Musicians: Jerry Portnoy (harmonica, vocal trk
6,13); Duke Robillard (guitar, vocal
trk 3,10); Marty Ballou (bass); Steve
Ramsay (drums); Doug James
(bass clarinet, baritone sax); Gordon
Beadle (tenor sax); Troy Gonyea
(guitar-trk8,10,12); Bob Malone
(vocal- trk 8); Mark Davis (fiddle,
mandolin).
Review: Although pigeonholed as a bluesman, Jerry Portnoy shows tremendous versatility on this CD. The master harp player blurs the line between blues and jazz by including compositions by the likes of Horace Silver, George Shearing, Harold Arlen, Eddie Heywood and Will Shade. Five Portnoy originals are also showcased.
Jerry Portnoy is a highly respected player and has been a part of at least three Grammy winning records with Muddy Waters and Eric Clapton. Clapton calls Portnoy “One of the most stimulating musicians I have ever played with.” The harmonica virtuoso has enjoyed a thirty-year career and has appeared at Royal Albert Hall, Carnegie Hall and The White House. This session features Jerry with the cream of the east coast bluesmen including Duke Robillard, Marty Ballou and Steve Ramsay.
Down In The Mood Room is an exciting mix of jazz and blues and is sure to please the most discriminating listener.
Tracks: Doodlin’; So Slow; You Rascal You;
Canadian Sunset; Lullaby of
Birdland; Lazy; Jug Band Waltz; Once
Too Often; Sentimental Journey;
Money; Stormy Weather; Mood Room
Boogie; Endless Road.
JazzReview.com
