Bman's Blues Report

Stacks of Soul on New Release 'Five Finger Discount' From Soulstack    Five Finger Discount is the sophomore release from Southern Ontario roots and blues band Soulstack . Produced by singer / guitarist Jonathan Knight , the album tracks the organic evolution of the band as it continues to grow in musical breadth and depth, picking up where their highly acclaimed first album, Big Red , left off. The ever creative, prolific  and often competitive songwriting team of Jon Knight and Mark Wessenger once again bring beautiful melodies and poignant lyrics to the table, that have been expertly captured on Five Finger Discount . The band’s return to Canterbury Music Company studio with famed engineer Jeremy Darby has once again proven to be a soulful, sonic success.   With the addition of guitarist Chris Latta on tremolo-soaked baritone and standard guitars, and the huge bass chair being shared by Harpo Peterson and Josh Knigh...

I just received the newest release, Five Finger Discount , from Soulstack and it's diversely interesting. Opening with Long Way Down , Soulstack reestablishes their footing firmly in Dead like jam style blues. I quick paced track with warm vocals and solid drumming from Tom Bona. Not The Only One is a cool track with the rhythm and pace of early Ry Cooder music. A little Louisiana funky and really sweet slide work from Jonathan Knight along with super vocal harmonies makes this a definite best track candidate. Want You To Stay really has a lot of the characteristics of some of the best of Garcia and Weir. Vocal styling, contagious rhythm, warm keys from Mark Wessenger make this a super track. Fold Up Your Heart has a lot of the earthiness of the Band and movement of Little Feat. Another winner. Warm Bed To Sleep On remains consistent with the balance of the release but with the addition of a bit more funk and smoky gospel like backing vocals and slick slide work. This is ano...