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The band is now comprised of Larry Goodhand
(guitar), Bill Lyons (bass), Michael Fitzpatrick
(drums) and Bill Speer (piano). Bill has also taken on
the lead vocals but is more confidant when tickling the ivories. All
members are 25 year plus veterans of the
International, Canadian and Toronto Blues and roots music
scenes.
A theme of hard luck and being kicked around prevails on this disc.
Lead track, "Nevada" is about the troubles that gambling brings but
these troubles are forgotten thanks to Goodhand’s smooth and
exquisite solo. "All We Get" is a catchy, foot-stomper inspired by
the trials and tribulations of being in a traveling band. Lyrics
like: ‘The big boss man says I know this crowd so remember now boys
don’t play too loud’ are taken from real life experience. Guest
musicians Simon Wallis (sax) and Rocky Verweel (trumpet) use their
horns to pump the rhythm out and fully round out the sound. Goodhand
proves he is Canada’s most under-rated blues guitarist when he cuts
loose on "Got Me Crazy". He doesn’t dazzle with speed and flash.
Larry plays clear, precise notes in a relaxed (almost effortless)
fashion delivering quality instead of quantity. On "Lost & Found
Blues", his solo is delivered with intense emotion.
The upbeat "Comin’ Down" shows Speer at his peak. He is all over the
88s on his organ solo and provides impressive keyboarding throughout
the album. The boys prove they know how to have fun on the
hysterical "Married Man". It’s a perspective on relationships before
and after marriage and is strictly written from the male
point-of-view. Surely every married man will relate to lyrics such
as: ‘but now she won’t do what she used to do anymore’. The humour
continues on "Road Kill" and its high tales of life on the road.
"Party On" is a tune that will have you jumping, swinging and
shouting. It will go down big at the clubs. Throughout the song writing is modest but there are times when it all comes together
very strongly as on "Say A Prayer". Here, the medley, vocals, horns
and guitar are all right on the line. The tune crosses over the
Blues into Soul and Funk and is worthy of airplay on radio that
feature these genres. |