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The Zac Schulze Gang —Live and Loud—Flatiron Records
The Zac Schulze Gang are an enthusiastic young 3-
piece band from Gillingham in Kent and their
influences are obvious – Rory Gallagher and other
60/70s British blues bands. This is their second album
and was recorded live, it starts with an exciting version
of the Spencer Davis Group's 'I'm A Man' but no organ
here, this features Zac's powerful guitar and also his
equally powerful vocals, plus there's also pounding
drums from brother Ben as well as bass from Anthony
Greenwell. We then get an original 'Hole in My Pocket'
(apparently about smoking cannabis!), followed by the
bass-heavy 'Dry Spell' which features both bass and drum solos and the old Rufus
Thomas chestnut 'Walkin' the Dog' is given a classy makeover – slowed down and
with a melodic guitar solo.
While 'Walkin' the Dog' was slowed down, Dr. Feelgood's 'She Does it Right' is
speeded up! with Zac replicating Wilco Johnson's combined lead/rhythm guitar style
but on acid – this is a very dramatic reading of this great British blues classic. 'I Fall
Apart' is the Rory Gallagher song, also a dramatic reading and which like Rory's
original starts off gently but gradually builds and the album ends with a medley of
the Junior Wells song 'Messin' with the Kid' (also covered by Rory) and Peter Green's
Fleetwood Mac's 'Oh Well'. The album really highlights Zac's accomplished guitar
playing and also his vocals – mature beyond his years – but the rhythm section also
play their part in supporting him wonderfully and all three combine to create a very
full sound. This is the music I grew up with in the 60's and I'm just a bit worried
that these young guys are now reproducing it years later (albeit very well) but I'm
sure that they will soon go on to create their own original sounds.
Graham Harrison
Peter Veteska & Blues Train—Full Tilt—Blue Heart
Records BHR 056
For this, his seventh album, New York born Peter, lead
guitar and vocals, is joined by Alex D'Agnese; drums,
Coo Moe Jhee, Chuck Hearne and Rick Prince; bass, Jeff
Levine; keyboards, Mike Scott; saxophone, Tony
Perruso; trumpet and Mikey Jr. harmonica and vocals.
The twelve numbers here, begin with 'Go Find Another
Man', a splendidly, bracingly funky guitar is paired with
raw, urging harmonica riding over a burning, insistent
organ. Guest Jen Barnes delivers a fiery vocal on the equally funky 'I Wasn't Wrong',
supporting horns harmonica and organ burn this number up.