Semi Automatic Slim

Rick Carroll

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 1, 1998)
• Original Release Date: October 1, 1998
• Number of Discs: 2
• ASIN: B00000G10E
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,115,349 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Rick Edwards, Voodoochile of Blues-L
I recently received Semi Automatic Slim, by Rick Carroll and Wicked Blue. Now these guys have lots of that great bluesy Hendrix sound and songwriting and also have that great raw strat sound. They do three covers of great blues classics and really do a creative ( and Hendrixy) interpretation of them. Reflective and earthy, with growling gritty vocals. The songs they write themselves also remind me of the slower blues/R&B songs by Hendrix. And like Hendrix, Rick Carroll can really sing and emote with a guitar. Very soulful and creative. Poetic lyrics like Hendrix too. Lots of imagery and symbolism. I was also impressed with the recording sound quality. Trace Records.

Product Description
"Rick Carroll is one Loud, heavy, aggressive 90's blues guitarist. This strat-slinging, power-player has his own version of the Blues. With elements of street funk, 40's big band swing, boogie and the new tonality and out of control creative adventure of today's rock, this is a new strain of Blues that's wilder, more visceral and definitely something that's going to make some real noise. Backed by the powerful and eclectic Wicked Blue, Rick Carroll stands poised to introduce a new audience to a new music with a grand old tradition. It's a new Blues for music lovers seeking a new Blues alternative.

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Hendrix woulda been Proud!, January 12, 1999

By A Customer

"Sniff, snort.. chuckle.. Whew! I see what you mean brother..." While Rick Carroll combines the blues of Jimi and the power of Chicago - the combination wins for everyone.

To paraphrase Hendrix is the best of choice compliments, I can't wait for the real McCoy at Momma's Blues Palace in Charleston...

See Everyone There!!!!

(A Real Musician's Fan)

4.0 out of 5 stars I'd label this one Heavy Blues!! with 3.5 stars...., December 8, 1998

By A Customer

New England area locals Rick Carroll & Wicked Blue crank out 7 originals and 3 classics on Semi Automatic Slim. Rick Carroll is lead guitarist and singer. Rick's voice, sounding like an angry growl with a bad attitude, is distinctive, though not exceptionally musical.

The guitar playing is what I enjoy about this CD. Rick plays raunchy, emotional leads with power and authority. But traditional blues fans and the weak of heart take heed. This music goes far beyond blues or even blues/rock. This is heavy blues, and would fit in quite nicely over at the Blues Bureau division of Shrapnel Records. Most of the songs are built on a basic blues foundation, but Rick's guitar playing and delivery of the music has a prominent hard rock/metal edge. Of the original tunes, I found the up-tempo Got My Eye On You and the melodic instrumental Can't Find The Reason Why to be most notable. Little Bird, a heavy blues ballad of sorts, is also interesting.

Rick apply's his own styling to three cover tunes. By far my favorite song on the CD is I Just Want To Make Love To You. Rick's aggressive playing and snarling vocals work really well with this song. Come On In My Kitchen is also very good. But I found I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man to be too far removed from the original, or perhaps I should say it's too far removed from the other blues/rock versions I've heard.

You'll definitely need to be a fan of heavy blues for this music to catch your interest. If that's the case, then I'd say chances are good. There's plenty of guitar, and enough good songs to make this an interesting CD.

5.0 out of 5 stars Topping the List of New England Blues, November 21, 1998

By A Customer

... Rick Carroll, takes elements from the blues, superheats them with his band, and fires them out of his six string cannon like a wanted poster fugitive on his latest album Semi Automatic Slim. He's got that thick, mid-ranged, funky Texas Strat sound that supercharges an array of imaginative blues arrangements like "Come On In My Kitchen", "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" and "I Just Want To Make Love To You", along with some cleverly crafted originals. His wiskey soaked voice is also a natural accompaniment to his guitar slinger image; graveling, dark and drenched in emotion.

On Carroll's sophomore effort, Semi Automatic Slim, he is ably assisted by bassists Dave LeMay and Bob Plourde, along with drummers Tom Sousa and Steve Fortuna. Rick Carroll & Wicked Blue are a formidable group and a welcome addition to the New England Blues community. Good Stuff!