(Review by John Charles)
New
Jersey- based bluesman, Al Gold has brought together an impressive ensemble of
musicians all based or connected to New Jersey starting with long-term
collaborators: drummer Jerry Cordasco, guitarist Tim Rice and bass player Terry
Hemmer from his band The Suburban Rhythm Kings.
New
Jersey blues is a new one on me although in truth the album leans heavily
towards its Chicago cousin with a large dollop of Americana added for good measure.
Al
Gold wrote all the songs citing inspiration from the likes of Otis Span, Big
Bill Broonzy, Dave Bartholomew and Buddy Guy.
With
a mixture of up-tempo dance tunes and stretched out melodic slow blues numbers
this is a great showcase of Al’s striking vocals and guitar/slide guitar skills
matched with fantastic contributions from the talented musicians he has
assembled. Al is also a great storyteller with Tramps Take Linden based on an 1893 riotous night in Linden, New
Jersey and Mr. Banker based on the
more recent 2008 banking crash.
Particular
favourites of mine include Ramblin’ Pony
Blues heavily featuring Al’s slide guitar and Boogie in The Dark featuring Cassidy Rain’s haunting vocals as well
as some great harp work from Johnny Sansome.
The
Dave Bartholomew influenced Got a Mind
really swings with Baron Raymonde’s tremendous sax work. Jarod Gold on organ and Dave Stryker on guitar
feature heavily on Paradise (Uptown)
and a super strong ten track album is rounded off nicely with a honking
instrumental Maplehood Limbo.
Highly
recommended. Available CD Baby etc.
John C
That’s My Baby; Paradise (Downhome); Tramps Take Linden; Mr. Banker; Ramblin’ Pony Blues; Boogie in The Dark; Got A Mind; Won’t Sleep Tonight; Paradise (Uptown); Maplehood Limbo.
Al
Gold (vocals, electric/slide guitar, mandolin); Jerry Cordasco (drums, percussion);
Mitch Eisenberg (electric/acoustic/baritone guitar); Jared Gold (organ); Eric
Heilner (piano/organ); Terry Hemmer, V.D. King (bass guitar); Cassidy Rain (vocals/acoustic
guitar); Baron Raymonde (sax); Tom Rice (electric guitar); Johnny Sansone (harmonica);
Dave Stryker (guitar); Anthony Tamburro (acoustic guitar).
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