Rooster reviews the latest blues
albums, blues cds and dvds from Australian and International Blues
Artists. Reviews are written by committee
members.
LUKE WATT
“Examples of Farewell Speech”
- CD -
 There must be something in the water in Warrnambool, with so many great roots artists coming out of the quiet coastal town. Last month we looked at Tom Richardson and this month we’re listening to the music of his occasional touring partner Luke Watt. Luke’s music sneak up on you like a sucker punch. “Another young guy with a slide guitar and a bunch of songs?” you say, “Been there, heard that. ” But put this record on and out of the speaker comes songs. Not lyrics built around a groove but beautiful, slow fired, well constructed songs. The instrumental chops are there but they tend to sit in the background, supporting and nurturing the lyrics rather than dominating the sound. Artists like Chris Whitley and Jeff Lang are clear inspirations and like them Luke uses the blues as a spur to creativity rather then a set of rules to be followed but Luke prefers to build on his heroes examples rather than slavishly imitate their style. A stellar debut from an artist who, with time, could prove to be something rather special. |
TEN CENT SHOOTERS
“Downtown”
- CD -
 On this, their fifth album, the Ten Cent Shooters give us a solid set of old-time country blues played the way it ought to be played, From a spectacular version of Robert Petway’s Catfish Blues that expands the instrumentation of the original while remaining true to the original arrangement to the toe-tappin’ hokum of their cover of Blind Blake’s Diddy Wah Diddy this is an album that will remind you why you live the old songs while remaining a great listen in it’s own right that you’ll have a hard time pulling out of your stereo when it’s done. Special credit to band leader and harmonica player Scott Wise for is three self-penned tracks that stand up well in such illustrious company and for his strong harmonica playing in the true pre-War style. A great gift to give to your friend who has a C.W. Stoneking record and is now ready to hear what the country blues is really about.
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RICK ESTRIN AND THE NIGHTCATS
“Twisted”
- CD -
 Last year we heard the news that top guitarist and band leader “Little” Charlie Baty had decided to leave the Nightcats, the band he founded with harmonica player and vocalist Rick Estrin way back in 1976. I for one was a little worried that perhaps the band I loved was going to disappear but fortunately Rick has stepped up ably into the position of bandleader and replacing Charlie on guitar we have Norwegian star Chris “Kid” Anderson, freshly poached from Charlie Musselwhite’s touring band. A solo star in his own right, “Kid” wasn’t even born when the band was founded but his sound is a perfect match for the group. Whether comping rhythm or taking the lead spotlight, his lines are clean and fun and the perfect match for Rick’s virtuoso harp playing. Have no fear, the Nightcats are back and they’re hear to party! Put this record on, crap open a can or two and get ready to have a good time! |
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