wham!
Rude Mood

Disc 6: Couldn't Stand The Weather (1984)

Scuttle Buttin'
Couldn't Stand The Weather
The Things (That) I Used To Do
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Cold Shot
Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place In Town)
Honey Bee
Stang's Swang

Produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chris Layton, Tommy Shannon, Richard Mullen, and Jim Capfer / Executive Producer: John Hammond / Originally released as Epic 39304, 1984 / Peak chart position: #31

Disc 7: Live At Carnegie Hall (Recorded October 4, 1984; New York City)

Intro--Ken Dashow/John Hammond
Scuttle Buttin'
Testify
Love Struck Baby
Honey Bee
Cold Shot
Letter To My Girlfriend
Dirty Pool
Pride And Joy
The Things That I Used To Do
C.O.D.
Iced Over
Lenny
Rude Mood

Produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan / Originally released as Epic 68163, 1997 / Peak chart position: #40

Disc 8: Soul To Soul (1985)

Say What!
Lookin' Out The Window
Look At Little Sister
Ain't Gone 'N' Give Up On Love
Gone Home
Change It
You'll Be Mine
Empty Arms
Come On (Part III)
Life Without You

Produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Double Trouble and Richard Mullen / Executive Producer: John Hammond / Originally released as Epic 40036, 1985 / Peak chart position: #34

Disc 9: Live Alive (Recorded July 16, 1985, Montreux International Jazz Festival; July 17-18, 1986, Austin, Texas; July 19, 1986, Dallas, Texas)

Say What!
Ain't Gone 'N' Give Up On Love
Pride And Joy
Mary Had A Little Lamb
Superstition
I'm Leaving You (Commit A Crime)
Cold Shot
Willie The Wimp
Look At Little Sister
Texas Flood
Voodoo Child (Slight Return)
Love Struck Baby
Change It
Life Without You

Produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble / Originally released as Epic 40511, 1986 / Peak chart position: #52

Disc 10: In Step (1989)

The House Is Rockin'
Crossfire
Tightrope
Let Me Love You Baby
Leave My Girl Alone
Travis Walk
Wall Of Denial
Scratch-N-Sniff
Love Me Darlin'
Riviera Paradise

Produced by Jim Gaines & Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble / Recorded in Memphis, Tennessee and Los Angeles, California /
Originally released as Epic 45024, 1989 / Peak chart position: #33

Disc 11: Archives/Disc One

Tin Pan Alley (aka Roughest Place In Town)
Empty Arms
Come On (Part III)
Look At Little Sister
The Sky Is Crying
Hide Away
Give Me Back My Wig
Boot Hill
Wham!
Close To You
Little Wing
Stang's Swang

Disc 12: Archives/Disc Two
 
May I Have A Talk With You
Boilermaker
The Sky Is Crying
Shake And Bake
So Excited
Slip Slidin' Slim
Chitlins Con Carne
Little Wing/Third Stone From The Sun
Boot Hill
Life By The Drop

Archives/Disc One, Track 1 produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Richard Mullen and Double Trouble; Executive Producer: John Hammond
Archives/Disc One, Tracks 2-12 produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Chris Layton, Tommy Shannon, Richard Mullen, and Jim Capfer; Executive Producer: John Hammond
Archives/Disc Two, Tracks 1-8 produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan, Double Trouble and Richard Mullen; Executive Producer: John Hammond
Archives/Disc Two, Track 9 produced by Jim Gaines & Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble
Archives/Disc Two, Track 10 produced by Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jim Gaines

Blues Rock Review: Johnny Winter-Step Back

Release Date: September 2, 2014

Label: Megaforce Records

Website

July 16, 2014 is a day in the history of the blues that is forever etched upon our minds. We lost Johnny Winter, one of the greatest blues guitar players to ever step on stage. His contribution to the genre cannot be summed up in short order. His legacy of music is one of the pillars of strength that keep the blues alive and well.

Fortunately for music fans he completed his final album before passing away and it will likely go down as one of his very best. Step Back is a guitar hero tribute, not just for Johnny but for those players that admired him and had the honor of being part of the project.

The list is impressive. Of course his longtime guitarist/producer and best friend Paul Nelson (read the recent interview) who came up with concept of the album and also contributed guitar parts, was a huge part of this. The guests include Joe Perry, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Jason Ricci, Ben Harper, Leslie West, Dr. John, Joe Bonamassa and Brian Setzer. 

Winter’s voice is strong throughout and his guitar playing is clear and concise. The opening track “Unchain My Heart” is vintage Winter as his guitar moans and screams for release. The Blues Brothers Horns add the extra element to give it more feeling and depth.

“Don’t Want No Woman” has to be one of the highlights with another blues legend Eric Clapton, going toe to toe with Johnny. When it comes to the blues it’s all about lovers lost and various other life predicaments. The vocals and guitar playing are what supports those stories perfectly. It does not get any better than this. “Who Do You Love,” the classic tune covered by so many artists over the years, has some smokin’ hot slide guitar riffs that completely “Winterize” it. “Okie Dokie Stomp” is a rollicking instrumental with Brian Setzer that takes Winter back to his roots in Texas. It really is a rockabilly stomp to die for. Lighting fast guitar riffs and a locomotive rhythm section make this one unforgettable. 

Another blues burner for the ages is “Mojo Hand” with Joe Perry and Billy Gibbons. This is the best track on the album. Winter sounds so vital and strong and with the helping hand of two other legends, the track just cooks along like a well-oiled machine. This is blues rock at its very zenith. Those are some of the highlights from 13 tracks of pure energized blues from one of the masters of the trade. I heard no weak points throughout the run of this album.

Winter was always a star and before he left this earth he burned as bright as ever with Step Back. I believe he will finally get his Grammy with this monumental accomplishment. As it is with many of the greats that have come and gone, his big moment in the sun will likely come now that he is gone. When that hardware is presented he won’t be here to accept it but will certainly be watching from afar with a big grin. 

Long live the blues and the music of Johnny Winter; this was one hell of an exit for one of the greatest guitar players on the planet.

5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Mojo Hand , Don’t Want No Woman, Unchain My Heart

Tracks: 
01. Unchain My Heart – Johnny Winter
02. Can’t Hold Out (Talk To Me Baby) – Johnny Winter with Ben Harper
03. Don’t Want No Woman – Johnny Winter with Eric Clapton
04. Killing Floor – Johnny Winter with Paul Nelson
05. Who Do You Love – Johnny Winter
06. Okie Dokie Stomp – Johnny Winter with Brian Setzer
07. Where Can You Be – Johnny Winter with Billy Gibbons
08. Sweet Sixteen – Johnny Winter with Joe Bonamassa
09. Death Letter -Johnny Winter
10. My Babe – Johnny Winter with Jason Ricci
11. Long Tall Sally – Johnny Winter with Leslie West
12. Mojo Hand – Johnny Winter with Joe Perry
13. Blue Monday – Johnny Winter with Dr. John
 

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck-Write A Music Review Founder

October 3, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music

Blues Rock Review: The Goddamns-Wisco Disco

Release Date: June 20, 2014

Label: Independent

Website

 

It is bands such as The Goddamns that make listening to music worth it. They are the type of band where everything sounds so right and natural that it is as if they were put on this planet with a mission to play.  Hailing from Wisconsin, this band is a two-headed monster of supreme music making. With Grand Master O.Z. on drums and Reverend Meantooth on guitar and vocal duties, The Goddamns are one band that demands to be heard and not soon to be forgotten. Their brash blend of blues and rock and a little something spicy thrown in combine for an explosive musical experience. Wisco Diso is an album that will delight with its sweaty, unpolished, and honest sound. 

The opener and title track “Wisco Disco” sets an impressive tone. With its rough around the edges sound, devil-may-care attitude, and groovy guitar and pulsating drums, “Wisco Disco” is the perfect introduction to their music and this album. If you like this song, then it is a good bet that you will adore the rest of what is to come. “Shitty Ex Girlfriend” makes for one helluva song with its sensual guitar riff and hypnotic drumming. The song also has a good sense of humor in the lyrics, making it a perfect post-breakup song. 

The slow the pace down a bit for “Now She’s Gone” with some thick, choppy riffs and calculated drumming. Also, I have to say for just two guys, that they have for real loud and full sound, as if there were more members in the band. “Untitled” starts will a jolt of energy that really hits the spot and keeps it going at a nice pace. You might find it hard to sit still during this song. 

With its crashing drums and methodical guitar playing, “Pa Shot Ma” is a nice example of the effectiveness of simple storytelling when said tale is backed by memorable music. It becomes hard to separate the two. Once the song starts, I can hear the lyrics before their even sung. “Turpentine – Wade in the Water” is another rocking song and great example of their mix of rock and blues sound. “Goddamn” is a bit punk, a bit rock, and all attitude. They played out all the stops on this one and it has become my favorite on the album. It is a balls to the wall song that makes for an excellent finish.

The Goddamns’ Wisco Disco is one smoking album. These guys are the real deal. If you have not heard of them yet, then this release will make stand up and take some serious notice. They are sure to amass a big following. This is the type of music that seeps into a place and becomes a part of its fabric. They leave it all on the floor – blood, sweat, and beer. 

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Wisco Disco, Untitled, Goddamn

Tracks:
1.Wisco Disco
2.Shitty Ex Girlfriend
3.Now She’s Gone
4.Untitled
5.Pa Shot Ma
6.Turpentine – Wade in the Water
7. Goddamn

Brian McKinnon

October 1, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review

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Blues Rock Review: Eric Clapton and Friends-The Breeze-An Appreciation of J.J. Cale

Release Date: July 29, 2014

Label: Bushbranch Surfdog

Website

When it comes to guitarist, it is hard to do better than Eric Clapton.  Some might say there is no one better.  The former member of influential bands such as The Yardbirds and Cream, Clapton has come together with other music stars to pay tribute to a fallen friend.  J.J. Cale was a singer and song writer, who was one of the founders and main driving force behind what is known as the Tulsa sound, a mix of jazz, blues, rock, and country.  His songs have been covered by the likes of Eric Clapton, Jerry Garcia, Phish, John Mayer, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and Johnny Cash.  

A year after he died of heart failure in 2013 at the age of 74, Eric Clapton gathered other music greats to pay their respects by covering Cale’s songs.  Joining Clapton on this album are Tom Petty, Mark Knoplfer, Don White, John Mayer, Derek Trucks, and Willie Nelson.  

Eric Clapton takes the reigns solo on the first track. “Call Me the Breeze” is not only the perfect song to open this album, but it is also the perfect introduction to the music and sound of J.J. Cale.  From the very beginning, it is simply enchanting, and captures exactly what Cale meant when he referred to his style of music as “laid back.”  Its carefree attitude makes it a choice selection in these end of summer days.  Tom Petty joins Clapton on “Rock and Roll Records,” making for a smooth and pleasant song. Clapton and John Mayer come together for the bluesy “Lies.”

Don White adds a sensual atmosphere to the low-key “Sensitive Kind.”  Clapton returns for a great rendition of “Cajun Moon.” It has some pop and sizzle to it and brings the tempo back up.  Twinging with a sense of melancholy, “Magnolia” is an emotional, heartbreaking love song.  Petty and Clapton bring the mood back up with some wonder guitar harmony on “I Got the Same Old Blues.”  “Songbird” is a remarkable, standout song thanks to the distinct and powerful vocals of Willie Nelson.

Clapton and White share vocal duties on “I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me),” a hopping up-beat country song.  Tom Petty does his best to steal the show on “The Old Man and Me” with his quiet, whispery vocals.  Mark Knopfler, White, and Clapton make their case for best song on the album with the lively and harmonious “Train to Nowhere.”  It also has a killer harmonica on it.  Mayer returns one last time on “Don’t Wait” for some searing guitar work. Featuring Derek Trucks and Christine Cale, “Crying Eyes” brings the album on home for a strong finish.    

Eric Clapton and Friends’ The Breeze (An Appreciation of J.J. Cale) is a wonderful album and tribute to a fallen friend.  It does its job of not only honoring the man’s life work, but it also the type of album that can bring in a new generation of fans.  This album is truly a labor of love done by friends. 

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Call Me the Breeze, Songbird, Train to Nowhere

Tracks:
01.Call Me The Breeze
02.Rock and Roll Records
03.Someday
04.Lies
05.Sensitive Kind
06.Cajun Moon
07.Magnolia
08.I Got The Same Old Blues
09.Songbird
10.Since You Said Goodbye
11.I’ll Be There (If You Ever Want Me)
12.The Old Man and Me
13.Train to Nowhere
14.Starbound
15.Don’t Wait
16.Crying Eyes 

Brian McKinnon

August 27, 2014

Review Provided By Write A Music Review