CD Review

Blues in Britain

Bluze - THE BAND
Pirate Music 2001

Finally this is the complete album from this talented Gloucestershire collective. Their previous two demos have shown considerable promise and progression of that trend continues.

The core of the band remains as Chris Mayfield (guitar, fretless bass, vocals), Chris Willey (guitar, slide bass, vocals), Beaz (harmonicas, jews harp, flute) and Les Morgan (drums, percussion). Since the last progress report Bluz have also secured the experienced vocal talents of Jane Pearl, who only adds to the mix of Bluz's sound. Seven of these titles have appeared previously on Demo and Work in Progress but the fresh takes are all the better for Jane's vocal enhancement. On 'Can't Pin Yo Spin On Me' (Cleary) her talent is showcased without distraction.

One of the main male vocalists has a mature sound reminiscent of Dave Kelly. The distinctive rhythmic overtones remain and their easygoing progressive Delta sound, undergoing consolidation, is moving closer to town. Beaz's harp work is inspired, varied and appropriate throughout and his employment of the jews harp on 'Big Train' (Willey) is particularly subtle. There is a perfect rendition of William Bells 'You don't miss your water' and 'It should have been me' (Curtis), popularised by Ray Charles, is done with a New Orleans beat for the verses. The entirely new 'One Sided Love' (Pearl/Willey) is jazz club blues with the faintest whisper of country. Another of the three original titles is the sleazy 'Uncle Albert' (Mayfield). With it's B-movie bass line dream sequence this engaging oddball closes the set.

Rating: 8 Frank Franklin

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