Label: WTR
Blues
Like a wise, discerning blues master once said, "If you can't tell one from the other, don't judge a book by looking at its cover." This is especially sage advice about the back cover here, with a group photo that's as mixed breed as this: a young, raven-haired (carefully tucked under a leather Harley hat) female plucking away at a massive five-string bass, a moody-looking sax player whose profile is the resurrection of Sonny Stitt, as well as the vocalist and drummer, both donning dark sunglasses and long, straggly white beards, looking as if they were ZZ Top's grapnels. It's hard to imagine that they would be sharing the same stage, let alone inhabiting the same planet. Then here's guitarist "Forrest McDonald" looking pensive, as a guest musician amidst what must be the world's most unusual blues band. Ironically, the combination yields one of the most soulful blues renderings of the season.
For the uninitiated, Mcdonald's string bending antics have become the new rage among blues rock lovers who dig his clenched-fist tenacity with a searing solo, but with distinct references to the Delta's charm. While obviously taken with Eric Clapton's range and slowhanded versatility (and who of his generation isn't?), McDonald also takes the opportunity to delve a little deeper into his musical roots. By incorporating Freddie King's biting pick technique (especially effective during the spicy workout of "Texas" here), T-Bone Walker's shuffle chording and shaky notation (as in the mournful "Cry No More"), and Gatemouth Brown's jazzy inflections (like the peculiar twists and turns during the double-entendre driven "Ride My Buggy"), McDonald brings a little restraint and finesse to the blowtorch intensity usually associated with blues rock.
A lot of the credit should be shouldered by the "Raymond Victor Band," that seemingly incongruous group of blues stalwarts who provide McDonald with a foundation of sturdy backbeats from bassist Diane Dutra and drummer "Cap" Capdeville, soulful and simple West Coast Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson styling from saxist Dave Parnell, and throaty, down-home vocals from Raymond Victor, who doubles on keyboards, for a disc of down-on-yr-luck, gutbucket tunes.
While Mcdonald's picking may be too rock derivative for purist tastes - admittedly, he's no Keb Mo's or Alvin "Youngblood" Hart, the combination of his eloquent playing style, and the band's robust performance, ought to be checked out by blues lovers. Especially those checking out the covers!
By Richard Proplesch.
**
Ron Benner- Overdubs, Mixing
Forrest McDonald- Guitar, Vocals, Producer
Raymond Victor- Vocals
**
01. That's My Baby 4:31
02. Anchor to a Drowning Man 4:42
03. Texas 5:32
04. People I'm Hurting 5:57
05. Love Me In the Morning 3:21
06. Cry No More 4:07
07. If You Don't Really Love Me 4:26
08. Take Me to the Country 4:48
09. Ride My Buggy 4:12
10. Lazy Old Woman 3:12
11. Hard to Lose 3:28
12. Whiskey 4:20
13. Rock This House 4:36
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