Year: 2005
Record Label: Shunyata Records
Style: Blues
Musicians: Steve Ferrone (Drums), John March (Guitar), Jeff Young (B3 Organ and Keyboards),Tim Scott (Bass and Vocals)
Review: Injection of pure blues hits the surface with one spin of the new release of the Zen Blues Quartet (titled the same) from Shunyata Records. Stinging and crafty displays of a unique blues feel performed by a multi-talented group of L.A. craftsman. This jewel box will penetrate every hidden emotion you have been deprived of.
As they state no agenda no unusual effects, it’s a blues meltdown. For reasons unknown, I have to agree with them and it seems to be the way it should be.
It would be criminal to point out any one single musician on this project for without one or the other, it would not just be. Suffice to say it’s a collaborative piece of extraordinary sound for a first effort.
Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “A Real Mother For You” is slick and a well-crafted arraignment of a master. Very smooth mix of percussion and strings within the performance.
Upbeat and out of the box comes Mel London’s “Messin With The Kid”, this cut has legs and just keeps moving. The vocal performance is one of the stronger on the project. The brass goes into another dimension throughout the piece adding flair to the true blues sound.
The Zen Blues Quartet has produced a valiant and strong effort. I am very interested in what future plans these talented musicians have in store. It is refreshing to see true no nonsense craftsman go head to head on a disc.
Karl Stober is an international freelance columnist and broadcaster who can be reached at jazztrenzz@bellsouth.net. Karl can also be reached at 1-802-380-6065.
Tracks: Pack It Up, Body & Fender Man, You're Gonna Need Me, Get Your Business Straight, Gee Baby Ain't I good To You, A Real Mother For You, Take Out Some Insurance, Messin ' With The Kid, I Love You More Than You'll Ever Know, Since The World Ended
Artist's Website: http://www.zenbluesmusic.com
Reviewed by:
Karl Stober
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