BLUES WITH BRAGIN

DEUCE ‘N A QUARTER Keep Moving On 225 Entertainment

Straight outta Columbus, Ohio, Deuce ‘n a Quarter combine the blues with a heavy dose of soul and R&B. The band's latest offering, Keep Moving On, opens with “Swing at the Blues,” a song about cutting loose on the weekend. Brian Peters gives a great harmonica performance. Dwight Cartier’s funky and haunting bass on “I’m Not Alone” works well with lyrics about someone following you. Keith Colbert’s raw guitar sets the tone well for “Same Old Blues” about going through difficult times and hiding the pain. The title track features melancholy harmonica from Peters as he sings about working hard and not being able to rest. Andre Scott provides tight drumming on “Doing Wrong” along with organ from Brandon Adams.

“All She Wrote” provides another opportunity for Peters to show off his harmonica talents as Brown’s bass gets your toes tapping. Colbert switches to acoustic guitar on “Sun Kissed Wheat” and the harmonica from Peters shines as he sings about living at a slower pace. “Blues Mobile” is made for the dance floor with Cartier’s walking bassline and a stellar harmonica track from Peters. A guest appearance from Kenny Neal on guitar on “Moment With You” adds a nice touch. “Blues Leave Me Alone” allows Colbert to lay down some funky guitar. The album closes with “Why,” a poignant song where Peters sings about the death of his daughter. For more info, visit deucenaquarter.com.- Paul Bragin