#609 : Dean Zucchero - Electric Church For the Spiritually Misguided (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

Dean Zucchero

Electric Church for the Spiritually Misguided

2023 – Pugnacious

By Phillip Smith; April 15, 2023

Release Date : April 7,2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Originally from New York City’s East Village, Dean Zucchero now calls New Orleans his home.  I first became aware of him through his work through the music of Ghalia Volt.  I had reviewed two of her albums, and Zucchero had made a big impression on me with his performance on bass guitar.  His debut album Electric Church for the Spiritually Misguided is quite exciting and a fabulous listen.  With Zucchero on bass guitar, he is accompanied by drummers Terrence Higgins and Doug Belote, organist Phil Breen, percussionist Alex McDonald, and guitarist Jake Eckert.   It’s great to hear him collaborate with personal favorites Ghalia Volt, Johnny Burgin, Johnny Rawls, and Jason Ricci.  Other featured guests include Dale Spalding, Jonathan “Boogie” Long, Bruce “Sunpie” Barnes, John Fohl, Joe Krown, Leslie Smith, Papa Mali, Johnny Sansone, and Jeremy Joyce.

“Big Boss Boy” the first hymn played at the Electric Church features Mississippi soul-blues legend Johnny Rawls on vocals, and Chicago blues great Johnny Burgin on guitar.  The buttery bassline, swirling organ, and backing singers sound fabulous alongside Rawls’ silky smooth vocals, and Burgin’s blues-infused licks.  “Craft Beer”, and ode to one of my favorite things, places Johnathon “Boogie” Long behind the mic for a suave-as-hell number.  Ghalia Volt sings “Last Minute Packer” a track which kicked off her 2021 album One Woman Band.  Co-written by Zucchero and Volt, this bodacious song features spirited performances by Waylon Thibodeaux on fiddle and Alex MacDonald on washboard.  I love the instrumental “DBA” which is fortified with harp from Jason Ricci and organ from Joe Krown.  The New Orleans energy flows freely through this one.  “Mortal Man” features Johnny Sansone on lead vocals and harp for a dose of real-deal blues.  It penetrates right to the bone.

The healing power is great at the Electric Church for the Spiritually Misguided.  Dean Zucchero has created a wonderful album indeed.    

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Track Listing:

 

1.      Big Boss Boy

2.      Independence Day

3.      Craft Beer

4.      Last Minute Packer

5.      Empty Postbox

6.      La Belle Poursuite

7.      Stack It

8.      Fascist Love

9.      DBA

10.  Mortal Man

11.  American Dream

 

 

For more information about Dean Zucchero visit his website at :  https://www.deanzucchero.com

 

Check out other PhillyCheeze reviews for Dean Zucchero at :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Dean+Zucchero

 

#592 > Damon Fowler & Friends - Live at the Palladium (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2023 – Landslide Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 14, 2023

Release Date : Jan 20, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

I been preaching the gospel of Damon Fowler for almost ten years.  In 2013, Fowler, J.P. Soars, and Victor Wainwright unleashed an outstanding record under the name of Southern Hospitality, called Easy Livin’.  The CD had landed in my mailbox for review and after giving it a listen, I was smitten with his work.  Fowler’s latest release features this master guitarist playing live at the Palladium alongside bassist Chuck Riley, drummer Justin Headley, and special guests Jason Ricci on harmonica, Eddie Wright on guitar, and Dan Signor on keys.  Live at the Palladium features eight original songs, and two bodacious covers.

Early in on this set, Fowler breaks out a handful of my favorites from his prior album Alafia Moon.  His fabulous cover of Guy Clark’s “The Guitar” puts a gigantic smile on my face.  Clark ranks up there among the best when it comes to songwriters, and I absolutely love this song which Fowler has breathed a new life into.  “I’ve Been Low” gets wonderfully intense as Fowler lets loose on his guitar.  His no-holds-barred approach never ceases to amaze me.  Jason Ricci steps in for a four-song run starting with “Somethings Change”.  It’s always a joy to hear him play harp.  The performance of Fowler and Ricci on “Somethings Change” is exquisite.  Ricci does what Ricci does best, pouring his heart and soul into the smoldering, slow blues of “Tax Man”.  Fowler sings and plays this one with fine precision.  Both Wright and Ricci join in on the closing song “Sugar Shack”.  This title-track off Fowler’s 2009 Blind Pig release clocks in at just under twelve minutes, and magnificently paves the way for a blues-soaked southern-rock jam.  It definitely makes for a grand finale.

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For more information about Damon Fowler, visit his website at :  https://www.damon-fowler.com/

Check out other PhillyCheeze reviews for Damon Fowler  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=damon+fowler

 

 

#521 : Altered Five Blues Band - Holler If You Hear Me

2021 – Blind Pig Records

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 9, 2021

Those sensational blues-masters of Milwaukee Altered Five Blues Band has added another piping hot release to their catalog with Holler if You Hear Me.  Clocking in as their sixth album, the energy of the band runs high, and is magnificently captured within this Tom Hambridge-produced recording.  The powerful and soulful voice of front-man Jeff Taylor sounds so good backed by this tight-as-hell band consisting of guitarist Jeff Schroedl, bassist Mark Solveson, keyboardist Raymond Tevich, and drummer Alan Arber.  Special guest Jason Ricci is the icing on the cake, with his harmonica accompaniment on five of the thirteen tracks.  This is absolutely a winning combination. 

I am in love with the album from the moment “Holler If You Hear Me” breaks out of the gate.  The rhythm barrels through like a locomotive as we get a solid dose of Tevich’s hot ivory stylings topped with searing blasts of Ricci’s harmonica.  The party pushes forward as Taylor lets loose on his anthem of after-hours debauchery in “Guilty of a Good Time”.   Schroedl’s guitar solo absolutely sizzles as the rhythm fiercely latches on.  Harp-a-blazing, Ricci gives a flawless performance as he goes toe-to-toe with Arber’s furious beat on “If You Go Away (She Might Come Back)”.  A dash of swamp water is sprinkled atop “I Got All I Need”.  This delightful bowl of slow-simmered blues heats up to a boil, licked by the red-hot flames rolling off Schroedl’s guitar.  It’s absolutely wonderful.  The record comes to its close with “Big Shout Out”, a sort of blues version of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire”.  This upbeat roll-call honors the blues artists of the past who’ve paved the way for those who play the blues today, and is a splendid song to end the album with.      

Holler If You Hear Me is as solid as an album can get.  It’s one hundred percent straight-up blues, delivered on a silver platter.    

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For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://www.alteredfive.com

 

 

Altered Five Blues Band "If You Go Away (She Might Come Back)" [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

 

#511 : Prairie Dog Blues Festival - 2021

Prairie Dog Blues Festival - 2021

Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin

July 31, 2021

 

By Phillip Smith; Aug.2, 2021

 

Saturday, July 31, 2021, I landed in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, just off the mighty Mississippi River, for the second day of the Prairie Dog Blues Festival, and had an enormously good time.  Soaking in the blues, while soaking up the sun is absolutely one of the best things life has to offer.  On the main stage, I caught Lurrie Bell with Jason Ricci, Amanda Fish, Tony Holiday, The Altered Five Blues Band, and made several visits to the beer tent to hear Avey Grouws Band. 

Lurrie Bell, son of famed bluesman Carey Bell was originally scheduled to appear with his brother Steve, and perform as the Bell Brothers.  Sadly, Steve could not make, but on the bright side, they couldn’t have picked a better replacement than Jason Ricci.  Lurrie and Jason were totally in sync, and this show was as real as the blues could get.  They sounded great together as they smoked though songs like “You Gotta Help Me” and “Sweet Home Chicago”.    

Amanda Fish took the main stage next, playing a mix of originals and covers.  Just as a drone was hovering over the stage and crowd, she went right to “Helicopters in the Sky”.  Other originals included “Friends” and “2020” from her Free Album.  She belted out a great cover of “Me and Bobby McGee” and steered off the blues highway with “Fortunate Son / Free Bird / Born this Way”, ending her set with her take on the Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop”.

Tony Holiday came to play.  I’ve reviewed two of his albums, and he’s one of my favorites.  With Gordon Greenwood on guitar, they delivered wonderful covers of Otis Rush’s “Right Place, Wrong Time” and Sean Costello’s “Hard Luck Woman”.  I was pleased as hell to hear “Payin’ Rent on a Broken Home”, “Good Advice” and “The Hustle”, all off his Soul Service album released in 2020.  Those songs are absolute gems.  Holiday brought his set to its finish with another cut off that same record, “It’s Gonna Take Some Time”.  Tony’s soulful vocals and harmonica sounds so good paired with Greenwood on guitar.  I really hope I get a chance to hear these guys play again.        

I didn’t get to hang around for the entire set of the Altered Five Blues Band, but the portion of their show I did hear was phenomenal.  It was an absolute treat to see Jason Ricci on stage once more.  He was on fire playing harp.  The songs I did catch from them were “Great Minds Think Alike” and “Too Mad to Make Up”.  And they had the audience in the palms of their hands.  The performance was absolutely electric.

As tradition goes at the Prairie Dog Blues Festival, there is always a band in the Beer Tent to provide a series of smaller sets which take place between the sets on the main stage.  This year the Beer Tent stage was blessed to have Iowa’s own Avey Grouws Band.  They are quickly becoming one of my favorite bands.  With Chris Avey on lead guitar, Jeni Grouws on vocals and rhythm guitar, Bryan West on drums, Randy Leasman on bass guitar, and Nick Vasquez on keys, they literally rocked the tent.  Their enthusiasm and rapport with the audience is second to none.  A big smile was planted on my face as soon as I heard the opening sequence of “Two Days Off (and a Little Bit of Liquor)”.  When they broke into ZZ Top’s “La Grange”, everyone felt the love for Dusty Hill, who had just recently passed away.  It was a very welcome tribute, and they sounded so damn good too.

Until next time, thanks to all the volunteers who put this wonderful festival together each year.   It’s really one of the best.

 

 * all photos by Phillip Smith

Lurrie Bell and Jason Ricci

Amanda Fish

Tony Holiday

Altered Five Blues Band

Avey Grouws Band

#448 : Too Slim and the Taildraggers - The Remedy

2020 – Vizztone

 By Phillip Smith; June 06, 2020

Tim Langford (aka Too Slim) has hit the studio once again with fellow Taildraggers Zach Kasik (bass, banjo, guitar, vocals) and Jeff “Shakey” Fowlkes (drums, percussion, vocals), returning with yet another outstanding album.  The Remedy is comprised of eleven songs.  Ten of those are originals with the writing evenly split between Langford and Kasik.  Recorded, engineered, and mixed by Kasik at his Wild Feather Recording studio in Nashville, the album features special guests Sheldon “Bent Reed” Ziro, Jason Ricci, and Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt. 

Too Slim tells the story of a volatile relationship in “Last Last Chance”, lacing the song with country-fried boogie and irresistible guitar licks.  Kasik takes the mic and steps into the spotlight on “She’s Got the Remedy”.  This killer song washes ashore with a steady hypnotic riff and a Pearl Jam vibe.  “Keep the Party Rolling” is plumb fantastic.  Langford rips it up on this phenomenal Texas-style blues anthem as Ziro belts smoldering blasts of harp.  Shakey holds nothing back as he hammers out a heavy tantalizing beat.  It sounds great.  Their cover of Elmore James’ “Sunnyland Train” is a delight to hear indeed.  Too Slim’s slide guitar is outstanding as usual.  In western gunslinger fashion, Kasik breaks out the banjo and spins a wonderfully ominous tale with “Sure Shot”.  It’s always a treat to hear Jason Ricci perform.  The harp licks he throws down on the “Platinum Junkie” hit with hat-dropping precision.  I love how this Kasik-penned song coolly walks the line between blues and funk.  In a provocative John Fogerty-style, Too Slim takes an up-close, hard look at the current political situation in “Think About That”.  Rosenblatt brings his harp for a guest appearance on this deliciously swampy song.   

Too Slim and the Taildraggers remain one of my favorite bands as they continue to stay on point.  This new batch of songs in The Remedy is fresh, poignant, and fearlessly packed with that punch which Too Slim delivers oh so well.    

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For more information about the artist, visit this website: tooslim.net

#381 : Nick Schnebelen - Crazy All By Myself

2019 – Vizztone

By Phillip Smith; Mar. 16, 2019

I’ve been a fan of Nick Schnebelen since reviewing Trampled Under Foot’s 2011 release Wrong Side of the Blues for Blues Revue Magazine’s online zine BluesWax.  I remember being in such awe of great talent when I saw the band perform live at Riverside Casino in 2012.  Schnebelen’s Live in Kansas City album, released in 2017, was outstanding, and this brand-new record Crazy All By Myself is absolutely terrific.  Producer/drummer Tony Braunagel (Taj Mahal, Robert Cray), along with heavy hitters, organist/pianist Mike Finnigan and bassist Hutch Hutchinson form one hell of a rhythm section.

I love the groove Braunagel and bassist Reggie McBride pour over “It Ain’t Me”. Smooth and intoxicating, it washes over me, like a fine bourbon.  Hearing Schnebelen let loose on guitar is pure joy.  Finnigan absolutely cooks on piano for “Ain’t Got Time For the Blues”.  The song is a massive dose of adrenalized blues with more stellar guitar from Nick.  Another song that grabs my full attention is “Alter of Love” which happens to feature one my favorite harp players, Jason Ricci.  This is one positively fabulous.

Schnebelen breaks out some wonderfully delicious slide guitar as he expresses his fondness for Harley Davidsons in the double-entendre loaded bike song “I’m a Fat Boy”.  With “Soul Magic”, the lovely Heather Newman appears on backing vocals, as Nick reveals his prowess as an R&B singer.  “Holding On”, beautifully performed and featuring the great Davy Knowles on guitar, is another favorite. 

Focused and fierce, Schnebelen has taken his music up another notch. Crazy All By Myself is definitely a record for blues fans to take notice of.

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For more information about the artist, visit the website :  www.nickschnebelenkc.com .

#358 : JJ Appleton and Jason Ricci - Beautiful Slop

2018 –Old Boy Network

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 21, 2018

New York-based JJ Appleton, noted songwriter/guitarist/producer and Jason Ricci, winner of Blues Music Award for Best Instrumentalist/Harmonica in both 2010 and 2018, have joined forces again in the studio to record another outstanding treasure trove of blues.  Swampy goodness pours out every crevice of their new album, Beautiful Slop, and it truly captures my heart.  On acoustic bass is Derek Nievergelt who co-produced the album with Appleton.  

I love how they open the record by covering Lonnie Brooks’ “Don’t Take Advantage of Me”.  With Appleton spinning a cool groove on resonator, and Ricci mastering the harp as he does, they bestow a new life to this classic with a North Mississippi wardrobe.  Ricci shines as he channels the legendary Screamin’ Jay Hawkins on a stellar performance of “Hurt Myself” which also happens to be jam-packed with a slew of amazing harmonica runs.  There is obviously a musical chemistry between the two, and that is so very obvious as they tear into the delta blues of “For the Very Last Time”.  It’s almost magical.  I could listen to this all day long.  Beautiful Slop concludes with a heart-felt cover of Rihanna’s “Stay”.  Their beautiful, bluesy reconstruction of the song certainly demands attention and gave me a new layer of admiration for Rihanna as a song-writer.  Appleton and Ricci score big with this album, and I hope they keep the momentum going for another.  

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Billy Pierce - Shapes of Soul

2016 –  Got Slide Records

By Phillip Smith; Dec. 3, 2016

The tunes on Billy Pierce’s latest album, Shapes of Soul is chock full of New Orleans-rooted jams topped off with some of the best slide guitar around.  Pierce’s band includes the multi-talented bassist/producer Charlie Wooton, drummer Doug Balote, and keyboardist Keiko Komaki.  Special guests include the magnificent trombonists of Bonerama ( Mark Mullins, Craig Klein, and Greg Hicks), Mike Zito, Jason Ricci, Jeff T. Watkins, and Michael Doucet.   

Pierce sings about struggling with money in “Paycheck to Paycheck”, an electric song with a smooth jazz vibe, featuring a terrific performance by the guys in Bonerama.  Harp player Jason Ricci dishes out a captivating performance on “Me and the Misses”.  Title track “Shapes of Soul” is a wondrous instrumental in which Keiko Komaki ‘s piano performance beautifully compliments Pierce’s slide guitar.  “Delta Queen”, a torch song for the southern man is immersed in a cool groove and slathered with scrumptious slide as well.  The contrasting guitars from Zito and Pierce sound amazing on “Tears of Joy”.  I love the way this song takes a hard right turn into the land of controlled chaos.  This song turns into one tasty jam when Balote ups the tempo and Komaki attacks the B3 with full force.  Massive waves of funk and infectious grooves make “Katrina” a definite standout.

 I get a little hypnotized with each and every listen to this delightful instrumental.

Pierce carefully explores the music acknowledged for its southern roots, and creates beautiful micro-blends of jazz, blues, and country which lay the foundation for Shapes of Soul.