Ofeh Records artist: Blind Lemon Pledge - A Satchel Full of Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Satchel Full of Blues, from Blind Lemon Pledge and it's an easy going folk blues rocker. Opening with steady rocker, Wrong Side Of The Blues with it's acoustic side approach but it rock rhythm. With BLP on vocal, guitar and harmonica, Peter Grenell on bass and Juli Moscovitz on drums. Moving to an amplified resonator guitar, BLP sets a slide riff under his traditional blues like vocal phrasing and cool harp response. His raw, side technique adds nicely to it's authentic feel. Ballad, Blue Heartbreak, has a sweet, R&B feel with a light touch backing, with a simple break for his melodic guitar soloing, really calling attention to BLP's vocal lead. Very nice. Shuffle track, Detour Blues has a clean, easy rock structure and forward focused vocals over a simple guitar/drum/bass backing and harmonnica accompaniment. With cool rock changes in melody, a radio style track. Before I Take My Rest has a country western feel and I really like it. The simple acoustic rhythm and BLP's vocal and slide resonator solo give this track a lot of traction. Wrapping the release is Death Don't Ask Permission, a really nice blues track in the manner of Rev. Gary Davis but with silde resonator instead of a thumping finger picking as Davis was known for. This is a great closer for an interesting release. 

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OFEH artist: Blind Lemon Pledge - Goin' Home - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Goin' Home, by Blind Lemon Pledge and he gets a great Delta sound going. Opening with I Feel Like Going Home, Pledge is on steel string guitar and slide with his wailing vocal with Peter Grenell on bass, delivering the word. Very original sound for a great opener. On Come Back Baby, another solid entry, Pledge shows a solid blend of his artful acoustic guitar work, some even sounding Mali influenced, and vocal strength on another Delta style track. Very nice. JJ Cale's Crazy Mama is a strong contemporary entry with moderate changes from Cale's original. With the jangle of the resonator on his finger picking and the warmth of the slide, this is a nice remake. Fenton Robinson's Loan Me A Dime gets a new look with more of an understated take than I've heard from the many interpretations. There's no grand electric guitar blow out as with most remakes, but Pledge manages the track nicely delivering a solid entry. Lonnie Johnson's It's Too Late To Cry is another stand out track with a firm, T-Bone Walker like framework under his stylized vocals and a more fluid guitar soloing approach giving it a real cool feel. Hard not to love Robert Johnson's Love In Vain with no frills but solid acoustic guitar riffs and vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is spiritual Little Black Train with warm vocal blending and handclaps. A real nice closer for a real cool release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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OFEH Records artist: Blind Lemon Pledge - Evangeline - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Evangeline, from Blind Lemon Pledge and it's an interesting slice of contemporary blues. Opening with, Buley's Farm, a modern interpretation of an original chain gang work song, BLP recaptures the spirit of the old Lomax recordings. Very cool. One of the most curious, and possibly my favorite track on the release is Brimstone Joe with it's 30's cadence and clever lyrics. Swing track, Jump The Willie has a light, bright feel, jazzy guitar accompaniment and light brushes and piano for kicks. Slick. Language Of Love has a cool, Latin rhythm and percussion and with BLP's vocals almost sounds like The Kinks "Apeman". Very interesting. Wrapping the release is title track, Evangeline, with cool slide and resonator tones over a bluesy ballad. A solid closer for a cool release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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