Blues
Rooted firmly in the Little Walter and William Clarke school of overdriven, usually amplified harmonica, Steve Guyger blasts through 14 tracks of sturdy Chicagostyled blues. The former touring bandmember for Jimmy Rogers tears into these predominantly selfpenned tunes with the fervor of the best postwar bluesmen, blowing with precision, intensity, and emotion. The tracks crackle with energy, whether they are in a slower tempo or more upbeat. Guyger exudes a smoky, everyman voice that won't win any awards, yet works well with this material. But it's his gutsy harp, tight band, and imaginative arrangements that drive this album. From the John Lee Hooker vibe of "Rib Shack Boogie" (one of three newly added tracks) to the slow, ominous swamp crawl of the instrumental "Snake Oil" and the noir jazz of "Monkey on a Limb," Guyger shifts moods and styles while maintaining a tough, moody attack. His playing on the playful "Somethin's Smellin' Good (At My Baby's House)" is heavily reminiscent of Kim Wilson's best work. Swinging drummer Joe Maher, leader of labelmate Big Joe the Dynaflows, contributes skin work, but it's his production that shines here. Each instrument is crisply recorded, and the songs breathe no matter how fiercely Guyger blows. The album is essential listening for harmonica fans, and a real find for any serious lover of Chicago blues.
By Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide.
**
The 2003 remastered version of PAST LIFE BLUES includes three bonus tracks.
A remixed, re-mastered version of Steve Guyger's "Past Life Blues", originally released in 1999 by Severn Records. Considered by many to be one of the finest ... Full Descriptionharp players in the world, Steve Guyger delivers 8 originals and 3 covers, plus 3 added bonus tracks.
...A wild, raw-throated frontman and raucous honker, Guyger delivers with unbound energy....An excellent example of quintessentially raunchy, Little Walter-styled amplified blues harp honking by a strong new voice on the scene..."JazzTimes
...Guitarists Brian Bisesi and Rich Yescalis show great chops and restraint when stepping forward, while the bass duties are handled easily by longtime veteran Steve Gomes..."
From Living Blues.
**
Steve Guyger- (Vocals, Harmonica);
Brian Bisesi, Rich Yescalis- (Guitar);
Steve Gomes- (Bass);
Joe Maher- (Drums).
**
01.Let's Rock Tonight
02.I Tried So Hard
03.I Thought I Heard
04.Monkey on a Limb
05.Blue Mambo
06.Somethin's Smellin' Good (At My Baby's House)
07.Bricks in My Pillow
08.My New Car
09.Kansas City Blues
10.Snake Oil
11.We're Gonna Ride
12.No No No
13.Same Old Thing
14.I Need My Baby
15.Come Back (Bonus Track)
16.This Is the First Time (Bonus Track)
17.Rib Shack Boogie (Bonus Track)
**
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