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My Arms’ with some slide guitar is actually a live track which means it has a different overall sound

to it than the rest of the album. ‘West Indian Waltz’ is an interesting resonator slide blues waltz
instrumental whilst ‘Move To Louisiana’ features Randy Sabien with some lovely fiddle
accompaniment giving off a more Americana feel.

The album closes in fine style with ‘Oh Mr. Catfish’ a John Lee Hooker style boogie with some super
harmonica playing from Peter Madcat Ruth, makes for a grande finale.

When you only have an acoustic guitar, vocals and a footstomp it can be hard to add dynamics and
build intensity into the songs and although these songs are self penned they all have the feel of
traditional acoustic blues both in terms of structure and lyrical content. Catfish Keith is without
doubt an accomplished guitarist and a great blues troubadour. This album is well produced and

captures some fine guitar playing. My only reservation is that sometimes it can be hard to capture
in an album of this kind that wow factor that he brings in his live performances but this is a solid
acoustic blues album none the less and worth checking out.

Ged Wilson

Chris Dover—Volume 1—Independent Release

Chris Dover is a singer/songwriter from Bradford. Having had no
prior knowledge of Chris I was keen to hear this five track E.P.

entitled ‘Volume 1’.

The opening track is ‘Last Night Insecure Blues’ with some nice
acoustic guitar and a gentle country blues style vocal. ‘I’m Tired’
is more of a minor blues with that stray cat strut style of guitar

about it. ‘I Don’t Mind Dying’ is more of a traditional blues holler
in style with some nice delicate folky blues finger picking guitar.
Instead of the blues shout Chris goes for a softer vocal delivery.

‘Another Prison Song’ has been recorded in a Lo-Fi style to give it that retro feel and its country
vibe brought to mind shades of Kenny Rogers. ‘His Last Words’ is more a country feel once again

and is probably the best constructed song on this E.P. with Chris doing it justice with a great vocal
performance.

This E.P. is essentially Chris on vocal and acoustic guitar with contributions from Tsar Nicholas III
on drums and Joel Smith on bass. Just a note on the backing vocals from Tsar Nicholas III and

Anneka Latta, whilst they seem to work ok on ‘I Don’t Mind Dying’ they seem to distract rather than
compliment and enhance on the first two tracks but only a minor quibble from me.

Overall Chris is an accomplished acoustic guitarist with a nice precise style of playing and a lovely
gentle voice. His songwriting is good with lyrics that help deliver the message and no more so than
on ‘His Last Words’ when all these factors come together.

This E.P. probably leans more towards Country than the Blues but is still worth a listen
nonetheless.

Ged Wilson