Reviews

The Blue 2 The Bone Blues Band A review of Down Deep South (Scruffy Dog Records)

By Norman Darwen Now this is a rather fine four-track CD EP running to 17 minutes, from this Gloucester (UK)-based four-piece band. It has a fine sound, mid-way between a traditional and a contemporary approach with harmonica player, lead singer and rhythm guitarist, Shaun Freke, making a very significant contribution. The songs are all original, generally running between four to five minutes. Lockdown Blues is an original, riff-driven blues composition influenced by the pandemic and its impact on the individual and the country. The harp breaks are breathy and effective. The title track is propelled along by a bruising rhythm section and some excellent slide guitar by Mark Beard, as Shaun leaves his harp on top of the speaker for this one. Blue And Alone is a low-down and dirty-sounding blues number, with a particularly fine blues harmonica break just after the halfway mark as the track suddenly changes tack and builds up a real head of steam. Stop Your Howlin’ is musically close to some of the great Howlin’ Wolf’s best-known songs, though unsurprisingly (and perhaps wisely), Shaun does not attempt to imitate the Wolf vocally. His blues harp break, however, does recall Wolf’s style, and there is nothing at all wrong with that - plenty right in fact. I enjoyed this a lot: plenty of genuine enthusiasm matched with musical ability and a sound blues knowledge. I look forward to hearing more from these guys but I am certainly pleased enough with this for the moment. Website: www.b2tb-band.co.uk

Paul Jones - The Blues Umbrella Music PJBROLLYLP1

Review by Barry Elms I had the pleasure of being invited by Paul Jones to a Manfreds’ gig

recently, at which I received a review copy of Paul’s latest album, The Blues, a compilation album brimming with, as you would expect, top quality blues numbers. As a long-time fan of blues music, I can begin by saying that this album does not disappoint! You’ll find songs by The Blues Band, Manfred Mann, and from Jones’ solo albums or with guitarists Mick Pini and Guido Toffoletti; all of the songs are either written or co-written by Jones. As you would expect from an album by the President of HarmonicaUK, you will find a lot of fantastic harmonica playing throughout the 21 tracks of the album. We don’t have space to review each song here, however, I am happy to share with you my highlights. Track 2, Sonny Boy Williamson, is a 1966 tribute to Sonny Boy Williamson, and is a treat for harmonica fans: the heartfelt playing is beautifully clear with only Jack Bruce's double bass providing backup on the track. As you might expect, there are a number of hits featured on this album; track 4 is the classic 5-4-3-2-1, written as the opening music for the television programme Ready Steady Go!, launched in January 1964, reaching number 4 in the New Musical Express chart. When I first heard track 6, Noah Lewis Blues, I found that I have something in common with Jones, in that we both regard Noah Lewis as a harmonica hero! Lewis played in Gus Cannon’s Jug Stompers, as well as in his own jug band. If, like me, you are a fan of jug band music, you will recognise mention of some of Lewis’ recordings, such as Going To Germany and Minglewood Blues. Track 15, a Blues Band number, It’s Got to Be the Blues, is a catchy number with some great horn work alongside Jones’ distinctive vocal and harmonica talent. The album closes with another Blues Band number, I’ll Be Home Again Tonight, written with Tom McGuinness, who contributes some excellent guitar work, alongside Jones’ vocal and harmonica. The song is one of two on the album about looking forward to getting home to your loved one after being on the road. This latest release from Paul Jones is an album any blues fan should have in their collection. It is available on CD and vinyl, or via download/streaming. Website: www.pauljones.eu