Page 52 - BiTS_05_MAY_2024_Neat

especially for Nine Below Zero and they do a good job updating the song but keeping the spirit.

Nine Below Zero were always blues fans and not afraid to cover songs by their heroes like John
Mayall and the J. Geils Band and here they do a lovely cover of ‘Some Day the Sun Won’t Shine
for You’ by the early blues-wailing Jethro Tull. Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring it On Home’, Bobby Hebb’s
‘Sunny’ and particularly Maurice and Mac’s ‘Why Don’t You Try Me Tonight’ all work fine, as
well as the instrumentals ‘Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom Time’, ‘Stone Fox Chase’ (the Old Grey
Whistle Test theme), ‘Amazing Grace’ and the title track. ‘Born and Living With the Blues’ is a
cheeky steal from Brownie McGhee’s ‘Living with the Blues’ and ‘Drinkin’ Wine Spo-Dee-O-Dee’
is a cover of Brownie’s brother Sticks McGhee’s song. I thought that this was a great collection
of songs highlighting not only the band’s mastery of the blues genre but also their ability to
impose their style on songs that you wouldn’t expect to work with blues guitar and harmonica
– plus they all still seem to be enjoying themselves and that really comes over in the music.
Graham Harrison

Tim Woods—For You—Independent Release

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania born Tim, recorded this, his fourth
album in EOT Studios in Atlanta, Georgia. With Tim who is on
vocals and guitar are Bobby Lee Rodgers; guitar, bass, keyboards
and drums. The album was also produced by Bobby Lee Rodgers.

There is, a definite mid sixties organ rich, depth of feeling in this
set of ten original rocking, blues influenced numbers. The opener,
‘Can’t Stop Rockin’’, possesses a gritty and rocking, urgent Chicago
pedal to the metal feel, all twanging guitars, organ and pounding
percussion.

The enjoyably loose B3 rich bluesy shuffle of ‘For You’, has
splendid performances from Paul Hornsby on B3 and Erik Lawrence on saxophone. The
irresistible, almost subterranean bass and vocals on ‘Are You Kind’ are paired with a haunting,
floating organ and pleasantly driving guitar.

‘It’s True’, has a mellow, floating organ underpinning a more reflective feel, while the gentle
flowing percussion accompanies understated guitar work. ‘Mimic’ is an instrumental that
enjoyably veers into Funk territory; a lively guitar and organ are firmly in the groove.

The rock influenced ‘Low Down Blues’, takes us into sixties swirling guitars and organ, with each
gently bouncing off each other for your enjoyment. The gentle, percussion led ‘Believe’, is a
ballad directed at the strength and will of the inner self.

The gently rocking organ led ‘Reaching Out’, fuses together rock, blues and some soul to create
a tale of desperation to find their lost loved one. ‘The Story’, is a rolling, twanging guitar and
percussion led interstellar ride that floats and gently swirls to its destination. ‘Within’, is a
swirling acoustic guitar led recollection of a magical evening when two souls joyously collide.

Very pleasant indeed!
Brian Harman