 |
|
| by christie godsey |
Date Added: Saturday 16 June, 2012 |
|
|
Recently lay on the mat, the latest CD Li'l Ronnie & the Grand Dukes, a blues band from Virginia. "Gotta Strange Feeling" is as far as I have ascertained the fourth of this band, which is built around namesake singer / harmonica player Li'l Ronnie Owens. Besides Owens, the band is still guitarist Ivan Applerouth, keyboardist John Fralin, bassist John Sheppard and drummer Mark Young and Stewart Grimes.
Of the fourteen, there are twelve tracks of the hand of Owens whether or not in conjunction with Applerouth.
The album begins with the shuffle "Can not Buy My Love" with tasty riffs of harmonica and guitar. When swinging funky "Cold Hard Cash" I clearly think of the Southern rock of bands like Wet Willie and Lynyrd Skynyrd. A pinch of Fats Domino comes into play in "Love Never Dies" while Applerouth the song with a beautiful solo swings. "Sweet Sue" is a first jump blues, which Ronnie a beautiful harmonica solo blowing. Then we go acoustic, but no less swinging to "Screaming & Crying". Ronnies voice and harmonica are accompanied only by guitar and a hunting Northside Slim, who uses the bass drum and maracas. This number reduced to its essence and it is even more intriguing. With "Bad She's Bad News" we do a trip to the Texas Blues. Louis Jordan's "Buzz Me" is the first cover here and get all the space Ivan Applerouth his nimble guitar style to be heard. Since I have his solo album "Blue And Instrumental" I heard I am a big fan of his.
But back to Li'l Ronnie, the harmonica boogie "Fat City" where you hear the fat tone harmonica players and fans love so much. Completely in the vein of Little and Big Walter so. By extension, the 50'ies Chicago blues of "Can not Please Your Wife" and the title song "Gotta Strange Feeling". Especially in the latter number is the subtle guitar Ivan again. This is followed by the swinging rockertje "I Will not Take It Anymore" and - my favorite - the slow blues "Late Night Blues." It let both Ronnie and Ivan from their best side. The smoothly swinging "Bring Your Love Home" would be so from Kansas City to come. Again, the guitar is clearly leading, while keyboardist John Fralin giving away a beautiful solo and Ronnie makes for an exciting end with his harmonica solo. With the coming of Chuck Berry "C'est La Vie" we arrived at the end. It's just a good rock 'n roll song.
Conclusion:
A more than excellent CD. Li'l Ronnie & the Grand Dukes put delicious Chicago-style blues, but also offer plenty of variety by taking a look what rock 'n roll, jump or throw in some Texas flamboyance. - Eric Camfers - Barn Owl Blues - Holland
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
My Account
Cart
Checkout
