The latest release from Les Dudek, Delta Breeze, starts off in total Chaos, a funky tune with Jeff Beck-like riffs
and vague references to the artists’ perception of our current world. This tune
is a tight instrumental of great fret dancing and percussion backing that ends
with a bang. Title cut Delta Breeze brings out more of
Dudek’s more familiar style and vocals. Lyrics add a positive element to this
song adding the intended ‘breeziness’ to the more aggressive guitar attack
beneath the words. Fast paced and well received. Les allows himself space to
stretch out a bit in extended solo work which is very welcomed to my ears. High
on the Water introduces more of his Southern Rock, Allman Brothers
style sounding like a happy cocktail of key, tempo and Country picking
reminiscent of Dickey Betts and the steely slide of David Lindley with a shot
of vocals borrowed from early Jackson Browne. The good time party pacing makes
for a fun tune with full rests thrown in which effectively refocuses the
listener back into the score. The results are cool and pleasant to the taste.
Dudek was successful in painting a smile on my face and making me think of
boating across a lake or hitting the road. Speaking of hitting the road, Wide
Open In The Wind is an obvious ode to the Harley’s that we own, love or
wish we owned. A definite biker tune is underscored with a driving bass line
with catchy guitar hook repeating onto itself throughout the song. Again, Dudek
brings out the Southern Rock slide guitar over top of the basic driving beat. Time
Will Tell brings out the questions of morality and ethics. Effective
use of backup vocals brings a nice change to the song which help to
differentiate it from the prior songs. Thankfully, Dudek makes use of slightly
different style of playing. The playing, especially in the change-up reminded
me of the better moments of Rick Derringers’ Knighted By the Blues, (2009).
This cut breaks away from the Betts picking and sails a bit more smoothly. One
White Lie returns to the Allman Brothers harmonics but switches from it
before becomes a crutch. Vocals lack here more than in other spots but the
incredible musicianship more than make up for the gnit-picking from this
reviewer. I’d be extremely lucky and thrilled to do half as well. A hint of New
Orleans funky back beat of Take My Money brings a fun aspect to what could have
been an otherwise throw-away song. The straight ahead Texas-blues attack makes Trouble
With The Law a personal favorite. Be sure to catch your breath prior to
this one. Fast-paced, I barely had time to decide if Dudek should be arrested
for killing the Johnny Winter style, trespassing on Stevie Ray Vaughan
territory or making use of a ZZ Top vehicle. Excellent harmonica playing locks
up this as the stand out song of this collection. Les exclaims that ‘he is
always in trouble with the law’. Playing like he does in this song is sure to
bail him out in any one’s opinion. Very enjoyable! Take gives a Dixie Dregs,
Steve Morse riff with a Eddie Van Halen tip of the hat to make a more pop
mixture that sounds like a Program Director's pick for air play. Rounding out
the collection is These Are The Good Old Days which I guessed to be Carly
Simon cover but only shares the phrase and basic concept of reminding ourselves
to enjoy life as it happens. Lyrics are the primary emphasis in this song.
Wisdom of experience and expression of love and good intentions are
distinctively expressed. “Leaving my love and memories with this song” indeed.
Dudek started this release with concerns
of economic collapse and ‘Chaos’ and ended with a song of encouragement and
reminders of what really brings value and richness to our lives. This effort is
very much worth your while. Another great effort from a personal favorite. Good
job, Les!
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