Page 49 - BiTS_09_SEPTEMBER_2022
P. 49
It's good to see someone as young as Kevin who can put his own spin on the blues - although
you'd never guess he was so young from the power and confidence of his voice. However,
Kevin can also breathe new life into blues like Little Milton's 'Grits Ain't Groceries' and 'The
Blues Is Alright' as well as the classic 'Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do' - complete with
wonderful piano solo. He also gives The Zutons' (Amy Winehouse) song 'Valerie' a soulful
twist by slowing it down and with his powerful vocals soaring over the brass and Hammond
backing. This is a really good debut album from Kevin which manages to be bluesy but also
very accessible and I'm sure that in future he'll go on to write more of his own material
(although I'm not sure about the band's uniform of flat caps and braces...)
Graham Harrison
Matt Lomeo—When You Call—Lomeo Music ASIN:
B0B51MWF6Y
Matt Lomeo is an L.A.-based singer/harmonica player who
has honed his craft with residencies in L.A. and Memphis and
this album of 13 original songs produced by Terry Wilson
with backing from ex-members of Eric Burdon and JJ Cale’s
bands is a great introduction to him. Opener ‘One More 1&1’
is a soulful drinking song with Hammond and riffing brass,
while ‘Accepting Applications’ is more poppy – think Amy
Winehouse – and ‘She Was the Best’ is a tender blues ballad
featuring Matt’s harmonica.
The title track is a classy slice of blues funk and ‘Got a New Woman’ is an even better track
with Matt’s jazzy vocals over swinging backing. ‘27’ is a corny Country song – set in Memphis
– but we’re back on track with ‘Take the Boulevard’ a restrained soul ballad and ‘Why Do I
Cry’ is a 50s-style rocker with terrific piano from Teresa James. ‘Van Nuys Blues’ is a jazzy
blues in the style of Tom Waits, ‘Took My Bar and Left It’ is rocking jump blues with honking
tenor sax from Paulie Cerra and we finish with a rocked-up reprise of the title track. I was
impressed with this album which has a pleasing variety, Matt isn’t the world’s best harmonica
player – he’s OK – but he has a good voice and he has written some really good songs here
and Terry Wilson’s production and the band’s playing are both excellent.
Graham Harrison
Juke Joint Jonny—Just Folkin Around—CD Baby ASIN :
B09ZDL1DXF
Singer guitarist Juke Joint Jonny (John Rizzo) from Newark,
New Jersey recorded this album with the Kindred Spirits -
Steve Rusin (harmonica, guitar), Dave Peterson (electric
bass), Ben Bernstein (double bass, bass drum) and Mike
Stevens (percussion and jaw harp), although he does some
tracks solo. The album features 11 country blues covers of
artists such as Robert Johnson, Son House and Taj Mahal, as
well as covers of Bob Dylan and Leo Kottke songs and one
original song 'Terre Haute Blues' and Jonny reminded me of
