Page 51 - BiTS_12_DECEMBER_2021

Keyboards player Jim Alfredson’s original composition ‘The Velozian Shuffle’ leans towards

organ-led soul-jazz. Tim O’Donnell, a veteran of Chicago’s blues and rock scenes, leans
towards the latter on ‘Mr. Cooper’ (though there is a nice Howling Wolf reference). The
subtitle of Bobby Caldwell’s ‘What You Won’t Do For Love (Neo Soul Experiment)’ tells you
accurately what to expect of this smooth instrumental.

‘Just Jammin’ (Again)’ is a cool, funky instrumental, nicely under-stated and with jazzy
undertones. The final number of this varied and very entertaining set, ‘Up In My Ear’ is a

showcase for singer/ guitarist Drew Abbott with some excellent electric slide guitar work
and a very fierce break.

Norman Darwen

(www.jmveloz.com)

Tony Holiday—Porch Sessions Volume 2—Blue Heart
Records BHR 017

This album is dedicated to the memory of the late James
Harman, who was a friend and mentor to the harmonica
player Tony Holiday; who changed from playing guitar to
‘blowing’ the harmonica after hearing John Nemeth playing
live. As the title indicates, the album is the follow up from
2019’s highly acclaimed volume one. Much like the legendary

Alan Lomax field recordings, all the music included within
this album has been recorded live and spontaneously in
various places and studios all across America without the aid
of overdubs.

The 16 numbers featured are from artists such as; Victor Wainright who gives an extremely
relaxed rendition of The Fabulous Thunderbirds’ ‘She’s Tuff’, his mellow vocals and rolling

piano are well matched with a gently enticing harmonica from Tony. Bobby Rush delivers
two splendid pieces, with ‘Recipe For Love’ and ‘Get Outta Here (Dog Named Bo)’, the
former is a loving appreciation of a loved one’s cooking, he is backed by a tasteful guitar
from Vasti Jackson, the latter is a captivating acapella folk tale. Watermelon Slim embarks
on an invitingly raw acoustic Dobro rendition of Howlin’ Wolf’s ‘Smokestack Lightning’,

explaining as he sings, his love for the number and when he first heard it in the 60s. In one
of his last recordings, James Harman and Tony playfully spar on the boogie ‘Going To
Court’, with Kid Ramos and Landon Stone adding heft.

Harp master Lurrie Bell serenades and wails away on his harmonica with a sparkling
version of ‘Everyday I Have The Blues’. Songstress Rae Gordon is quite simply delightful on
the swinging, lilting ‘Find Me When The Sun Goes Down’. The instrumental ‘Cakewalk’, has

Mark Hummel and Dennis Gruenling delivering sweetly enticing growling, sparring
harmonicas. The calming and understated Southern Avenue, starkly deliver their affecting
and uplifting acoustic civil rights anthem ‘Peace Will Come’, to great effect.

All the numbers are genuinely heart-warming and remind us of all that lost talent.

Most impressive!

Brian Harman.