Page 53 - BiTS_12_DECEMBER_2022_Neat
P. 53
enjoyable jaunty instrumental, combining a a New Orleans piano and wheezy harmonica with a
rumba groove. Whilst, ‘Sugar Daddy’ and ‘Why Did You Go’, are quite simply, two magical
renditions of the glorious burning Chicago blues of the classic fifties.
Well worth, the extra shilling!
Brian Harman.
Alex Lopez —Nasty Crime—Marmil Music and Records
Originally from Cleveland Ohio, Alex started out, playing keyboards
before becoming inspired by British blues/rock guitarists of the
sixties and seventies to master the guitar. After attending college
in Florida he settled there in Tampa to raise a family, whilst also
continuing his solo musical career and turn becoming the lead
vocalist and guitarist with the band Reminiscion. He released his
debut album ‘Back Bedroom Blues’ in September 2013. Now, with
‘Nasty Crime’, he has released this, his sixth album. For the eleven
numbers here, Alex; guitar and vocals is joined in the Creative
World Recording studios in Largo Florida with his band The Xpress,
who are; Kenny Hoye; keyboards, Steve Roberts; bass and Kana Leimbach, drums.
The blues rock opener ‘World On Fire’, delivers stomping percussion and cymbal work with
abruptly, chopping, prowling guitar, while a vocal reminiscent of Robert Plant, rides over scalding
organ work. The inviting hiccupping guitar motif of ‘Just Wait’, has Alex’s smoothly attractive
vocal riding over an increasingly searing organ with intentions of winning back a former lover. ‘I
Don’t Care’, is a very endearing slice of Blue-eyed soul, the sweetly caressing guitar is equal to the
ever gently inviting vocal.
Without any doubt the slightly rambling ‘When The Sun Goes Down’, is a pleading pleaser but,
does not possess any pain or anguish, the sweetly enveloping vocals, piano and guitar display
only a desire for love. ‘The First Time’, is a sensitive acoustic romantic ballad, full of the hopes of
a lost love rekindled. The driving percussion of ‘Nasty Crime’ is matched by a burning, soaring
organ and entwined throughout is a raggedly vicious raw guitar urging everything on. ‘Holy
Woman’ and ‘No Way’, inhabits a stomping funky, blues rock world, with a slight ‘seasoning’ of
Led Zeppelin for good measure. ‘That’s Alright’, is a leisurely slow burn blues that has reflective
guitar work merging with searing organ work, riding over restrained, pummelling percussion.
Very satisfying!
Brian Harman
The Texas Horns—Everybody Let’s Roll—Blue Heart Records
BHR 031
For twenty five years now, the highly respected horn section that
is; Mark ‘Kaz’ Kazanoff; tenor saxophone, harmonica, and vocals,
John Mills; baritone saxophone, flute and Al Gomez; trumpet and
flugelhorn, have been known simply as The Texas Horns and
although, this is only their third album they have over the years,
provided charismatic horns for many artists on many albums,
recordings and appeared in concert halls around the world, they
have also been featured at music festivals and delivering vital
atmospheric brass work on the Legendary Blues Cruises.