Delivering a soulful piece is Jim Labos’ opening “The Blues Never Die”. From the organ to the nimble guitar, everything simply works. Tying it all together are the carefully crafted lyrics whose impassioned delivery works wonders.
On “Searching For the Truth” Devin Leigh neatly brings classic rock and country into a satisfying whole. Anchored by a powerful rhythm, the song is propelled forward. The attention to detail results in a fully-formed sound that is deeply satisfying.
Buck69 creates a classic kind of cool with “Dead End Road”. Offering rather playful observations on a life lived most fully, the song possesses a grand luxuriant sound. Lyrics are outstanding and the approach infuses the blues with a lounge-like vibe.
Shimmering organ and blistering guitar introduce the raw intensity of Mike Gallemore’s “Ride That Train”. A funky bass line holds the piece together. Grooves sprawl across the rather glorious arrangement.
A stripped-down western twang informs the tragic sound of Greg Guba’s “Way Past Blue”. Featuring a low-key approach the song’s introspection gives it a lazy Sunday afternoon feel to it. Highly articulate lyrics display Greg Guba’s impeccable knack for storytelling.
Manic energy flows out of Big Bone Daddy’s “Got It”. The sound is a force of nature as the song barrels down. Such a wild arrangement helps to give the song a multi-layered fantastic nature to it.
Psychedelic and surreal is the Jon Montgomery and The Exile Blues Band’s “I Ain’t Got Nobody”. Downright dreamy the song’s mellowed style is perfectly suited for Jon Montgomery’s careful vocal style. Swinging through, the song drifts by in a glorious haze.
Like a long-lost classic, Plainfield Slim’s lo-fi “I Found A Woman” is easily the highlight of the collection. Keeping things to the essentials the song rocks, pure and simple. Representing the power of the blues, the song is an absolute blast.
Robert Slap’s “Modern Medicine” takes on a good-nature jazzy sound. Guitar work is quite impressive showing off a great dexterity. Best of all are the small flourishes, from the saxophone to the low-slung bass.
Big Bone Daddy’s lively energy appears on the slow-paced work of “Down Low”. Downright decadent the song deserves to be blasted at the highest possible volumes. Rhythms are as emotional as they are time-keeping, as the entire band works together to deliver a truly rollicking feel.
Careful keyboard work comes into play on Dana Gaynor’s “Tip My Hat To The Maker”. Glistening in tone the piece’s careful arrangements allow the song to come into full bloom. Attention to detail means the piece feels truly engrossing.
Funky and free is Wood Shampoo’s “I Love You Mummy”. Incredible infectious rhythms help to anchor the sound. Lyrics possess a wonderful kind of wordplay, one that feels ideally suited for the nimble instrumental work.
Almost haunting in nature is the collection closer, the sprawling ambition of Vin Matteo’s “Your Spell”. His vocals have a raw grit to them that nicely emphasize the overall message of the piece. Quite catchy, the way the song builds up feels majestic.
www.bongoboyrecords.com/backroombluesvol4/
By – beachsloth.com
