2014 – Roly Platt
By Phillip Smith;
Jan 3, 2015
It takes a harpist like Roly Platt to show
the world that a harmonica, in the proper hands, can be the main dish instead
of a mere seasoning. Platt, a
thirty-five year veteran of the Canadian music scene and two-time Maple
Blues Awards nominee for “Harmonica Player of the Year”, recorded eleven fantastic
pieces for his first solo album, Inside
Out. Backing Platt in the studio
is producer/keyboardist/pianist Lance Anderson, guitarist John Tilden,
bassist Russ Boswell, and drummer Al Cross. Platt also brings in special guests Steve
Strongman, John Jordan, and Neil Chapman to join.
Platt
pays an instrumental back-to-back homage to Ray Charles with “I Got a
Woman” and “Georgia On My Mind”. Break
out the dancing shoes for “I Got a Woman”. Platt tears this rip-roaring party song
up while Tilden tosses out some quite impressive guitar licks. Cross, on drums, brings it to
closure very nicely. Afterwards, settle
in for a calming rendition of “Georgia On My Mind”. I love the way Anderson sprinkles a bit
of gospel seasoning on the Hammond organ while Platt nails every note. And speaking of “gospel seasoning”, listen for
the cleverly planted segue of “Bringing in the Sheaves”, which leads right into
“Rippin’ It Up”, an original ditty about dances at the old church hall. A throwback to the early years of Rock and
Roll, Platt sings and plays this in the spirit of the Killer, Jerry
Lee Lewis. A tight instrumental performance
on “Mad River” makes for a hell of a bluesy romp. This is a smokin’ jam that
brings me great joy each time I hear it.
With Steve Strongman on guitar and vocals, “Ocean
of Tears” is pure blues, and sounds so good. Played with heartfelt emotion, Platt makes
it impossible for this song to go unnoticed. Jordon John lends his amazing voice along
with his acoustic guitar, for a very cool, country rendition of James Taylor’s “Bartender’s
Blues”. One more ‘must-mention’ track is the
beautifully played “Over the Rainbow” from the film, The Wizard of Oz. Platt
and Anderson both score big on this lovely cover.
Inside
Out is such a rewarding listen; one doesn’t have to be a
blues harmonica fan to enjoy.
For more information on Roly Platt, visit his
website at http://www.rolyplatt.com/
