I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Bluesman of Sorts, by Reverend Freakchild, and it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with laid back rocker, Green and Brown Blues, with the smokey feel of John Kay, the Rev has the vocal lead and harmonica along with rhythm guitar, backed by John Robinson on bass and Patrick Carmichael on drums. Cool track. On Robert Johnson's Come On In My Kitchen, the Rev sets up a cool acoustic slide and falsetto vocal paring, not unlike Johnson or Skip James adding to it's stark blues feel. Willie Newbern's Roll and Tumble Blues is another track with authentic treatment with primitive acoustic slide work, harmonica and "hambone" carrying some of the best vocals on the release. Original shuffle, A Day Late and A Dollar Short, has a cool groove with bass, drums and organ backing the Rev on vocal. Chris Whitley's Dust Radio is a cool closer for disc one with slack string guitar giving the track a real back alley feel. Side two opens with a rocking take on Jimmy Reed's Big Boss Man. The Rev digs in on electric guitar, complimenting his vocal and harmonica, backed by organ and percussion...a solid contribution. John Lennon's Yer Blues give the Rev a great foil to play contemporary blues rock with a heavy bottom. He digs in vocally and with a pounding bass/drum anchor and full organ revival, he really rocks this track. Lightnin' Hopkins' Death Bells has super, scatter guitar acoustic accompaniment giving it an authentic Delta feel and his vocals are nicely adapted to the style. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Fenton Robinson's (Peppermint Harris') As The Years Go Passing By has a vintage 60's sound featuring soulful vocals by the Rev and some really flamboyant blues riffs to top it off. Solid closer for a real nice release.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
No comments:
Post a Comment