Review For Bongo Boy Records Backroom Blues Volume One; A Modern Blues Compilation Release

BELVIDERE, N.J. - Feb. 23, 2016 - PRLog -- Steel Notes Magazine | March, 2016 Issue | Album Review
Bongo Boy Records “Backroom Blues Volume One”
By: Dana Saravia – Life-long rock & roller, current music critic and Girl From Baltimore

A modern blues and blues rock compilation, “Backroom Blues Vol. 1” features several artists who showcase their own take on the blues. This album gathers blues and blues inspired artists from across the country, including those who are more established and those who are starting to gain a larger following.

Plainfield Slim & The Groundhawgs begin the album with their track “Miss Stacey”. The harmonica playing steals the show on this traditional blues infused rock number. There’s a danceable groove and an inviting vibe to this song, making it a great choice to start the album.

Blind Lemon Pledge is next with a song that’s nearly as clever as his name, “Sugar Rush”. Though comparing sex with candy has been done many times before, the double entendres of the lyrics are funny and the traditional music is seriously good and makes this one of the best songs of the collection.

The Paula Boggs Band follow with their contribution, “Miss Ruby Kirby Blues”. The wailing guitar that opens this track carries the emotion of the song throughout. The slow grind groove on this tale of a strong-willed lady blazing her own trail recalls late nights in smoke filled bars, befitting the title character. The vocal duet brings additional dramatic flair, helping both the song and the band stand out.

Next is “All I Got To Say”, the first of two songs included here from Big Bone Daddy. The gravelly growl of the vocals on lyrics like “I thank the Lord every day/That’s all I got to say” front a bass driven mid-tempo number that describes his gratitude for the good woman he’s got.

Immediately following is “Inside My Head”, a rockier, more modern take on the blues and it’s the first of two songs from Vin Matteo included on this album.

The sixth track, the second here from Big Bone Daddy, is called “Promised Land”. The down and dirty groove fits the lyrical theme of lost hope and despair. It’s also one of the most traditional sounding blues songs of the set.

Next is Kick Bend with their song “Gone”. This song blends a modern rock sound with a bluesy vibe. The piano’s music hall feel and the sound effects of popping scratched vinyl add charm to this fun, up tempo song.

The eighth song is “New York’s Finest” from Kimon and The Prophets. This is a crunchy blues rock number, sounds not unlike “Get Your Wings” era Aerosmith. Describing a long late night of trying to avoid the cops while partying hard in NYC, this song features strong storytelling backed with solid music complete with some excellent boogie woogie piano. Theatrical bluesy, boozy fun—a stand out song and my favourite on this album.

“Rat Race”, the second offering from Vin Matteo, is next. Continuing with his more modern rock blues style, this song about doing what you can to get by in the world has an interesting bass driven rock groove that would have benefitted from having the bass more prominent in the mix.

Roadhouse Son featuring Trevor Sewell close out the album with their contribution “Roadhouse Son”. Featuring a traditional blues riff and lyrical theme of seducing a young lady in the audience with the music, this song snaps with energy and joy. A fun, catchy song, it’s well chosen to close out this collection.

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“Backroom Blues Vol. 1” is an enjoyable listen. Though the expertise and style of some acts outshine others, this collection presents a wide range of modern blues and blues influenced artists. It’s great to hear a compilation of current musicians who work within the blues and blues rock genre.

      ****Available as a digital download from Bongo Boy Records****

https://bongoboyrecords.com/backroom-blues/