If you were not aware of the British Blues community you are in for one hell of a wake up call with the ’Blues Matters!’ Sampler Volume 1. ‘Blues Matters!’ is a UK magazine that has been building a head of steam for a few years now and is ready to break out into a worldwide readership.
In all fairness to every artist that contributed to this excellent sampler, I am not going to single anyone out as being the premier musician on this album. I will say that each performer is exemplary in continuing the tradition of the blues with some of the most exciting and vibrant blues-rock that I have heard on this side of the Atlantic for sometime (that is excluding the releases I receive from Telarc).
What better way to start out a blues album than with a song titled "Feel like Robert Johnson" (Lights Out by Nine) then go into "Blues is a Feeling" (Tin Pan Alley), which reflects a sentiment that all the people that play and listen to this music understand so well? Oh yes honey child, da blues is damn straight a feeling, and more than words and music can say. I have to tip my hat to the folks on this CD, they sure enough tugged on these old heartstrings, and it became inevitable while listening to such impassioned and skillful playing and singing.
I could do without ‘Samplers’ for the most part and usually become bored quite easily with the format; this was the exception to the rule. Not only is ALL of this music great, it makes me want to hear it more and explore the all the artists that play on this disc, and that is exactly what this type of collection is supposed to do. As far as this blues lovin’ soul is concerned, the mission was accomplished on this CD without trouble. I am ready for Volume 2.
27 Feb
The Blues Matters!’ Sampler Vol. 1 by Various
- Written by Morrice Blackwell
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Additional Info
- Artist / Group Name: Various
- CD Title: The Blues Matters!’ Sampler Vol. 1
- Genre: Blues
- Year Released: 2003
- Record Label: Blues Matters! Records
- Tracks: Feel Like Robert Johnson - Lights Out By Nine Always With Me - Danny Bryants Red Eye Band Blues Is A Feeling - Tin Pan Alley Trouble Every Day - Mo'Indigo Go My Train Go - Dr. Ika Love Is A Crime - Richie Milton & The Lowdown Don't Mess With Me - Speakeasy Blues Band Blues For Roy - The Roach Twins Band Fat Man's Lament - SwampNobs Reconsider - Right Here- (Live!) Leave You Baby - The Badge Down In Mississippi - Parchman Farm The Tease - Stir Crazy Travellin' - Bluesline I Won't Be The One - Big Girls Blues After The Rain - Dr. Ika with Danny Bryant'
- Label Website: http://www.bluesmatters.com
- Rating: Four Stars
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Blues - CD Reviews
