James Brown At Massey Hall, Toronto, Ontario,
Monday, Nov. 29, 2004

-- by Joe Curtis --

I've just experienced my first live performance of James Brown, the 'Godfather of Soul', here in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, on the night of Monday, November 29, 2004. And let me tell you ... if you've never encountered the man who gave 'soul' its name ,,, its definition ... raising it to its true musical art form -- then brother, you just haven't lived! True musical expression from heart, to ears to soul -- that's what the James Brown 'Experience' is all about!!! Whatever the man's on -- I want to be on it too!

James, although 72 years of age, looks truly like he's only a young, energetic 45! He still moves with grace and ease on stage and off; does some phenomenal dance moves with energy and precision -- and livens up the audience AND his out-of-this-world soul orchestra, the 'Soul Generals', like God putting the stars in the sky.

This true 'Godfather of Soul' put the 'stars' on stage and made them shine before our eyes, in all their musical majesty this night! However, as a fitting warm-up to Mr. Brown et al, Toronto's own soul kings, Jacksoul, warmed up the Massey Hall audience with some of the most rousing R&B/soul/funk around. They entertained the crowd with their own invigorating, inspiring original tunes, with professional deliveries that were decidedly fresh and alive. Their upbeat funk and slow, romantic ballads were a fitting soulful appetizer, leading to Mr. Brown and his fabulous band.

After an enjoyable breather during intermission, this 'soul orchestra' came on stage and immediately won over the hearts of the fans, just as they'd done the previous evening as surprise musical guests performing at Toronto's premier soul and funk club, the Orbit Room, co-owned by Rush guitarist Alex Lifeson and lifelong friend Tim Notter. Although I wasn't at the Orbit that evening, its manager Tim Wilson, mentioned to me later that James' 20-member band took turns playing 10 at a time on the Orbit Room stage.

At Massey Hall, Brown's band were introduced by the Master of 'Soulful' Cermonies, Danny Ray. (Danny's been a close friend of James since they were 10-year-olds together, 6 decades ago). The Soul Generals came on like gangbusters. From the moment they played their first notes, the audience was captivated. The talent on stage was phenomenal - and only equaled in this writer's experience seeing B.B. King's blues orchestra; as well as the Count Basie Orchestra - and as a teenager seeing Gene Krupa and Benny Goodman towards the end of their illustrious careers.

The one thing that sets Mr. Brown's fabulous band apart from others, is that it seems like fun all the time with them, even though they're at the top of their as musicians. They opened with high energy instrumentals that blew the crowd away. Jeff Watkins was out front wailing away solos on tenor sax, with lightening-fast speed, while retaining beautiful melodies and phrasing. I've never seen anything like it - sax/music/fusion/melody at its very best!

There were three beautiful lady back-up singers on stage this evening, providing just the right sex appeal, as well as enchanting vocal harmonies. Throughout this evening, they were enticing James - and vice versa - and the crowd ate it up!

While these ladies were lending an alluring quality to the musical proceedings, James, the 'Godfather of Soul' himself, made his appearance on stage, introduced by Ray. James definitely made it very funky with "Make It Funky pt. 1" -- his first song in this mesmerizingly enjoyable two hours of funk heaven! James really got the crowd going, and was all smiles -- straight hair slicked back -- and honestly looking only 45 to 47 years old. He even did some of his trademark funky dance moves a few times during the concert.

"Get Up (Offa That Thing)" followed, with James in fine vocal form. The audience 'got up off their thing' too -- partly to party and clap along with Brown et al -- and some to oogle and ogle the two beautiful lady dancers who joined the others on stage, to 'shake their thing', in 'stars & stripes' and other fancy costume changes throughout this great two-hour show! While the ladies were dancing up front, James played some very cool keyboards a little ways back. Afterwards, Mr. Brown was out front again, and sang a bluesy "My Mama Done Told Me", with a unique soul edge that only he could provide.

Guitarist Damon Woods played some Hendrix-inspired solos on "Have a Funky Good Time". It was a real pleasure to finally see the song's originator, Mr. Brown himself, sing this all-time funky, soulful hit, right in front of me. James followed this upbeat number with yet another soulfully explosive tune, Sam & Dave's "Hold On, (I'm Comin')". Special guest vocalist Tanya Ray, joined James on this one, and really got the already-standing crowd dancing in their seats and in the aisles. Tanya really added something special to this evening's exquisite entertainment. The fans loved her, and James was diggin' her too, jivin' with him! Brown followed this upbeat winner with the slow, romantic soul ballad "Try Me", and really sang his heart out on it, with the three ladies' vocal harmonies sounding like angels.

One of the background vocalists joined James in a duet on the deeply moving "If I Ruled the World". This was the other of my two faves of the evening. After this tune ended, while the audience was still transfixed by its beautiful delivery and arrangement, James took the opportunity to talk to his fans. He mentioned to them, "I want you to enjoy yourselves. One thing you can say, is 'It's clean entertainment'!" I'd have to unanimously agree with Mr. Brown, and add that we the public need more wholesome entertainment like this these days.

James' vocals went wild on his all-time classic, "I Got You, (I Feel Good)". He also threw in a few of his trademark dance moves during this tune; while the two beautiful lady dancers added some excitement to the atmosphere.

The crowd was up on their feet for "Get Up, (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine, pt. 1". Brown's band were a wall of funk glory on this one, while his vocals were just as fresh and alive as they were when this iconic soul classic was first made a his by James in the 1960s. Sax player Watkins played an incredibly inspiring solo on this song, after which the enthusiastic crowd applauded loudly. Another major highlight of "Get Up..." happened when Toronto soul singer RJ joined James on this one, and really added some soulful strength to James' already ecstatic vocals. I've seen RJ sing before - most recently with Canada's 'First Lady of Soul', Salome Bey, in a C.B.C. T.V. tribute Special celebrating Bey's prolific life in entertainment. A month later, RJ performed at a live show with legendary Canadian soul singers George Olliver (Mandala founder); Jay Jackson ('60s Toronto soul Club Blue Note founder); BJ Reed; Liberty Silver; Billy Newton Davis and the Impressions, at the spectacular 'Club Blue Note Reunion 2' concert at Toronto's elegant, art nouveau Capitol Theatre Oct. 2/04. ** As a sidenote, Olliver hosted and sang at an equally soul-inspiring 'Soul In the City 3', put on by the Orbit Room at the Capitol, featuring headlining Canadian guitar legends Domenic Troiano (James Gang/Guess Who/Mandala) and Rush's Alex Lifeson.

James Brown and the Soul Generals left the Massey Hall stage after this dynamic performance - then, the bright overhead lights came on. It appeared that this historic, funky, soul/R&B concert had come to an end. Then, all of a sudden, while the crowd was still cheering and applauding; Mr. Brown came out again - white towel draped over his all-black outfit; after two solid hours of energetic entertaining to a full house! James greeted several of his fans near the stage, with a hearty smile and a handshake. Then the whole band (including the beautiful dancers, background vocalists and Tanya Ray) -- suddenly joined James on stage, and performed a super-rousing rendition of "Jam", with lyrics like "Dance ... Make It Funky". Host Danny Ray also joined in on this superb finale, too!

James Brown and his Soul Generals went ballistic on "Jam", while the fans pressed nearer the stage -- including this writer. James was in fine vocal form, and still full of energy and smiling while he was singing. Then one memorable event happened all of a sudden, that caught me off-guard; but really made me happy - James held the mic down to me to sing 'Dance', then took it up again, to sing 'Make It Funky'. He let me sing three times with him, back and forth with the mic in this tune - so, I sort of had a chance to briefly sing with the 'Godfather of Soul', James Brown - which to me is a real dream come true! The entire concert was a dream come true, for that matter ... for me - as it was I'm sure for most if not all of the very lucky people who were fortunate to be at Massey Hall in Toronto, that very special evening.

http://www.godfatherofsoul.com/
http://www.godfatherofsoul.com/heart/merchandise/index.htm

Paul James Was Special Guest at Healey’s
Thurs. Night, Oct. 7, 2004, Toronto, Ont.

-- by Joe Curtis --

Guitarist extraordinaire, Paul James was the very special guest performer at Healey’s in Toronto, Ontario, Thurs. Oct. 7, 2004, as part of their regular Thurs. night ‘Special Guest’ spotlight. The club was packed with Jeff Healey/Paul James fans, and with good reason.

Paul is one of the best known and most respected blues and rock ‘n’ roll guitarists in Canada. His band backed up R&B/blues icon Bo Diddley from the early 1970’s to the late 1990’s. Paul has also sat in with Bob Dylan at Toronto’s Air Canada Centre and the Masonic Temple, as well as at Centennial Hall in London, Ont., and Buffalo, NY’s Marine Midland Arena. He opened for Mr. ‘Bojangles’ Dylan at Canada’s Wonderland once - a theme park in the Toronto area.

In like fashion, Dylan showed up at Paul’s gig at Nag’s Head North in Richmond Hill, Ont. once, and sat in with him there. Dylan was also Paul’s guest at one of his gigs at Toronto’s historic El Mocambo. (The Stones played two spectacular concerts at the Elmo in 1977. One of the guests that night, was Maggie Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister, Pierre Elliot Trudeau.) Paul once backed up Bo Diddley at a private party for the OPP (Ont. Prov. Police), and Dylan was his guest that night, too!

Most recently, Paul was Bob Dylan’s guest at an invitation-only party at Toronto nightclub Kool Haus, but didn’t join him on stage. (Back in 1994, when Kool Haus was called R.P.M., the Rolling Stones performed a surprise concert there. I saw Jeff Healey open for the Stones at that ’94 event. He appeared with them in their encore that evening - helping send the finale over the top in a big way - pumping his guitar on the floor with his foot, like a wa-wa pedal!)

Paul has also performed on several occasions with close friend and blues great John Hammond. Blues legend Honey Boy Edwards sat in with Paul once at the Hotel Isabella and another time at the Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto, (another Stones ‘surprise concert’ venue in the ‘90s.) Honey Boy was playing at the Rivoli down the street, and borrowed Paul’s acoustic guitar for his gig, when his own guitar was lost in the airport baggage area.

Jeff Healey is part owner of Healey’s -- one of the finest blues clubs around, http://www.jeffhealeys.com/ . This means that Jeff often shows up at the club bearing his name, to sit in with some of the most impeccable world-class blues talent to ever grace a stage anywhere. That includes harp great James Cotton, drummer Levon Helm, late blues great A.C. Reed (brother of guitarist Jimmy Reed); blues guitarists Son Seals and Anson Funderburgh, harp impresario Sam Myers -- and even unofficial Beatle keyboard player from back in ’62, Roy Young, http://www.royyoung.com/ .

This night at Healey’s with Paul James as special guest, was another of those very special evenings of great blues and rock ‘n’ roll. The place was packed when I arrived, and with good reason. Paul is a real showman, in the true sense of the word. When he gets on stage, ‘magic’ happens - eyes are glued to his every move, facial expressions, and twist-around dance moves. He’s well-known by his fans for using any item on hand, to play some of the most entertaining slide guitar one can ever hope to hear, or see.

Paul spontaneously used his mic stand to play some amazing southern U.S. delta-style slide blues, that would make Elmore James or Hound Dog Taylor sit up and take notice. The audience was transfixed by every note in this unique demonstration of imagination and talent, which Paul happily performed for the fans at Healey’s. At one point he even played some out-of-this-world blues riffs while holding his guitar behind his head - then finished off by spinning the neck of his guitar around in his hand, like a whirling top.

Later in the evening, Paul left the stage, guitar in hand, while playing some of the sweetest sounding, melodic guitar leads I’ve ever heard. He wandered through the audience like a minstrel of days gone by, wailing away on his hollow-body red Guild Starfire, and never missed a beat, while wowing the audience with his talent and true showmanship. This wasn’t an ‘act’ - this was a real show, by a performer who truly lives to entertain an audience, just like he lives to play guitar. When Paul got near the bar, somebody handed him a beer bottle, which he immediately put to good use, playing some of his trademark slide guitar riffs with ‘real’ bottleneck style and precision, as only he can.

Jeff Healey’s Thurs. night house band backed up Paul all through this impeccable performance. The Healey house band features Jeff on lead/rhythm guitar and lead/background vocals; Alec Fraser on bass; Dave Murphy on keyboards; Al Webster on drums, and Dan Nordmeer on rhythm/lead guitar.

I feel I should mention that Fraser (as well as being one of the most sought after bassists in Canada) - is a gifted recording engineer, and owner of Juno and Maple Blues Award-winning Liquid Studio here in Toronto. Liquid has recorded the likes of Garth Hudson and Levon Helm of The Band, as well as Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith (Muddy Waters’ drummer), Paul Oscher (Muddy Waters Band alumnus), and countless other blues legends. Fraser has just completed the final mix on the Paul James Band’s most recent, soon-to-be-released CD, tentatively titled ‘Lost In the Blues’. He and Al Lerman (harp/sax in Juno-winning Fathead) recently completed the Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith Band CD, ‘Bluesin’ It’ -- available on the Electro-Fi label, http://www.electrofi.com/ .

When I arrived at Healey’s Thurs. night, Paul was already ‘full speed ahead’, performing a dynamite version of Bob Dylan’s “Like a Rolling Stone”. He followed this legendary Dylan classic, with the rousing, “Bo Diddley”. The audience sang out, ‘Who do ya love?’, in response to Paul’s ‘Hey, Bo Diddley’. Only an upbeat Howlin’ Wolf tune like “You’ll Be Mine” could follow something that intense -- complete with gravel-voiced ‘Wolf’ vocals. It felt as if Howlin’ Wolf himself, was present in the room, and was being channeled through Paul’s impressive singing. The upbeat rockin’ ‘n’ rollin’ “Nadine” completely mesmerized the room after that, and finished the second set on a high note.

The Healey house band warmed up the third and final set of the evening, with Huey ‘Piano’ Smith’s, “Don’t You Just Know It”. It was a fun tune to hear, and for the band to play and sing along with. After this bit of musical brevity, Jeff sang his million selling hit, “Angel Eyes”, and dedicated it to a ‘birthday girl’ in the audience. You could hear a pin drop, with the respect and appreciation the fans gave Jeff while he sang his heart out -- doing likewise playing guitar, on this very deep tune. Next up, keyboard player Murphy, sang the stimulating vocals on Bad Company’s “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love”, featuring a blistering guitar solo by Nordmeer, who’s Murphy’s guitarist in the super-popular Dave Murphy Band, http://www.davemurphyband.com/ . Jeff’s guitar soloing on this one excelled too, as did Webster’s drumming. Webster’s an indispensable part of the internationally touring Jeff Healey Band, as well as being in the Healey Thurs. night house band. He’s also drummer in the ‘Blues Monkeys’ featuring harp virtuoso Jerome Godboo from Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, http://www.ronniehawkins.com/ .

Paul joined the others on stage after the Bad Company rocker, and sang “She’s Mean and Evil”, with ‘wolf-like’ vocal intonation; while playing some amazing electrified acoustic guitar and slide. His original “Red Hot Mama” really got the crowd going, and featured his slithery slide, Fraser’s heavy-duty bass lines and Webster’s ‘scorching’ talent on the skins. “G.L.O.R.I.A” set the place on ‘fire’, with the band giving it their all; while the audience chanted ‘Gloria’, in response to Paul’s awesome lead vocals and guitar work. The classic 1960s rocker, “Louie, Louie” finished off this final set of the evening, with as much impact as two trains colliding.

The audience eager to hear more, demanded it and got it. For the encore, Paul played one of his two new Halloween blues tunes, aptly titled, “It’s Halloween”. This tune was a lot of fun to see performed live. Paul’s facial expressions were harmlessly scary, like going into an old-fashioned, spooky Fun House at an amusement park in the 1960s. Jeff’s eerie guitar leads were like something right out of a Universal Monsters movie from the 1940s - very atmospheric and spine tingling in the best possible fun way! I think we all had the ‘kid’ brought out in us with this highly enjoyable finale (especially so close to Halloween), to an incredibly entertaining evening of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, as only the true master of this musical art form can muster up -- the great Paul James.

Paul’s official web site offers a special ‘Xmas at Halloween’ - ‘Trick or Treat’ gift to his fans - two very ‘scary’ new Halloween blues tunes he’s just written - the previously mentioned, “It’s Halloween”, and the equally fun and ‘spooky’ “Trick or Treat”. Both of these well-crafted blues ‘novelty’ tunes capture the Halloween season with flair, personality and atmosphere. They can be listened to for free, on full length Mp3’s, by just clicking on Paul’s web site at: http://www.pauljamesband.com/ . Nostalgic orange and black Halloween graphics will greet you. All you do is click on this imaginative Halloween art, and it’ll take you right to the Halloween tunes page.

These two fun-filled Halloween tunes are available now, as a two-song CD, to radio stations who’d like to offer them airplay, while the ‘spook season’ is upon us. Radio stations can listen to these Halloween winners at Paul’s site. If they like what they hear, the two-song CD they’re on, can be sent to them from the Paul James Band web site at: http://www.pauljamesband.com/mailorder/index.htm . These tunes will also be on Paul’s forthcoming CD, ‘Lost In the Blues’.

There are some other incredible blues songs on the ‘tunes page’ to listen to. They’re from Paul’s previous three CD’s, including some from Paul’s rousing, fun 2003 CD, ‘La Vie en Bleu’, which captures the feel of a live Paul James Band performance. There are also Mp3’s to listen to at Paul’s site, from his earlier ‘Lazy Crazy Blues’ and ‘Acoustic Blues’ CDs, also available for purchase.

Have fun .. and HAPPY HALLOWEEN, everyone!!!

CD review - Uncle Salty’s Cabin
- ‘Hooch Radio 109.9 fm’

-- by Joe Curtis --

Uncle Salty’s Cabin opens the ‘door’ to their third release ‘Hooch Radio 109.9 fm’, with a rousing mid-tempo tune called “Paco”. It features Brett Branham’s stimulating vocals along with John Williams’ intricate mandolin riffs. Darin Di Pietro contributes some unexpected, heavy-duty bass lines towards the end of this composition. “I’m Not A Carpenter”, reminds me of a Frank Zappa-influenced blues-rock tune, owing to Branham’s vocals telling a Zappa-like story. Chris Ray’s bass lines rip right through ‘Carpenter’, and are complemented by strong percussion and drums support from Chris G. Branham tells us ‘you had it all’, in “You Got It All”. This tune features more of Williams’ exhuisite mandolin plucking along with Chris G’s intricate percussion and Di Pietro’s stimulating bass lines.

“Sweets” consists of a weird and funny ‘answering machine’ message from what appears to be a frustrated woman with a ‘southern drawl’; who seems to want her drain fixed. This odd but humorous track is followed by a bluegrass tune called, “It’s My Mind”. This is a very danceable tune, showcasing Di Pietro’s wild vocals and rousing bass lines; along with Chris G’s strong drumming. (Di Pietro wrote the music for all the songs on this enjoyable 11-track, 42-minute CD, as well as most of the lyrics, too!) The man’s a musical genius!

“Cajun” is appropriately titled - with sort of a ‘drift off’ and ‘veg’ vibe to it. The instrumentals feature some very cool guitar licks, as well as drums, percussion and bass. The pace makes a sharp contrast with “In the Rain”. A jazz-influenced whimsical ditty, ‘Rain’ features Di Pietro’s lilting guitar riffs and rhythmic harmonies, along with Branham’s easy-to-take vocals.

Again the pace changes with the hard-edged blues-rock winner, “Happy Man”. It opens with Di Pietro’s scorching Hendrix-like lead guitar riffs, Barnham’s incredible vocals and Chris G’s frantic drumming. Just for a breather, things slow right down with “Reason Why”. This folk tune with an edge features Di Pietro’s full-bodied, insightful acoustic guitar creativity -- along with Barnham’s deep, meaningful vocals, singing lyrics like “she sees my soul - you’re my reason why -- just spend some time.”

“Feel It Again” explodes from the CD player like gangbusters! Hard edged all the way, with scorching guitar licks, heavy bottom end and rapid fire drumming; this tune will make you pay attention, and keep you on the edge of your seat. It would go over well in a huge outdoor venue. Barnham’s wild vocals cry out, “In a blink of an eye you took it all away. Don’t you know, I just want to feel it again?”

“Sots” is the conclusion to this very imaginative CD. It begins sweet and innocent with a gentle acoustic feel - then goes way over the edge with superbly crafted and textured percussion. Barnham’s very cool, freaky vocals add atmosphere to the proceedings, and speak of ‘simple things … simple minds’.

I find Uncle Salty’s Cabin’s third release, ‘Hooch Radio 109.9 fm’ to be very imaginative and entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone who really appreciates fine instrumentals with vocals to match.

Artist: Uncle Salty’s Cabin
CD: ‘Hooch Radio 109.9 fm’
Website: http://www.unclesaltyscabin.com/
Email: darin@unclesaltyscabin.com

CD review - Tinsley Ellis - ‘The Hard Way’

-- by Joe Curtis --

Veteran blues man Tinsley Ellis has come out with a great new CD entitled ‘The Hard Way’. It’s a stimulating 54 minutes of pure blues pleasure, beginning with the rousing “Still In The Game”. Tinsley lets us know in no uncertain terms that he’s ‘still in the game’ - the game of musical entertainment, that is! The vital energy contained in the instrumentals and vocals in this opening number is astounding!

Things slow down a bit with “Let Him Down Easy”; but Tinsley’s incredible guitar soloing is a pure joy to listen to - like it could go on forever - and in the imagination, it can pleasurably seem to. Richie (Little Feat founder) Hayward’s drumming on “Let Him …” rocks, and helps send Tinsley’s scorching guitar licks into blues orbit. :”Me Without You” is a romantic ballad sung with true conviction by Tinsley, and given full percussive support from Hayward’s drum kit. Kevin McKendree’s sweet organ riffs permeate here and there - while Tinsley treats us to some highly emotional guitar soloing. His lamenting vocals cry out, “You’ve called off the wedding three times” -- summing up the heartbreak in this tune quite well. Ellis’ crying guitar soloing which follows, adds credence to this sorrowful blues lament.

“I’ll Get Over You” is a sweet romantic blues ballad, with heartwarming instrumentals, and background vocals supporting Tinsley’s declaration that “I’ll get over you, somehow, some way.” Ellis’ rhythm guitar playing makes good use of wa-wa pedal ‘magic’, to convey his feelings on the matter.

“And It Hurts” is an upbeat rockin’ party tune, that’s guaranteed to fill dance floors anywhere it’s heard. Tinsley’s vocals scream out the ‘hurt’, while his band rocks it up real good. “La La Land” follows … which could also be called ‘wa wa land’, since it has plenty of the familiar guitar foot pedal effects permeating Tinsley’s superb guitar creativity. This is very much a laid back ‘veg’ tune that’s a welcome release after any strenuous activity. Hayward’s pulsating drumming adds strength to Tinsley’s insightfully melodic lead guitar riffs. Ellis’ gently flowing vocals let us know, “When you’re living in a ‘La La’ land, all the fantasies are close at hand.” Tinsley tells us he “has the cure for a heartache” in the rough blues rocker, “My Love’s the Medicine.”

“Fountain of Youth” is a beautiful, laid back medium tempo blues creation, featuring Sean Costello’s driving harp blowing, and Hayward’s heavy duty skins technique. Tinsley’s superb story-telling vocals ask, “What am I supposed to do, when they take my fountain away?” Some of Costello’s awesome harp playing answers this perennial question with rousing gusto. “Love Bomb” which follows, is a stimulating jazz influenced instrumental, that comes on strong and keeps up the pace all the way through. Tinsley’s guitar mastery shines on this one, as does Hayward’s all out emphatic drumming.

“Pack Poet” is a quintessential blues rocker that defines the genre! The power contained in the instrumentals and vocals, can jar the soul, and get the adrenalin rebbed up real good! Tinsley’s scorching leads and rhythm guitar work, makes known this guitar blues icon as one of the finest talents we’ll ever be lucky enough to hear play and sing his own particular brand of ‘blues muse’ for our auditory senses to enjoy. This tune has ‘winner’ stamped all over it!

Some introspective guitar soloing is found in the simply titled “Last Song”. A medium tempo blues masterpiece -- this tune features Tinsley’s strong vocals, supported all the way by an equal measure of Hayward’s stimulating drumming. Tinsley’s guitar cries the blues, while his vocals tell their sorry story with heartfelt conviction. His reluctant vocals declare, “It’s the last love song I’m gonna write about you and me!” - sorrow of the worst kind, to say the least - and very true to life. Solace is found in Tinsley’s unbelievably imaginative and thoroughly introspective guitar soloing which follows - a truly soulful escape from life’s terrible heartbreak. The soul screams forth in every note of the very fine conclusion to this extremely enjoyable Tinsley Ellis CD, ‘The Hard Way’.

I would recommend this CD to all blues fans desirous of listening to incredible guitar mastery at it’s very best. Tinsley Ellis’ superb guitar genius -- coupled with the finest vocals and instrumentals around -- ensures that ‘Hard Way’ will in no way be a disappointment in the slightest!

Artist: Tinsley Ellis
CD: ‘The Hard Way’
Label: Telarc # CD-83608
Year: 2004
Website: http://www.telarc.com/

CD review: Dan Treanor and Frankie Lee
- ‘African Wind’

-- by Joe Curtis --

This new release by Dan Treanor and Frankie Lee, on Fred Litwin’s award-winning Northern Blues label in Canada, is one of the finest rousing and fun blues CD’s that’s ever crossed my musical path. Enlightening, entertaining, energetic and a whole lotta fun!!!! All that and more!!! Superlatives galore wouldn’t suffice to describe the absolute joy in listening to this incredible CD.

As you can see, I’m very much taken with it. ‘African Wind’ features Frankie Lee’s incredibly rousing, right-from-the-heart vocals, added to with zest and gusto by Dan Treanor’s awesome harp playing, along with Treanor’s impeccable acoustic guitar rhythms and leads. His musical approach is traditional in every way. The exhuisite taste with which he complements every vowel and word of Lee’s out-of-this-world vocals, is a bond that’s rare and very special in this day and age of commercialized, pre-packaged music of all kinds - including blues! These blues men came Litwin’s way via Dave McIntyre of the Colorado Blues Society. http://www.coblues.com/

Just listen to Lee sing out “I don’t know what to do. I believe I’ve been kidnapped by the blues”, in the song of the same name - “Kidnapped By The Blues”. This is followed by the upbeat “Texas Son”, featuring Lee belting out, “I’m a Texas son … a long way from home.” The amazing rhythms is this and every song on ‘African Wind’, are added to by some rare and wonderful African instruments, namely the ‘Diddley Bow’, the ‘Umakeyana’, the ‘Ngoni’, the ‘Khalam’ the ‘Kalimba’ and the ‘Djembe’. It’s mentioned in the informative and entertaining liner notes (provided by Northern Blues founder Fred Litwin) that the ‘Diddley Bow’ is probably the first instrument that many of the legendary blues men played - such as Muddy Waters, Jimmy Rogers, B.B. King, etc. The ‘Diddley Bow’ is basically (cotton) baling wire nailed to the side of a cabin or barn, with wood pushed under it at either end - then a glass bottle or metal pipe slid along it, while being plucked at the same time. (“Cut With Dynamite” among other tracks, features some of this sweet slidin’.) Talk about innovation - and also the very basic and most beautiful essence of the birth of the blues for most of the true innovators of this genre. This is truly it!

Erica and Peggy Brown provide some extremely soulful background vocals and call and answer to Lee’s soulful vocal yearnings in “Lonesome Road” among others. “Mean Woman Blues”, the second tune on this superlative blues CD, begins with some very emphatic African percussion, and continues with Lee’s determined vocals and Treanor’s energetic harp accompaniment. My personal favorite is “Tell Me Mama”. It’s rousing blues at its best, by those who know how to get a place hoppin’ - as Treanor and Lee definitely do - with good taste and total class all the way!

There are so many .. and too many (all at the same time) good things to say (in a review) about the 15 absolutely perfect blues tunes on this amazing first CD on the Northern Blues label for Dan Treanor and Frankie Lee. I feel every blues fan owes it to their love of the blues to give ‘African Wind’ a listen. After that, maybe it’ll become a favorite of yours, as it has become mine!

Artist: Dan Treanor and Frankie Lee
CD: ‘African Wind’
Label: Northern Blues # NBM0023
Website: http://www.northernblues.com/
Direct link to ‘African Wind’ at Northern Blues: http://www.northernblues.com/cd_african_wind.html

CD Review - Freed
- ‘Freed - The Tribute to Free’

-- by Joe Curtis --

Freed, the band is hailing themselves as the only Free tribute band in the UK, totally dedicated to only playing songs that the original late ‘60s British blues rock band Free performed. Freed is totally immersed in the Free ‘experience’ -- and it shows in every note and nuance in this very much enjoyed (personal perception) CD. They’ve put together a highly enjoyable three-tune compilation, which captures the feel and vitality of the original British rockers in a way that’s uplifting and quite satisfying. They’re a four-piece band, featuring Simon Fowles on vocals; Mike Jarvis on guitar; Izzee on bass and Kenny Stone on drums.

The first tune on this remarkably good CD is entitled “Remember”. I would term this a gentle ‘veg’ tune … something to sit back and relax to, with thorough enjoyment. Then the pace changes with the romantic blues rock ballad, “Don’t Say You Love Me”. Simon’s vocals are the real essence of this serene tune. Lyrics such as, “I just didn’t know what to do.” and “Don’t say you love me, because I know it would be just a lie” sum up quite well the genuinely felt heartbreak this well-orchestrated tune possesses. Two thumbs up for Izee’s insightful bass lines and Jarvis’ crying guitar licks - they excel.

The definitive and best-known Free hit “Allright Now”, is the fabulous rockin’ conclusion to this very fine blues rock tribute compilation of some of Free’s best-loved hits. Simon’s vocals sound just right, as one would expect from the original Free vocalist, Paul Rodgers. Jarvis’ screaming guitar licks are very welcome. His scorching rhythm guitar tantalizes just the way we’d hope it would! Izzee’s bass lines pulsate their familiar melodic riffs with stirring preciseness. (He’s been fortunate to sit in with Rodgers before). Stone’s drumming kicks the kit to its ever luvin’ percussive limit. I must add that Simon’s vocals are true to heart and familiar like a good friend’s ‘hello’.

In closing, Freed and ‘Freed - The Tribute to Free’ compilation is definitely ‘alright’ now or anytime there’s a soulful need to transcend into the party mode - even if there is no party! (With Freed playing on the CD player, it’ll seem like there is a cool gathering happening!) Freed is a definite mood-enhancer in the best possible way! I highly recommend the band and this CD. They also have a video performance available from their web site, which I feel would be well worth viewing. Several live Freed tunes such as “Fire and Water”, and the all-time British blues boogie Free hit, “The Hunter”, can be heard full length on Freed’s website at: http://www.izzee.co.uk/Zounds.htm Their website is: http://www.freed.org.uk/

Artist: Freed
CD: Freed - ‘Freed - The Tribute to Free’
Website: http://www.freed.org.uk/
Listen to Freed live recordings: http://www.izzee.co.uk/Zounds.htm
Email: freedorguk@msn.com