2020 – Shakin’ Woods
By Phillip Smith; Jan. 30, 2021
Hailing from the Washington DC metro area, Shakin’ Woods, is a blues-rock band drenched in funk and southern-soul. This talented quartet was formed in 2019 and is comprised of singer/guitarist Rich Russman, keyboardist/guitarist Austin Day, bassist George Belton and drummer Paul Dudley. The Blues Groove Sessions #1, a four-track EP, is the first of several EPs planned to be released by the band this year, with the next released titled The Blues Proper Sessions #2.
I love the funky bass groove running through ‘Like a Superman”, it tracks wonderfully with the disco-friendly pulse Dudley creates. Russman delivers the goods with the finesse of Steely Dan, incorporating smooth vocals, and a standout guitar performance. “The Place to Be” leaves me with a big grin on my face as the friendly Phish-like groove creeps over to a psychedelic Hendrix-influenced bridge, and then back again. Then while on the subject of Phish, they fantastically cover Trey Anastasio’s “Cayman Review”. The EP ends on a beautiful and melancholy note as Russman sings of intertwined souls in “Still Alive”. I can feel the emotion pouring out of his guitar in lush and bountiful waves.
The Blues Groove Sessions #1 is absolutely marvelous. I can’t wait to hear the follow-up EPs.
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For more information about the artist, visit this website : shakinwoods.com
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