"The Late Show"
Barry Levenson
Rip Cat Records
We all know that the guitar is an instrument that speaks volumes to us. And when placed into the right hands the stories it can tell are immense. Such is the case with West Coast stringer Barry Levenson who can say more in his music without words than most anybody else is able to do. Ten of the tracks on his latest release, The Late Show, prove just that and more. No lyrics and they’re not necessary. This man knows a thing or two about the blues and he’s here to inform us all. Catching all of our emotions and thrills first-hand. It just cannot be said any plainer.
Of course on the other five numbers on this outstanding album Levenson brings in some special guests to put those stories to words as well. Finis Tasby of The Mannish Boys on “Slippin’ Down Blues” offers pierce you to the spine vocals that tell the truth about your own life, “it’s what you choose.” Mary Williams brings over the top feeling on the track “Whole Lotta Blues.” And Levenson’s often running partner Johnny Dyer excels once again on three numbers and provides stellar harmonica work, including one that pays tribute to Dyer’s mentor Muddy Waters.
But The Late Show is really all about Levenson and his guitar. Having penned all fifteen tracks it is his instrument that plays the pivotal role behind everything here. It is almost like a blues history course that takes you from the gritty side of Chicago to the swinging sounds of the West Coast and everywhere in between. I truly wish that he would tour on his own more often than he does; though those shows he has performed with Canned Heat have been astonishing as well. This is definitely one guitar player that should be more highly recognized. He knows what he’s talking about behind those riffs. And if we listen closely we’re going to learn quite a bit ourselves. Make a point to check out this sensational recording. If you love blues guitar you can’t miss this one!
Total Time: 77:21
Riley’s Shuffle – Blue Tears / Whole Lotta Blues / One For Muddy / Meters Runnin’ / The Late Show / Turn Up The A.C. / Slippin’ Down Blues / Charlie’s Ride / Steel Life / Wrong Side Of The Blues / West Side Rain / Down At The Hill / Rush Hour / Drinkin’ Stops Me Thinkin’ / Green Is Blue
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The Vicki Stevens Band originated out of Albany, Oregon a few years back from the weekly Calapooia blues jams hosted by harmonica man Froggy Hyland. The musicians are all stellar and come together to create such a party atmosphere that is displayed with the finest quality on their new CD, Ms. Vicki’s In Town. Along with Froggy on harp and slide guitar, Dennis Monroe tears it up with his guitar mastery, exceptional rhythm from Jim Badalich on bass and Ron Rocci on drums, all complimenting Vicki Stevens’ powerful vocals that can harken blues greats like Big Mama Thornton and Shemekia Copeland. It’s high energy, down in the alley and just plain good times when this band works together.
