Page 46 - BiTS_07_JULY_2021

pain and remorse, the low rumbling guitar and tumbledown wandering harmonica serve only to

emphasise a mournful frail vocal. Side 2 (the second 5 numbers) is a much lighter acoustic
collection. A fine example is Little Walter’s ‘Can’t Hold Out Much Longer’, the tenderness and
vulnerability of his writing is brought to the fore in the frailness of the vocal as the lightly brushed
guitar gives way to an emotive forlorn harmonica. The traditional ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’, originally
recorded by Big Joe Williams in 1935 (and The Animals in the 60s) possesses an inviting and crisp
vocal, the Rev’s swinging harmonica melds splendidly with the gentle guitar work. Muddy Waters’
‘Little Anna Mae’, oozes a back-porch intimacy with its warmly strummed guitar and the Rev’s

comforting vocal.

Greatly endorsed!

Brian Harman.

Rob Koral—Wild Hearts—RKUK Records

Rob Koral is probably best known to blues fans as the guitarist
for Zoe Schwarz’ Blue Commotion. Having had the pleasure to
play support to them in the past I have observed Rob first hand

and can tell you he is an accomplished guitarist. Here Rob has
teamed up with fellow band member Pete Whittaker on
Hammond organ and drafted in Jeremy Stacey on drums and I am
keen to see how this new project unfolds.

The album opens with ‘Show Me the Way’ with a guitar riff that
slowly develops and then flicks to an upbeat tempo to give us a

juicy Hammond organ solo to get the foot tapping. ‘Funky D’ does
what it says on the tin, it’s funky and in the key of D! Joking aside this track drives along nicely and
has a touch of Robben Ford about it. A nice little drum intro leads us into ‘Summer’ which has a nice
emotional pull in the way that Steely Dan do. The track is over eight minutes long and gives time
for all three musicians to explore and expand their chops and Jeremy Stacey in particular really
excels putting in some top class stick work. I love this one.

Another nice drum intro from Jeremy (I’m getting to like this guy) leads us into ‘Saving Grace’ with
some nice sounding guitar maybe using an octaver pedal that gives it a more measured melodic feel
and maybe a hint of Carlos Santana. ‘The Showdown’ has a real Jimmy Smith style Hammond swing
about it. There’s also a cracking walking bass line going on as well. I think Pete provides the bass
throughout from his Hammond which is an amazing feat (nice pun!, Ed) in itself. ‘Hold Tight’ closes
the album and rocks us out and for a moment I thought we were heading into Atomic Rooster
territory but then Rob steers us off onto another course for an intense finale.

So is this a blues album? Well strictly speaking maybe not but I think it will appeal to blues fans,
especially those who like jazz fusion too. If you like Larry Carlton, Kenny Burrell, Pat Metheny you
get my drift, you will like this album. If you like the sweet rich sound of the Hammond organ and a
drummer who is on top of his game you will also like this album.

These three guys combine together beautifully and create space in their playing at the right

moments that helps the music breathe. This genre of music may seem a niche market but the likes
of Beat Bronco Organ Trio are making a fist of it so it will be interesting to see where Rob takes this
project next.