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the title track an original instrumental which proves that Tomi has the licks and a big harp tone
with the band blasting out behind him, the album contains all originals apart from an unlikely cover
of the Velvet Underground's 'Pale Blue Eyes'. I say unlikely but the track works really well with
Tomi's baritone vocals similar to Lou Reed’s and Mark Johnson's subtle slide guitar sounding great,
'Shoestring Blues' features Kelly Zirbes on vocals as does the New Orleans-y 'Seeds in the Bag'. I'm
afraid that I wasn't keen on Tomi's Eastern European-accented vocals although the general
musicianship here, including his harp playing is very good, for me the vocals just drag things down
a bit.
Graham Harrison
Cristina Vane—Nowhere Sounds Lovely—Blue Tip Records—
ASIN: B08VHLB7YX
If you read her blurbs they state that she listens to pre-war blues
from Skip James, Robert Johnson, Blind Willie Johnson etc. and
that she was inspired to play herself by listening to Rory Block.
However, aside from her resonator slide guitar, the overall feel
here is more Americana than blues and at times pure country -
the album was recorded in Nashville with drummer Cactus Moser
(Wynonna Judd) producing and features Nashville musicians
including Tommy Hannum (pedal steel), Nate Leath (fiddle) and
Dow Tomlin (bass). Cristina's voice is quite sweet, she doesn't
try to emulate a blues growl which again gives songs like 'Travelin' Blues' a more country feel with
her resonator guitar being joined by Hannum's pedal steel, 'Badlands' is tougher and more bluesy
with the slide guitar and the fiddle combining to give an eery feel.
'Dreaming of Utah' is a lovely, gentle melodic song, 'What Remains' cleverly combines blues and
country influences and 'Will I Ever Be Satisfied' with its banjo is a nice old timey country song.
'Dreamboy' has a more rocky feel while 'Wishing Bone Blues' is probably the album's most bluesy
track with a real Skip James vibe and the closer 'Satisfied Soul' again combines blues and country
sounds to create a pretty, poignant ballad. I was initially a bit disappointed by this album which
didn't live up to its blues billing but it has grown on me, there is no point in Cristina trying to
replicate Rory Block and here with the help of the producer and musicians she has created a very
original sound with lots of variety in the original songs that blend both blues and country.
Graham Harrison
Mick Fleetwood and Friends Celebrate the music of Peter
Green—BMG Rights Management—ASIN : B08NRXFSM3
This double CD (and also a DVD) document a concert held at the
London Palladium on 25th February 2020 to celebrate the early
years of Fleetwood Mac and its founder Peter Green (who sadly
died in July 2020). The concert was the brainchild of original
Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood, with Glyn Johns as the executive
producer and with a house band including Mick himself along
with Andy Fairweather Low, Dave Bronze, Rick Vito, Jonny Lang
and Ricky Peterson. The guests taking part include Billy Gibbons,
David Gilmour, Christine McVie, Pete Townshend, John Mayall,