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Val Starr & The Blues Rocket – “Lighter Side of The Blues” (Sandwich
Factory Records)

The title indicates that on this set, California singer/ guitarist Val is
looking at the joy that the blues can bring, and I confess I was extremely
happy by the end of this rather tasty album. Although she is not afraid to
look for inspiration outside the blues per se, this is a set that certainly fits

into the more traditional end of the modern blues spectrum. Try the
brassy, jumping opener, ‘Say Goodbye To The Blues (Like You Mean It)’,
the belly rub sound of ‘If She Can Get A Man (Anyone Can)’, the statement
of intent that is the title track, the slow ‘All Or Nuthin’ Man’ (besides the
excellent vocal there is a lovely controlled guitar break here too) or the uptempo closer ‘The Blues Doesn’t Pick
Or Choose’. ‘Can’t Get Sad Tonight’ is something of a rocker with a poppish feel, though it remains well within

the blues canon too. Things become a little more contemporary with ‘Sactown Heat’, about Summer in
Sacramento, which has some lovely Albert King influenced playing and something of a soul feel; so too does
‘Shame On You’ (echoes of Cream on this one as well). ‘Movin’ On’ has an almost girl group melody and
delivery, whilst ‘Lift A Finger’ nods towards blues-rock with its heavy guitar sound and the album’s only cover,
‘Jimmy Reed’s ‘Big Boss Man’ is updated very effectively with #metoo lyrics.

Norman Darwen

Tomislav Goluban — Memphis Light — Spona

Croatian harmonica player Tomislav has returned to delight our ears with
his latest offering in just under a year. This time his focus is upon the magical
influences of Memphis. Tomislav has always had a yearning to visit the
legendary ‘Big Easy’ for quite some time and finally made it by competing
in the International Blues Challenge but alas, his joy was curtailed by the
unexpected death of his friend Butha, the person who had made it possible
for Tomislav to make this pilgrimage to Memphis. Whilst there, he took the
opportunity to record this album the Ardent Studios in Memphis. Tomislav
is on vocals and harmonica, with Jeff Jensen guitars, David Green on drums,
Rick Steff on keyboards, Bill Ruffinoon bass and Mark Johnso on slide guitar,
and with guest vocalist; Vince Johnson. Providing backing vocals are Franher Joseph, Reba Russell and Daunielle
Hill.

Of the ten numbers here, nine are original compositions with the exception of the old favourite “House of the
Rising Sun,” which, contrary to popular belief is in fact a traditional English ballad; the subject matter though,
is still open to interpretation.

Here, there is a distinct lack of dramatics, for Tomislav has imbued the number with a rolling piano led
honky-tonk feel, with a sneaky slide whining in the background while the guitar gently urges you on to the dance
floor.

The opener “Hayloft Blues,” is a lively and jolly, harmonica and percussion led foot tapping hill country blues.
The subject matter relates to the days when hay was manually stacked by hand and by pitchfork and then
transported by oxen. The slowburning “Fun Starts Here,” features the impeccable vocals of Vince Johnson who