Customer Reviews

Brother to the Blues

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3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
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Tab fans know that his blues is rooted in country and cajun. His signature Telecaster Thinline tone often sings like a fiddle. This collection of tunes taps his country side while bringing out at more disciplined, chops-oriented approach to some well-crafted songs. Backed superbly by Louisiana's LeRoux band, he delivers 13 great tracks. The production is first-rate, as is the song sequencing.

The first 3 tunes take you through 3 styles: Freddie King' "Pack It Up", Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home To Me", and the title track, "Brother To the Blues." This one may rattle some Tab fans heads as a straight country ballad. But it's solid and sincere, and it works. (Bring It On Home is one chorus too long - especially as track 2 - but that's minor nit.)

Guessing that most Tab fans have seen his live shows, the Hank Williams' "I Heard That Lonesome Whistle Blow" will recall his between-set solo section, as will the original fingerpicked "Moon Coming over the Hill"

The highlight is the original "Somehow" - a slow blues burner that channels Ronnie Earl and some tasty chords over soulful vocals.

I have just about everything this guy has recorded and see him live as often as I can. He's the real deal, and this record makes it clear. This CD delivers!

Don't let the title confuse you. This is not a blues CD. Its country. Tab Benoit writes in the liner notes this is a "special project" of all of his "early musical influences" "especially early country music."

It's well recorded. It has some nice music. It has fiddles, banjos and pedal steel guitars. But it isn't a "brother to the blues." It's only a distant cousin.

Tab Benoit is one of my favorite blues artists and I particularly like it when he mixes the blues with a little Cajun flavor from the Bayou. That being said, I was taken by surprise at the lack of blues on this release. The CD consists of mostly hillside country music complete with pedal steel, banjo and fiddle. Something tells me that if he titled this recording to reveal its true contents, sales would be somewhat dismal. Tab's tip of the hat to the songs which he knew as a child will be better appreciated by some country fans but, it is sure to leave blues fans a little unsatisfied. Especially knowing that we may have to wait another year or two for a suitable new release.

It's hot, it's cool, it's cajun, blues, soul, folk and country performed like no other can. Tab Benoit is a humble and unfortunately under-recognized artist who blinds you live and lights you up with his recordings. This is the kind of stuff we've been waiting for. No more bored musicians. Tab handles a guitar with the ease of SRV, the soul of Jimi and the heart of the Bayou.

A morning jazz show (WRTC) played Pack it up, Bring it on home to me & Why are people like that and I bought this CD the next day. I love Sam Cook songs as those whom sing them. A little slower than most sing Bring it on home, it was brrillian! As is all of this CD! Reminded me of Chris Tofield but with a Louisiana twang & for certain our country influence! I'm 45 & thought they no longer make music this good. You'll like this!

Tab Benoit is by far my favorite blues artist that I have seen perform on many an occassion. I own every one of his cds and when this special project cd came out I didn't hesitate to buy a copy. As stated in other reviews the title is somewhat misleading but that made no difference to me. I absolutely love the album and it shows another side of Tab that you might not otherwise get to see although he does play some of these songs during his live performances as well. If you have never seen him play your really missing out.

Tab's previous albums had acute cajun and root influence. On this CD the instrument choice and powerful deep vocals made this apparent. Blues and country fans alike will appreciate the artisty and song choice. This album not only keeps Tab's current fans, but also creates a possible new audience. Overall great sound quality and fantastic buy.