Bone-A-Fied
Boogie Bone
Self-Produced
It has been said, “The blues had a baby and they named it rock & roll.” But sometimes, that child does not stray too far from its mother’s bosom. That is where Boogie Bone is quite at home. Blues with an edge. Riding on the brink of rock & roll. With guitar riffs that burn. A solid rhythm section that drives directly from the pocket and keeps everything directly focused and on pace. Vocals that tear at one’s soul and can soar in a manner that cannot be ignored. Then there’s this other guy, who fills all the extra necessary needs that without the band just wouldn’t be the same. It’s that extra piece that brings everything home, blending with a power surge that makes the band unique.
For their sophomore effort, Boogie Bone took their time, making certain that everything was just right. That lengthy wait between their debut and this second disc, “Bone-A-Fied,” was more than well worth it. As fantastic as that first record was, this one takes it to another level. Kind of like Spinal Tap’s “eleven” volume amps, you just know it’s one better. Songwriting, performance and group comradery; it’s the full package!
Boogie Bone can easily trace its roots to blues shouters and high energy rockers. Guitarist Steven Dee Williams tears into monstrous riffs a la the likes of Johnny Winter, Gary Moore or Roy Buchanan, providing a starting point and pulse that plays throughout each number. Definitely the focal point of their live performances. Williams is a no prisoners taken musician easily at home burning down the house on a Stratocaster or delivering Delta-fueled licks on his steel-bodied guitar (“Angel Preamble”). You just know that Jake Johnson listened closely to vocalists like Paul Rodgers or Robert Plant, because he has that same ability to reach those ranges only few others can match seemingly with no effort. Drummer Todd “Spud” Stevens and bassist Henry Gavaldon are certainly unsung heroes of this band, but without either of them everything would fall flat. There is a second-sense between a band and its rhythm section and with really good ones everything is like clock-work. That’s the synergy that this pair provide. And what could possibly be said about Steve Snyder? Is there anything that this guy cannot play? Switching between saxophone, harmonica, flute and keyboards, he is like a one-man dream team that would make any act he’s with on a level one step above everybody else.
The music on “Bone-A-Fied” is all original and quite engaging. It drives straight to your nerve endings, bringing on an excited sweat, compelling you to shake and dance. Don’t try to stop that urge, it’ll only make you that much more restless. It’s aimed at eliciting such a reaction. Boogie Bone wants to rattle your bones. And it all comes home to that fine line between blues and rock. But they may be the first to admit they’re guilty of playing rock & roll, as stated in the song “Blues Police.” But make no mistake. It may kick you in the butt, but it’s all the blues. That much you can take to the bank! Yes sir!!
Total Time: 54:25
Angel Preamble / Avenging Angel / Lovin’ On The Run / Where’s My Lady / Don’t Mean A Thing / Make It Easy / Boogie Bone Boogie / Long Goodbye / Blues Police / My Way Home / Hold It Down / I Don’t Know / Gotcha Baby.
by Greg Johnson
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Joy is the fourth recording from previous Blues Music Award nominated band Root Doctor. Hailing from Lansing, Michigan, this outfit continues to release some extra greasy, soulful blues that has enough bite to grasp your nerve endings with ecstasy. Front man Freddie Cunningham’s voice delivers first rate performances whether it be funky, soulful or down in the alley blues and he is backed by artists that make everything on the disc come to life.
