New Releases from Ruf Records

Hello again TMB Fans!

Just wanted to sing the praises of three new arrivals to the WWPV Blues collection from Ruf Records, Bernard Allison's "Energized - Live in Europe", Omar & the Howlers' "Bamboozled - Live in Germany" and Lister, Lyytinen & Parker's "Pilgrimage : Mississippi to Memphis"

For those of you know me, I am not prone to gushing or false praise, but I am really enjoying these CDs. I have been driving around town playing "Pilgrimage" and never hitting the 'next track' button on the CD player. Oh, be assured, I have favorite tracks but I am very impressed by these European musicians coming here to the US to work with two seasoned American producers in two fabled locations : Clarksdale, Mississippi & Memphis, Tennessee. This trio not only made the trip but did the work producing a completely authentic and enjoyable collection of "American Roots" music. Here's the summary...if I leave in my car's CD player, let it play, and without a thought of changing out, that is as close to a trial by fire in my book. "Pilgrimage" passes with flying colors.

Today I drove my middle daughter to a far-out-of-town soccer game in Stowe, VT. So I thought it be a good time to try Allison's "Energized". Both my daughter and I were definitely "Energized". She helped setup the winning score for her team but I already have favorite tracks. "Energized" is one of those live Blues CDs which will not be popular with commercial radio because ...well...it is a great Blues music. Allison and his crew lay down some righteous, intense jams, riff and inspired licks well beyond the comfortable 3 minute track preferred by most commercial radio. Thank goodness WWPV is commercial free college radio. This 2-Disc CD set just seems to fly by, really drawing the listener to a place...actually The Place where Allison and his crew were performing, sitting & listening in a European club, just the perfect size, and you have the best seat in the joint. I, particularly, liked "Too Many Women" because it highlighted the incredible bass work of Jassen Wilber. I do love a great Bluesman on the bass. Allison's guitar work is outstanding but without aggrandizing myself. Another standout on this collection was the keyboard work of Mike Vlahakis. Of course, firmly grounding this great quartet was Andrew Thomas on drums with solid rhythms and beats without in upfront and in the way. Well Done. I am always a little reserved when it comes to Live CDs but the sound quality is excellent and well engineered.

I definitely have more to say about Omar and the Howler's lastest effort, "Bamboozled" but it is late and I need to get some sleep. So, I will write more soon. I played tracks from all three CDs last week and counts on more tracks this week and in the future.

Another thing that I love...Europe bringing us here in the States great American Blues. I love the irony...more importantly, I love the music.

Please feel free to give me a call during the show (802-654-2887) or send an IM (AOL/AIM : WWPV887) and make a request during show times. Monday, 5pm-8pm EST.

Cheers,

OneChord