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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Blues Chose Me, from Alvon Johnson and I really like it! Opening with I Love The Blues, an easy laid Piedmont style blues, Alvon shows a voice so rich it calls comparison to Nat Cole. With Alvon on guitar and backed by Mike Rinta on trombone, Billy Moe and DMar on drums, Ron Perry on bass and Felton Pilate and Karen Richards on backing vocals it's a real nice opener. Title track, The Blues Chose Me, has a solid bass line with nicely phrased guitar riffs under satin smooth vocals with just the right amount of sting. Very nice. Heaven has a jazzier feel somewhat in the Walter Wolfman Washington style with backing keys by Felton C. Pilate II and James McKinney and nice bass groove by Perry. Alvon's guitar work is really excellent. Bluesy and articulate this track is very strong! Breakfast In Bed is the sure fire R&B style radio track. Think Marvin Gaye meets George Benson on style but with Alvon's rich vocals and trumpet backing by Tom Poole. Son House's Death Letter is redone with a more modern and smooth styling but maintaining a foot stomping rhythm and slide guitar. With only tambourine accompaniment, this track has a different life altogether due to Alvon's vocals, warm electric guitar chords and the addition of Adds Tolling's intense violin work under the track. Very nice. Frustrations is a cool modern blues rocker with a particularly nice melody. Heavy undertones on bass and guitar, give the track an almost Skillings/Vernon Reid metal - hip hop feel. Very cool work. Wrapping the release is Look At The World with it's funky bottom. Alvon's vocal blending with pilate and the ripping guitar work on this track make it an absolutely smoking closer.
This is not a traditional blues release but it is really hot!
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