2023 – Scott Weis
By Phillip Smith; April 22, 2023
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
Sugar Shack, the latest release from Scott Weis, ventures off the path of his previous album Simmer Me Down and marches into the beautiful music-scape of New Orleans. For this album, Weis incorporates a different ensemble of musicians to take the listener on a journey through the signature music genres lurking in the Big Easy. With Weis on guitar, harmonica, and lead vocals, his band consists of Andy Pace on drums, percussion, acoustic guitars, and backing vocals, Todd Lanka on bass and backing vocals, Nate Zaur on keys, Gary Rixner on trombone, and Rob Curto on accordion. Backing vocalists include Wrecia Ford, Carol Sylvan, and Bobby Harden.
“Gotta Get Back” puts the listener on the NOLA scene, marching in like a John Boutté-led second line. Once I hear this song kick in, I am happily onboard. Weis’ gravelly vocals and searing guitar are perfectly centered in this horn-and-key-infused piece. A funky rhythm takes over as they cover Gary US Bonds’ “New Orleans”. Weis and the krewe breathe a delightful new life into the song. I love the powerful, unescapable groove of “Nite Train” as it rolls the song down the track. A crashing beat, fiery keys and hot guitar licks maintain the smoldering heat for this nearly six-minute jam. Armed with his accordion, Curto keeps the party going strong, serving up a happy-go-lucky platter of zydeco on title-track “Sugar Shack”. By the time the song ends, I have a hankering for crawfish, gumbo, and ice-cold Abita. “Honey Land” is an absolute delight. Weis pulls in Pace to accompany with resonator guitar on this delta blues spiritual. The song seems to defy time itself. Sugar Shack comes to the end of the line in true form as it rocks out with “When The Saints Go Marching In”. Guest Marc Von Em joins Weis on vocals for a bodacious performance.
Each song flows seamlessly to the next as Weis and his Soul Krewe deliver a wonderful, feel-good bundle of music with Sugar Shack. I am already looking forward to Volume 2.
For more information about Scott Weis visit his website at : https://scottweisband.com
Check out other PhillyCheeze reviews for Scott Weis at : https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Scott+Weis
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