Customer Reviews

Tupelo Blue

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

 

 

This is a very cohesive band, with all instruments clicking and the musicians playing for the song, rather than showing off their individual chops. I loved it at first listen, but after half a dozen times through, I like it better and better every time. If you like the blues, it's hard to find anything not to like here.

As good as the whole is, the blues harp and guitar are really something special. The sole guitar handles rhythm duties perfectly, providing texture for the emotions these original songs convey. But listen for the guitar launching into melodic lead accents with a jazz influence. On several songs, there is a definite BB King flavor in terms of note selection, which makes the listener (this one anyway) close his eyes, play air guitar and shake his head just like the master would when he's feeling that soulfulness in the notes.

Funny thing is, Tupelo Blue has its own sound and mostly doesn't really sound like BB, since the guitar seems to have a little more jazz flavor to it than his, the harp dances off the guitar, and BB's never been able to do female lead vocals. Still, that is who I am reminded of on at least 2 or 3 songs. Though I am mightily impressed by the musicianship in jazz, most jazz doesn't do for my ears or soul what blues or other rock influenced styles do. But I REALLY like the jazz influence in the blues motifs I hear in the guitar fills and leads here.

What to say about the harp? That I'd sell part of my soul to make a $20 instrument sound like that? All this with very fine bluesy vocals (male and female) and a great rhythm section in a well mixed and produced work. Very, very nice stuff. Buy it and you won't be disappointed.

This is a terrific CD with a mix of blues, R&B, jazz and rock. The female vocalist is terrific. Hope she sings more next time around. Look forward to seeing the group perform Live in So. Cal.

This is a terrific CD with a mix of blues, R&B, jazz and rock. The female vocalist is terrific. Hope she sings more next time around. Look forward to seeing the group perform Live in So. Cal.