New Blues Revolution
To Hellendale and Back
(Self-released)
This five-song EP opens with "Souls on Fire," a slow shuffle with psychedelic overtones and ominous, cryptic vocals from Bill Grisolia, all adding up to a vibe that recalls Jim Morrison and the Doors. "Black Widow" is also a shuffle but much bluesier and with a hint of psychobilly, but then again Grisolia's vocals give (almost) every song a delightful ready-to-come-unhinged edge. Ironically Grisolia does not apply his vocal talent to EP closer "Sunset Psycho Twang;" it is an instrumental.
Golden State - Lone Star Blues Revue
(Self-titled)
Electro-Fi
This band with the rather lengthy name features some very accomplished players; Anson Funderburgh and Little Charlie Baty on guitars, Mark Hummel on blues harp and the rhythm section of drummer Wes Starr and bass man R.W. Grigsby. And the guys have a sound as big as their combined resumes that shines on cuts like a buoyant cover of Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown's "Midnight Hour," Lowell Fulson's sassy "Check Yourself" and Hummel originals like the swinging "Cool to Be Your Fool," the twangy and appropriately '50s-leaning "Lucky Kewpie Doll" and the very slow and smoky "End of the World." Guest players on sax, piano and organ help out the all-stars throughout.
Peter Karp
The Arson's Match
(Self-released)
Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor guests on this live album but that should not overshadow the fact that Karp is a fine guitarist and singer himself, and he also wrote all the material here, highlighted by fun sing-along cuts like "Gee Chee Gee Chee Wawa" and Fabulous Thunderbirds-style dance floor-packers like "Y'all Be Lookin'" and "The Nietzsche Lounge." Karp and Taylor have a guitar duel of sorts on "Rolling on a Log" but it is Dennis Gruenling's harmonica playing that takes the spotlight in album closer "Train O'Mine." The Arson's Match will be well-received by long time Karp fans but it's also a very nice intro for those yet to be initiated.
Share this article
Live: Heart and Cheap Trick Rock Tampa
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Days 4 & 5: Starship Lands on the Pearl, Alan Parsons Takes It Home
Kandace Springs - Run Your Race
On the Blue: New Horizons Cruise Day 1: Marbin Gets the Fun Started
Slipknot Announce Knotfest Iowa Lineup
Serj Tankian Shares Teaser For New Single 'A.F. Day'
Kaleo Announce North American Payback Tour
Shallow Side Recruit Elias Soriano For 'Filters'
Kings Of Thrash Announce Anarchy in the UK Tour
William Shatner Announces New Project With Animated 'Elephants And Termites' Lyric Video
Rush In The Studio For 'Grace Under Pressure' 40th Anniversary
Singled Out: Holly Lerski's Nepenthe