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The opening bars of
this CD reflect the tense wait we’ve all had for this, the second
release from Storm Warning. Due for entering the public arena in the
Autumn of 2007, it finally achieved a release date in June 2008.
Was it
worth the wait? Well, these guys are all seasoned musicians and I’m
willing to take their assurance that there were compelling reasons for
keeping us hanging on. The result is, frankly, magnificent!
Storm
Warning, for those who are new to the band, are led by Stu ‘Son’
Maxwell; also author of a series of hugely popular harmonica tuition
manuals. And here, he gives us a master-class in the use of Blues harp –
at once colouring the songs with full-on blowing then countering with
soft, carefully phrased passages. And his voice, whilst lacking the
octave range of Plant or Paul Rogers, perfectly matches the requirement
on these compositions. He is a great ‘down and dirty’ Blues singer.
Guitarist
Bob Moore’s work is precise. But this is precision without pedantry;
each phrase apposite and skilfully plotted by a man at the very top of
his game. There are numerous ‘call and response’ exchanges between harp
and guitar throughout the CD, echoing the field hollers of yore. But,
although these instruments are largely dominant, Ian Salisbury on
keyboards claims his rightful place within the project; at times
reminding me of The Doors’ Ray Manzerek at other times playing in superb
barrel-house piano style.
The
rhythm section, Roger Willis on drums and Derek White on bass allow a
solid canvas for the others to paint their musical melange and it works.
Exceptionally well.
This band
understand the laws of musical dynamics; they can move from a contained
mood to total exuberance (and back) in the space of one song. But! Can
they write songs? Ask British Blues legend, Chris Farlowe. He’s just
covered a song from their debut CD on his latest album… And he should
know.
Make no
mistake. The CD lives up to its name.
It truly
is something real; a quality product from a class act.
Blues
Show Bob
GTFM
Blues Show
www.gtfm.co.uk
www.myspace.com/gtfmbluesshow
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