(Razor & Tie) You might recognize Dion from the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame or as the singer of “The Wanderer.” With his latest release, BRONX IN BLUE, Dion pays homage to the music that inspired him as a child growing up in the Bronx. BRONX IN BLUE came out on Razor & Tie last week (it was released digitally earlier in the year) and is a 14-track all-acoustic blues collection that features songs by blues greats such as Robert Johnson, Howlin’ Wolf, and Hank Williams as well as two original tracks. Renowned artists Bruce Springstreen, Paul Simon, and Lou Reed have all cited Dion as one of their prime influences. From the doo-wop of Dion & The Belmonts, during which time he toured with Buddy Holly and Richie Valens’ Dance Party tour, to the rock n’ roll of “Runaround Sue” and “The Wanderer” to the contemplative songwriting of “Abraham, Martin, and John,” to the blues of BRONX IN BLUE Dion’s music has impacted people for nearly half a century.
“Stunning” –Rollingstone
“Jack White will be lucky to sound this good at 66.” - Entertainment Weekly
“The album reveals [Dion] to be a powerfully rhythmic fingerpicker and blues singer who can deliver Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters and especially Robert Johnson tunes in an exciting, original style.” - Guitar World
“Recalling the back to basics approach of (Johnny) Cash’s American recordings…it’s a little like having Dion in your front room strumming his favorite blues songs.” - Mojo
BRONX IN BLUE track listing (songwriter in parenthesis):
1. Walkin' Blues (Robert Johnson)
2. You’re the One (J.A. Lane a/k/a Jimmy Rogers)
3. I Let My Baby Do That (Hattie Hart – Dion DiMucci)
4. Who Do You Love (Elias McDaniel a/k/a Bo Diddley)
5. Built for Comfort (Willie Dixon)
6. Crossroads (Robert Johnson)
7. Travelin' Riverside Blues (Robert Johnson)
8. You Better Watch Yourself (Sam “Lightnin’ Hopkins)
9. How Many More Years (Chester Burnett a/k/a Howlin’ Wolf)
10. Terraplane Blues (Robert Johnson)
11. Honky Tonk Blues (Hank Williams)
12. Baby What You Want Me To Do (Jimmy Reed)
13. Statesboro Blues (Blind Willie McTell)
14. If You Wanna Rock & Roll – (Dion Dimucci)
