Customer Reviews

Is What It Is

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Steve Freund and Dave Specter are two Chicago blues veterans. Despite the fact that they have been friends for a long time (Dave Specter was actually taking guitar lessons from Steve Freund) and that they have previously worked together, this is their first album together as co-leaders. While Steve Freund's style is very close to the Chicago blues tradition (heavy influence from Hubert Sumlin and Otis Rush are very evident in his playing), Dave Specter shows quite a heavy influence from guitar jazz master as Kenny Burrell and Wes Montgomery. The result of their collaboration is from my point of view remarkable. As usual Delmark production is impeccable and the "menu" on offer here is variegated and very tasteful. Deep Chicago blues, jazz tinted blues and a touch of pop/jazz in the instrumental version of the Beatles all time classic "While my guitar gentle weeps" plus two tributes to British blues and in particular to the great Peter Green. With a great band supporting their effort (including B-3 virtuoso Rob Waters and as a special guest on track 4 harp wizard Mark Hummel), and the very strong performance of Mr. Freund on vocals, the album flows from start to finish showing no weaknesses and their performance is strong throughout the entire CD. Highlights of the album are the opening shuffle "My little playhouse" the wonderful version of Bobby "Blue" Bland's classic "Loan a helping hand" and the slow burning "Too hot at home". In conclusion a very good blues album that will please the most exigent blues fan. Very highly recommended.

Steve Freund cut his chops in the clubs of Chicago, and landed the job as Sunnyland Slim's axeman in 1978. He stayed in the blues band, and most notably at his weekly gig at the Chicago, Illinois club B.L.U.E.S. until Slim's death in 1995. Dave Specter took guitar lessons from Freund and started working with him professionally a few years back. It is obvious that both musicians have a deep appreciation for 12-bar city Blues. Freund's playing stands out as more experienced, but Specter accommodates his style very well and fills accordingly. J.B. Hutto's influence on the two players stands out to me in the style, with "Hoverin' Hawk," and "Is What It Is" notably due to the simple but effective leads that convey the chord changes well. The two have put together a solid first effort, and the subsequent would definitely be worth watching for. The album was recorded on June 17-18, 2004 and features Barrelhouse Chuck on two tracks. Please visit the website at www.delmark.com. All content copyright www.maximumink.com