Various Artists
Mary4Music Presents:
"Keeping The Blues Alive"
Volume One
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, July 2012

Hypothetically, if I were in a conversation with Terry Blankley while not knowing what he did for a living I'm sure that upon hearing his voice I'd ask if him if he was a blues singer. Of course, we now know that he is - and that's a good thing. His raspy, growling vocals along with awesome guitar and percussion work, all highlight "Gig Blue".

There's no questioning her sincerity as Lisa emotionally admits it's time to "Surrender To The Blues". This just may possibly be one of the best songs I'll hear all year long. There's a phrase I repeatedly use to describe songs of this caliber and here it is - this is song of the year material. To me, this is what the blues is all about....well written melancholy lyrics that are sung with the heart and soul, slow and steamy rhythm that features deep and sultry horns and beautiful piano highlights, and of course - scorching guitar leads.

Just as those red shoes get Bobby BlackHat going, the song will do the same to it's listeners. "Put On Your Red Shoes" is one of those tracks that fill the dance floor with it's opening notes. Even the wallflowers will be shaking, moving or tapping one or more of their body parts. Excellent singing, harp work and rhythm.

Had I thought of this line first - I don't get the blues, but the "Blues Sure Get Me", I'd be using it as my slogan. It's a cool and truthful statement. Most of us blues fans really don't get the blues but yet the blues sure has got a hold on us. In addition to highlighting Alison's vocal prowess, this track features great rhythm and excellent sax arrangements.

His woman's gone and she's got his money and his car. RB should be mad, but instead - he's in love with what he used to have. "What I Used To Have" is a well written solo acoustic track that features RB Stone doing what he does best - singing, pickin' and blowin' a harp. Real good stuff right here.

The title of this song - "My Daddy Was the Postman" - sounds innocent enough. After all, I was even a postman at one time in my life. However, some of it's lyrics have me wondering if it was his "mail", or his "male", that he was spreading around from house to house. Who cares? What really matters is that the song rocks. Having worked with this band over the course of many years and many discs, this is typical Porkroll Project material - tight rhythm, smokin' harp and keyboards, rippin' guitar licks and well sung vocals.

Of all the musicians on this disc, Dave Sadler is the only one I've yet to have the pleasure of previously listening to and working with. Having now done that I can truly say "Welcome to my blues world, Dave". "Fourth Street Ruckus" could have easily been called Fourth Street Melee, Fourth Street Free For All or Fourth Street Donnybrook. Basically, they all mean that all hell is breaking loose and that's exactly what's going on musically on this five minute instrumental. Leading the way with relentless guitar playing, Dave Sadler and the band are kickin' ass.

"Half The Man" is an absolutely phenomenal track with sensational guitar work. I swear, when it was over, I felt like applauding. It opens with one hell of a guitar highlight followed by intense, soulful vocals. Then, halfway through this five minute song, Bill goes off on a two and a half minute, song ending solo, equal to the mastery that Ronnie Earl has over his guitar. What a great song, and an original at that. (This track, and the CD it appeared on ("Still Blue") were both winners of the 2010 "Blewzzy Award").

Rozzy Osborne is really Roger K. Osborne, a truly caring person who has dedicated his life to helping and caring for animals. He's also a talented guitarist, vocalist and songwriter. "Animals Get The Blues Too", is a CD featuring all original songs about animals and most of the proceeds from it went to the Humane Society. The title track is about as good as a blues song gets. It's got it all...the heartfelt and soulful vocals, great rhythm led by the ever present and soothing organ sounds, those blistering guitar leads and melancholy lyrics that any animal lover will surely relate to.

(This has absolutely nothing to do with the song but I feel compelled to say it........Although Memphis Gold and I have been friends via the Internet for a very long time, it wasn't until the 2011 Blues Music Awards, in Memphis, TN. when we actually met. Starting about an hour before the actual awards ceremony, the lobby of the Marriott Hotel becomes a virtual who's who of blues folk. It's mingling at it's best. From across the room I couldn't help but notice a handsome, well dressed black man and it was undoubtedly his bright gold baseball cap with "Vietnam Veteran" in green letters that made him stand out. As sure as I am that anyone from GQ would have considered this improper accessorizing, I'm also sure that there wasn't a veteran in the room who'd agree with them. Being one of those veterans, meeting this gentleman and shaking his hand became my priority. As I approached him I said "Good evening sir, I'd like to introduce myself"....and before I could, I was interrupted by a woman who said "You don't know who that is?" Turning to her I said "No Ma'am, but I'm pretty sure you're going to tell me". Then, as proud as a peacock showing off it's beautiful feathers, the woman excitedly and loudly said "Why that's my husband.....Memphis Gold". It was classic.)

Just like he does before he buys a car, Memphis Gold wants to "Test Drive That Women". After all, he's gotta make sure her motor's running right...right? Good lyrics, good singing, good guitar work, great person. Also highlighted by wonderful sax and piano accompaniment.

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 Keeping The Blues Alive Award Recipient



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