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He does a nice live rendition of the ubiquitous ‘Walking Blues’ with some good harp work from
Craig (The King Biscuit Boys UK). ‘Duel By The River’ starts off with some promise but once
again tails off in under a minute. ‘Tomorrows Song’ is yet another instrumental but this time
lasts over five minutes but sadly lacks a strong melody to pique interest. ‘Keeping Distance’ is a
nice gentle melodic instrumental that flows, I really liked this one. The album closes with ‘Thirty

Six’ another slide led instrumental.

“Timeline” comes across more like a notepad of song ideas rather than an album as such. The
recording quality varies including some live takes but the real problem for me is the number of
short instrumentals that don’t really say anything. There is no doubt that John Emil is a fine lap
steel and dobro player but he is not doing himself justice here. Maybe his strength is in his
wonderful live performances so if you are a fan of the likes of the late Kelly Joe Phelps then go
and check John Emil out.

Ged Wilson

King Leo—King Leo—Self Release

King Leo is the performing name of Leo LaDell, a Norfolk Virginia
USA born artist who is now based in Dunedin New Zealand.

This self penned and self titled album kicks off with ‘Played For A
Fool’ a great Howlin’ Wolf style blues. Things slow down a little
with ‘In The Evening’ and pick up a more soulful ballad style with
‘World With You In It’. ‘Refuge’ has some fine piano work that
brought to mind the sound of Hugh Laurie.

The tongue in cheek lyrics of ‘Post Democratic Stress Disorder Blues’ has the feel of Rick Estrin

and that Rick Estrin vibe continues into ‘Wherever You Might Be’ with that distinctive chromatic
harmonica sound. The album closes with ‘Take Me’ a gentle acoustic blues.

Leo has surrounded himself with some fine musicians to produce this wonderful blues album.
Leo is himself a great blues singer and first class harmonica player. There isn’t anything partic-
ularly new on this album but don’t let that detract from the fine all round sound. There are hints
of Chicago, Texas and New Orleans here to make up a good old style down home blues album,
go check it out.

Ged Wilson

Teresa James and The Rhythm Tramps—Rose Coloured
Glasses Vol. 2—Blue Heart ASIN :B0CCQ93RHF

Teresa and her band’s last album “Rose Coloured Glasses Vol.1”
featured the band with a number of guest guitarists but this time
they add brass to every track for an album that mixes blues with
soul and R&B, plus the sounds of both the West Coast, NOLA and
Memphis. The band is built around Teresa on vocals and piano,
with multi-instrumentalist hubby Terry Wilson (bass, guitars,
keyboards), Billy Watts (guitar) and Brannen Temple (drums)

but the album also features four other drummers Jay Bellerose,