2015 –Cordova Bay Records
By Phillip Smith; Sep 26, 2015
Canadian blues guitarist David Gogo delivers outstanding electric
guitar blues in pure album storytelling fashion via his fourteenth record, Vicksburg Call. Gogo
steps through each of the ten songs like a separate chapter in this narration
of a bad breakup. Gogo's stellar band consists of Jay Stevens (bass guitar, vox, piano), Bill Hicks (drums, percussion), Marisha Devoin (acoustic bass), and Rich Hopkins (Hammon organ).
“Cuts Me to the Bone” is hard
rockin’ Texas style blues that pulls me right in to his world. With an intro
that pays homage to Neil Young, and a rhythm that fits really comfortable, the song
screams to be turned up loud. I also
have to mention “What’s Not to Like” which boasts one hell of a catchy hook. I like the frugally peppering of slide guitar
on this one. The legendary Kim Simmonds
(Savoy Brown), guitar in hand, joins
in for “Fooling Myself”. This one is one
big bowl of blues.
I love his spacy psychedelic take
on Neil Young’s “The Loner” with the cool as hell bass line from Stevens. Gogo’s
slathering of raw and fuzzy goodness on his guitar riffs grabs my attention as
the song melts in my ears. A big surge of empathy erupts as Gogo distraughtly sings “There’s a Hole”,
about the hole in his life that his woman used to fill. The finishing touches
of harmonica from special guest Shawn Hall pull
the heartstrings even tighter. Gogo masterfully tackles Stephen Stills’ “Jet Set (Sigh)” too. His guitar performance on this track is phenomenal.
The unexpected treat on this album appears
on the final track. Gogo beautifully puts his unique spin on Annie Lennox’s “Why”,
singing it with fortitude of conviction.
Amazing guitar performances
and great songs make Vicksburg Call a
captivating listen.
