2023 – The Dig 3
By Phillip Smith; Nov. 4, 2023
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
A wave of nostalgia washes
over me with every listen to Damn the Rent, the latest album from
Illinois bluesmen The Dig 3. Their
all-original songs range from traditional blues, to the funky R&B sounds of
the Seventies and Eighties. Consisting
of Andrew Duncanson on vocals and guitar, Ronnie Shellist on
harmonica, and Gerry Hundt on Farmer foot drums, percussion, bass
VI, guitar, harmonica, mandolin, and organ, the trio makes quite a positive impression.
An intoxicating Bo Diddley-inspired rhythm welcomes the listener in for a musical road trip through The Prairie State on “Take a Ride”. Shellist’s harmonica performance on this is fabulous. I love the warm tones on “Big Water” and how Duncanson’s smooth vocals pair with Shellist’s masterfully injected harp. The ingredients all cook up into a big bowlful of vintage Chicago Blues. The funk rises to the top on the instrumental “Blanco Boogaloo” with a rhythm that is sweetly unescapable. The Dig 3 throw in a remarkable pre-war blues style curve ball with “Old Dog”. My ears immediately perked[P1] up and a smile grew across my face once I heard the familiar sound of kazoo. A disco-infused beat guides the groovy rhythm of “Southern Fantasy” directly to the dance floor when vocalist Lauren Dukes, bassist Aaron Whittier, and drummer/percussionist Rick King join The Dig 3 to form Dig 3 Big Version. I like this one a lot.
The Dig 3’s Damn the Rent won me over on the first track and left me wanting to hear more from the band. It’s a splendid listen.
For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://thedig3band.com
