Customer Reviews

Sea Saint Sessions

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Tab Benoit's latest Mona Lisa,The Sea Saint Sessions (Telarc) once again blends Delta blues with cajun bayou spice for a sound that belongs uniquely and souly to him. I say souly because that is exactly what you will find in abudance on this barn burner of a record due largely to Tab's commanding raspy vocals throughout, but particularly on "Solid Simple Thing," and "What I Have To Do," Benoit has a liking for cutting tracks live in the studio in one or two takes which gives The Sea Saint Sessions a radiant spontaneous feel over all eleven numbers. The sparkling and very funky "Hustlin Down In New Orleans," which evokes memories of Little Feat, finds Neville Brothers guitarist Brian Stoltz exquisitely trading off licks with Benoit while the very bluesy "Monks Blues," showcases Big Chief Monk Boudreaux's gruffly smooth vocals and segues neatly into the driving beat of "Making The Bend," a high energy piece featuring George Porter's booming bass line. What I find truly amazing about the three numbers just mentioned is that they were co written and performed with the guest artists as these sessions were taking place with minimal rehearsal or refinement. Now that, ladies and gents, is spontaneity at it's finest. All but two tracks are originals, with the covers consisting of a smoking version of Howlin' Wolf's "Howlin For My Darlin," that contains a completely wicked guitar solo, and "Plareen Man," the volcanic closing number contributed by Cyril Neville who is on hand for lead vocals and percussion. Two other pieces that are thoroughly enjoyable and if they fail to get your hips shaking immediately might mean you are dead, are the album's opening frenetic tune "Baby Blue," which has Brian Stoltz sitting in and the following "Boat Launch Baby," that I can hear covered easily by any of the top zydeco/cajun bands. Backing Tab are his usual comrades, Carl Dufresne on bass and Darryl White on drums who are one of the most powerful rhythm sections it's ever been my pleasure to hear. I mean these two guys just blast through a tune like dynamite. As for Mr.Benoit.... he's positively maginificent on this outing firing off melodic runs up and down the fretboard while at times bending notes until they seem ready to break into a million pieces while singing his heart out in his slightly nasal but soulfully expressive voice. Tab Benoit has for years been grossly underrated as both a blues guitarist and singer and is finally beginning to receive the national recognition he has always deserved as both a musician and a fine songwriter. Last year's Wetlands was a great album but The Sea Saint Sessions just plain knocked me out of my socks and across the room. One of his best that should not be missed!

Ok, I never heard of him until I walked into a record shop and saw his CD on the end cap. So I went over and gave it a listen, and man oh man, I became an instant fan. This cd is full of Blues mixed in with some cajun beats. The guitar has a quality that is honest and true. You feel like you are in a juke joint right there with him. Needless to say I bought the cd and play it all the time. A great find! Go make the same find for yourself. You won't regret it.

I'm a brand new "Tab" fan. What I appreciate most about him is the fact that he doesn't try to blow you away every time. His guitar playing adds color and texture to his songs instead of high caliber fire power. Don't get me wrong, Tab can shake the rafters but to me, that's preferable to burning the whole house down. He's also not a one dimensional performer. His vocals are warm and expressive and it's clear that he knows how to sing. Pick up this album and enjoy some New Orleans blues, slow cooked but sizzling.

Just picked up a copy of Tab's new one, "The Sea-Saint Sessions". Just incredible! Tab continues his musical philosophy of playin' in the moment, leaving, as the liner notes say:"...the music open to let the moment be apart of it and not coming in with everything so planned out..." Tab, Carl (bass) and Darryl (drums) accomplish this approach with real flair, what you hear is what you get...playin' with a ton of heart and (Louisiana)soul! Just as with his last outing, "Wetlands", Tab brings into your home, through your speakers, that easy, laid-back bayou feel. You feel it in every riff and each note. This one features some nice slabs of funk, ("baby blue") as well as my-baby-left-me tunes like "What I have to do" and a great reworking of Howlin' Wolf's "Howlin' for my Darlin'". Had the privillage of playin'drums with Tab when he an' the band were in this area, (Thanks for takin' a chance on me Darryl!) Great bunch of guys and it comes through on this CD. Ya gotta get turned on to Tab!!!

I've been a Tab fan since his first albumn. I've always felt his second albumn (What I Live For) (or the "Red Albumn" as we call it) was his best at capturing his live essence. But this albumn matches it! Tab's distinct voice and guitar really demonstrate an understanding and mastery of the blues.

There are some real gems on this album. A great showcase of Tabs varied talents. "What I Have To Do" is one of the most heart wrenching songs I ever listened to. Loved this album so much that I just nearly burned myself out on it. Most excellent!

Which is really unusual, because every Tab Benoit album I have, nearly every song is a keeper. This CD is no longer available on itunes for some reason, so I had to purchase it via Amazon. If I could have gotten it on itunes, I would probably have purchased only a couple of songs: Solid Simple Thing and What I Have to Do would definitely be my favorites on this album.

If you love the blues, this is the real deal. One of my favorite Tab CD's.