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What makes this set so successful though is the musical ability of both men and the quality of
the material. Nico is a fine, soulful singer, whilst Edwin can play straight blues or step outside
the traditional boundaries somewhat, as required. The only possible negative I can say about
this set is that I’d be really frustrated if I heard this whilst travelling – I’d want everyone else
to be quiet so I could listen perfectly. With this CD I can do that whenever I want.

Norman Darwen

Greg Sover —His-story—Grounded Soul

(www.gregsover.com)

As I am reviewing this, I’m listening to ‘Living On The Edge’ a
slab of classy blues-rock, which then leads into the psychedelic
blues of ‘Song 28’, an original song by Greg that is not too far
from the densely layered sound Jimi Hendrix achieved on his
‘Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)’. That’s not coincidence either –
Greg has already turned in a cover of Jimi’s ‘Manic Depression’
by this time, and he closes out this release with a cover of
Hendrix’s ‘Remember’, the longest track on the album – both of
these also feature bass player Billy Cox, the last surviving member of The Band Of Gypsys.

Philadelphia, PA- based singer and guitarist Greg references his family heritage (and not just
with a phrase in Haitian Kreyòl) the opening ‘Dark House’, otherwise a moody, slightly spooky
piece. ‘Freedom Part 2’ is another Hendrix flavoured piece, whilst ‘Temptation’ is a heavy,
slow-grinding blues, and ‘Living On The Edge’ is a driving, up tempo blues–rocker, and listen
to the riff to detect another Hendrix influence. ‘Stuck In The Rain’ is another slow blues (kind
of…), with an excellent vocal.

In contrast, ‘One Way Train’ has an almost Americana sound and feel, and ‘Tonight’ is a ballad
performance. They are another string to Greg’s bow, but you don’t need me to tell you just
what an impressive performer he is by now, do you?

Norman Darwen

Sonic Blue—Shake the Blues—Another Planet Music
APMR014

The follow-up to 2021’s “Last Train” finds band leader/ singer/
guitarist and harmonica player Stephen Brayne recording
several classics and his own material with his three skin-tight
accompanists on guitar, bass and drums, and plenty of guests.
He tells us in his brief notes that he has tended to go for “up”
blues and songs of personal relevance – that makes sense, and
the result is a rather fine album.

The relevance of a number like Jimmy Witherspoon’s ‘Times
Getting Tougher Than Tough’ (here given a fine, swinging piano-led treatment, with Tim
Richard tickling the ivories and Malcolm Hine supplying appropriate guitar work), and the