The blues come in many hues, acoustic, electric, American, Irish, English, black and white. Here are two releases that cover part of the waterfront.
Eric Bibb is part of the acoustic blues revivalist these days, and this latest release is an absolute beaut. He goes acoustic and electric, sings and even plays the ”guitelele” on a couple of tracks, all the time sounding like his veins run indigo. He can go slinky on ‘Driftin’ Door to Door’ and shuffle along during “Turner Station.” Things even get a bit on the rocking side on “Chain Racxtion with Glen Scott singing on “Chain Raction” and some nice mix of guitars with Popa Chubby goes down nice and easy on “Silver Spoon” and with Guy Davis on “Chocolate Man.” Taj Mahal brings his voice and banjo in on”Needed Time” with The Blind Boys of Alabama” and a Staples Singer-inspired “Remember the Ones” has Linda Tillery’s voice bringing in some 60s soul. Through it all, Glen Scott is in the background doing something with something, and Staffan Astner with Michael Jerome Browne add picking and grinning on a lion’s share of the heart on sleeve arranged pieces. A back porch delight.
Back in the 70s, Ireland’s second best import (next to Guinness) toured through his home country as well as making a major political statement at the time by performing in Northern Ireland. The successful 1974 tour was a big hit then, and has now (for its 40th anniversary) been expanded into either a 2 cd or 7cd-dvd set, and any fan of blues rocking will want to grab this collection at the first opportunity. Gallagher and his enthusiastic team of Gerry McAvoy/b, Rod Death/dr and Lou Martin/key travel through Dublin, Cork and even Belfast and their inspiration and enthusiasm is palpable here. Gallagher’s voice is dry-rubbed BBQ perfect, and his playing, well, it burns on the electric and cuts like a knife on the acoustic. Steady electric blues make the neck go supple on “Too Much Alcohol” while boogie shuffles abound on material like “Laundromat.” And, if you want straightahead blues rock, get ready for some of the best on “Walk on Hot Coals” and “Tattoo’d Lady.” As much as he made his name on plugged in material such as this, the true guilty pleasure is when Rory goes acoustic and picks like he’s at the local pub on “Unmiliary Two Step” and “Pistol Slapping Blues.” He can make an rock concert sound like a home town hang out like no one else. This is definitive music, lads.
Stony Plain Records
Eagle Rock Music