CD Review

Blues Matters!
Magazine July 2002

Bluze - THE BAND
Pirate Music 2001

After a couple of earlier demos this is the first full album from this Gloucester based five-piece who formed in 1998. The first thing that strikes me about this CD is the imaginative arrangements and distinctive rythmic approach. Even an old chestnut like 'Rambling on my mind' comes up sounding as fresh as a daisy writes Dave Drury.

Chris Mayfield plays guitar and fretless bass, Chris Willey plays guitar, slide and bass and they both share vocal duties with Jane Pearl, an experienced American singer who has recently rejoined the band. Jane's voice features to good effect on the jazzy 'Can't pin yo'spin on me' and the smokey nightclub feel of the original 'One sided love'. The excellent cover of 'You don't miss your water' features a lovely harmonica solo from Beaz who contributes mightily throughout this album. There are no rock heroics on display here and the ensemble / collective approach gives a distinctive laid back feel which makes the whole thing a joy - easy listening in the best sense. I must mention the masterful drumming of veteran Les Morgan whose subtle and controlled approach underpins the whole album. There are three original songs including the atmosphiric 'Big Train' and closing number 'Uncle Albert' is a sleazy story which features some suitably menacing slide guitar. I enjoyed this CD immensely and look forward to hearing more from this interesting band.

Dave Drury
Blues Matters!

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