A wide swath of blue tones…
Angel Forest has a rich earthy voice and delivers it with a punch backed by Ricky Pawuette/g, Bernard Quest/key, Alec Michelcheran, Sly Coulombe and Deys Coulombe. She shows how to stomp out funky material like a swampy “Mother Lover” and the dark synth pulse of “ Menie The Monster” while giving a defiant shout out on the raspy “The Blame Game.” The impassioned “Grace” has her heart on her sweaty sleeve, while a folky “Bea” and “Indian Mood” offer a more reflective side. She’ll make your brown eyes blue.
Guy Belanger plays a big sounding harmonica in lead while also singing a bit with a core of Robert MacDonald/g, Marc-Andre Drouin/b, Michel Dufour/dr and a handful of guests. His harp wails on the tropical title track while he rides the thick bass line of “Wicked” like a snowboarder. Dark shadows linger on “Ganga” and rich textures abound during the gorgeous “Hope and Faith.” He’s got a Dr. Johnish voice on “Four Little Words” and the boogieing “Bright Side of the Road.” This guy blows G forces!
Val Starr plays rhythm guitar and sings with a world wise voice as he brings together John Ellis/b-slg, Timothy Brisson/g, Frankie Munz/harm, Paul Farman/dr and selected guests for this collection of bluesers. He shuffles with the sax section of Danny Sandoval and Saxophone Zot on “Say Goodbye to The Blues” and goes funky with a smoking tenor on “Movin’ On.” Munz’s harp sears on the Jim Dandy beat of “Can’t Get Sad Enough” 24 Hour Blues” with some 70s blues rock riffing up on “Shame On You.” Cruise night is on.