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Claude Bourbon—What’s Up—Frog Records

Claude Bourbon is a solo acoustic blues artist well
known throughout Europe and the USA for blending
Spanish, Gypsy and Classical influences into his
unique live performances. “What’s Up” is his latest

album release.

The album opens with ‘Circling The Drain’ a lush uni-
vibe guitar sound with hypnotic soft layered lyrics.
‘Over The Mountain’ has a nice bossa nova beat and

some more dreamy guitar underpinning the romance
of the vocal. ‘The Crusher’ is an electric guitar driven instrumental that has a
haunting 1970’s almost prog rock vibe to it. There are some lovely acoustic guitar
licks to be had on the bluesy ‘End Of The World’ which has that nice west coast

1970’s feel to it.

‘Prelude’ is a gentle solo acoustic instrumental with latin and classical leanings. The
title track ‘What’s Up’ is a bluesy instrumental whilst ‘Tied Up’ is a more traditional
style acoustic blues. There are some nice slide guitar licks on ‘Snow Falls’ before the

album closes with ‘Blues For Bobby’ a blues instrumental lament.

Claude Bourbon is a unique artist in that he likes to mix up his playing drawing on
many different influences which can be heard on this album. Having played so many
gigs over the years Claude has really honed his guitar playing and is now such a
consummate acoustic guitarist. He has a soft vocal style which at times has a hint of

Chris Rea.

The album is both well recorded and produced although I did think some of the
electric guitar tracks did drown out the soft vocal at times maybe something to
consider for future releases. However, having witnessed Claude play live on a

number of occasions I can vouch for his superb playing and ability to mix his style
to entertain and suggest you go check him out soon.
ed Wilson

The 2:19 —Keep My Will Strong—Self Release

The 2:19 are an up and coming blues band from Bel-
fast. Having already had a nomination at the 2024 UK
Blues Awards they are starting to build a following

and gaining traction on both sides of the Irish Sea.
“Keep My Will Strong” is their third album release.

The album opens with ‘One Thing I Figured’ a hard

edged blues followed by ‘Dead Dogs And Bee Suits’
which blends some super harmonica with some Hen-

drix style vibes. ‘Gape Row’ is a great funk blues whilst ‘Say Yeah’ has a more old
soul ballad feel to it. ‘Go Blind’ has a nie gentle feel to it leading into a power ending.