CD Reviews

"Don’t Fight It"

Tom Rigney and Flambeau

Parhelion Records

Since the passing of players like Howard Armstrong, Vassar Clements and Clarence “Gatemouth” Brown, there are not really a lot of blues artists out there today using the violin as their prime instrument. There is Colorado’s Lionel Young of course, the recent International Blues Challenge winner. And then there is Tom Rigney, who stands tall in the field producing some really outstanding material over the past few years. Rigney’s latest disc, Don’t Fight It, is worth exploring, proving that this once common instrument in the days of the jug bands can still have its place in modern blues.

Rigney is joined here with his band Flambeau, a stellar grouping in its own right with keyboardist Caroline Dahl, Brent Rampone on drums, bassist Steve Parks and Danny Caron, long one of the finest guitarists out there, they make the album jump and cook wholeheartedly. Also making a guest appearance on a handful of songs is Hammond master John R. Burr. Beside his violin work, Rigney is also a very soulful vocalist with his smooth, deep voice.

Eight tracks here are Rigney originals and they’re all standout performances, highlighted by numbers like “Rigo’s Blues,” “Adeline Shuffle,” “The Clown And The Stripper” and his tribute to his mentor Vassar Clements on “Blues For Vassar.” Caroline Dahl also shows that she is a terrific songwriter with snappy piano run on “Caroline’s Boogie.” The remaining cuts are all superb covers of people like Little Walter, Henry Glover and Jimmie Rodgers. Rigney also throws down a bopping take of his former band mate from The Sundogs Joe Paquin’s “Treat Me Like A Dog,” a very fitting memorial.

Overall, though Rigney takes the lead on the disc with his violin, it is by no means focusing just upon that approach. This is a pure ensemble that works to perfection with one another. Each artist shines, with Caron burning up hot guitar licks, Dahl easing her way through amazing piano and Rampone holding everything together with his rhythm. A very enjoyable release from an artist and a band worthy of attention. Check out Tom Rigney and Flambeau. Very much recommended.

Total Time: 57:46

Just Your Fool / Adeline Shuffle / Snakewalk / Treat Me Like A Dog / The Clown And The Stripper / Don’t Fight It / Caroline’s Boogie / Teardrops On Your Letter / California Blues / Rigo’s Blues / Bonjour Tristesse / Blues For Vassar / The Funky Gator