Page 45 - BiTS_05_MAY_2022

The Blue Chevys—The Night Calls—Naked NP061
(www.bluechevys.be)

This Belgian seven-piece (with two horn players) has been
together since 1989 when they began as a band in High School.
Their many years of musical experience show too (including
working with Teddy Morgan), and as this set shows, they are
adept at vintage rhythm and blues as they are at Americana.

For the latter, take a listen to the wistful sound of ‘Pick You Up’
for example, with some fine lap steel guitar playing by Dirk
Lekenne and as on all tracks here, a noteworthy vocal by Kris
Bries (who also contributes strong harmonica work to some
tracks). For the former, it is a case of choose from many. You want to boogie? Lend an ear to
‘Willow Tree’, or for a jumping blues with strong guitar work (and just a hint of ska in the
rhythm), there’s ‘Thin Line’. West side Chicago? ‘Got That Feeling’ has hints of Otis Rush,
crossed maybe with some original Fleetwood Mac. Then there’s ‘Fun No More’ sounds like it
could have come from the pen of Willie Dixon.

Cowbell, some raw-sounding guitar riffing and an arrogant vocal bring to mind the late 60s
approach of The Rolling Stones on ‘Never Gone’, and the closing ‘Cool Me Off’ has a rock and roll
edge too. So, rather a fine release – check it out if you can.

Norman Darwen

Markey Blue Ric Latina Project—Jumpin’ The Broom—
Soul O Sound Records

‘Jumpin’ The Broom’ is the latest album from the Markey Blue
Ric Latina Project, a Nashville based blues duo.

The album opens with ‘Bad For Real’ a nice steady paced
blues with some tasty guitar whilst ‘Hanging On’ has hints of
Santana about it. There is some lovely slide guitar on ‘Little

Betty’ a tale of the life of a hooker. ‘Lowdown Voodoo Woman’
has a nice laid back vibe to it, I really liked this one. There is a
nice sax solo on ‘Right Kind Of Woman’ and the album closes

with ‘Where Are You’ which is more of a soul influenced ballad.

The guitar work from Ric Latina is tasteful and measured and really compliments the great

bluesy voice of Markey. The album has a solid clean production with great instrumentation
throughout and good use of keys and brass. At times you could detect hints of Robben Ford
and Bonnie Raitt in there but Markey and Ric have now developed a sound of their own which

is very easy on the ear. Good album.

Ged Wilson