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pride and emotion here in the way that only an old traditional song can do. ‘Stick

To Your Guns’ is a great slide blues with some lovely harp work from Jim Harcus
whilst ‘Whisky Trail’ is a tip of the hat to Dave’s favourite tipple! ‘(Looks Like
You’re) Walkin’ On Water’ is a tale about the modern day pastime of paddle board-

ing no less!

There is something quite different in style for Dave with the last track on the al-

bum. ‘Walk The Walk’ is a deep dark blues with a heavy backbeat something in the
style of ‘Still A Fool’ with that vintage early Chicago blues vibe about it, quite a
poignant closer.

Dave Arcari is an accomplished artist, his guitar playing whether it be on acoustic
or resonator is just right, never overplaying and there is an honesty in his voice as

well that really cuts through. Dave is a great storyteller and the production of this
album captures that ambience so you can hone in and feel the song. There’s lots

here to enjoy. Please give it a spin.

Ged Wilson
Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers—How Many Roads—Inde-
pendent

Lex Grey and her New York accompanists are now on their
eighth studio album with ‘How Many Roads”. It is a blend of
eleven tracks of rock, soul, roots and blues, all held together by
leader Lex’s wonderful vocals. She was recently inducted into
the New York State Blues Hall of Fame as a “Master Rock And
Blues Artist”, and that’s about right.

The opener, ‘In It Together’, has an unusual dreamy accompani-
ment and a vocal that flits between soul and a folkier style, and
the title track is similarly difficult to categorise, with elements of country, rock and soul. ‘Begin
Again’ has a strong psychedelic sound - very West Coast, very late 60s - and ‘I Believe In You’
is a poppy number that also has a slight tinge of Mac Rebennack, whilst ‘Biker Down’ is a
delicate but dark piece of Americana; the closing ‘Angel’ also has a country tinge.

The track ‘Ain’t From Mississippi’ is undisputedly a blues though, and a tough one too, with Vic
Mix Deyglio hitting some fine Hubert Sumlin-ish guitar licks as Lex fronts the band with some
growling vocals recalling Koko Taylor and Howling Wolf, and lyrics that could be said to query
the title. It is followed by the meaty, brassy, blues ballad of ‘Old Crookedy Broom’, and again

Koko came to mind in Lex’s delivery. ‘Aches And Pains’ is a curious number that certainly
relates to the blues, but isn’t quite one itself.

A varied set then but with plenty to interest lovers of roots music. If that’s you, do check it out.

Norman Darwen
(www.lexgreymusic.com)