Vince Agwada - Basic Blue

Vince Agwada - Basic Blue
2011, Rocketnoodle Music

Vince Agwada got his musical education in the blues clubs of Chicago, often hanging out at Theresa's or Buddy Guy's Checkerboard Lounge.  Agwada took advantage of opportunities to jam with the likes of Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Syl Johnson and Left Dizz, among others.  From the early 1980's on, Agwada has toured the US with the likes of Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Junior Wells, Sugar Blue, The Dells and Bernie Mac, as well as with his own bands, One Eyed Jax and the Vince Agwada Band.  Agwada recently released Basic Blue, the follow-up to his 2008 solo debut, Eyes Of The City.  Agwada sticks with his blues roots, but spends more time fleshing out the ground that lies between the blues and its wayward child, rock n roll.

Basic Blue opens with "Chi-Town State Of Mind", a heavy, fuzzy blues-rocker that's as gritty as the city it proclaims love for.  Both guitar and harmonica produce distinctive growling sounds here in a dynamic and energetic opener that sets the bar high.  "Blindsided" is a darker, grungier brand of blues with a heavy feel.  It's a fun tune about getting trapped in something you want anyway; very entertaining.  "President" is a funk-laden blues number with some wicked guitar work from Agwada, who shreds his way through the song with an almost manic glee.  Agwada slows things down with the low-key classic rock-style power ballad "Big City Blues"; a solid album track that serves as notice that almost anything goes here. 

"Black Rain" is a down tempo number that's excessively dark and features some of the best guitar work on the album.  It's balanced off by the party blues/rock of "Shake It Up".  Just try to sit still; I dare you.  "Sirius Biz" gets a bit more experimental, with an extended jam featuring some Tower Of Power style horn work over the top.  This is catchy, funky and danceable all at once.  "Right On" is solid with some intriguing harmonica work, but the ham-handed voiceover kills the mood.  Agwada returns to the hard-driving blues/rock blend he opened with on "Train", before closing with the mellow ruminations of "She Never Said...”  Blues rears its head occasionally, but much of the song is atmospheric in sound; lyric in melody. 

Vince Agwada takes several strides forward on Basic Blue, with a sound evolving along the fault line that separates rock n roll, modern R&B and the blues.  Basic Blue shows a successful artist, confident in his abilities, who continues to stretch the bounds of his muse.  In general, that effort is exemplary on Basic Blue.  Agwada shows a distinctive blend of technical skill, resourcefulness and pure drive that sets Basic Blue apart from the harried pack of blue rock bands out there. Basic Blue is definitely worth spending some time with.

Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more about Vince Agwada at www.vinceagwada.com or www.facebook.com/vinceagwada.  Basic Blue is available from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  The album is also available via iTunes.

Chicago Blues: A Living History - The (R)evolution Continues

Chicago Blues: A Living History - The (R)evolution Continues
2011, Raisin' Music

Chicago Blues: A Living History, is more than the ultimate blues tribute band.  The GRAMMY nominated act combines two generations of Blues masters in honor of the originators of the Chicago sound that birthed pop and rock n roll.  Billy Boy Arnold, John Primer, Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell and Carlos Johnson were indoctrinated into the Chicago Blues scene, coming to live and breathe its sounds and attitudes as if born this way.  The band's 2009 self-titled debut album not only received a GRAMMY nod, but also two Blues Music Award nominations and several international awards.  On June 7, 2011, the band returns with The (R)evolution Continues, with guest appearances from Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Magic Slim, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Zora Young and Mike Avery.

Where the classic strains of "Jelly Roll Baker", the R&B stylings of "I'll Be Up Again Someday" or the early rock n roll of "Chicago Bound", The (R)evolution Continues has something for everyone.  "Diamonds At Your Feet" has a pure rockabilly feel that is sharp and fresh, and "Rocket" threatens to blast off and take the roof with it.  Even Chuck Berry gets a stylistic nod with "Reelin' And Rockin'", one the most purely entertaining numbers on the entire collection.  Bo Diddley even gets his props on the medley of "Mellowdown Easy" and "Bo Diddley".

The difficult with a collection of this sort is the history that sits behind it.  The blues has such a rich history; is so very much a part of the fabric of American pop culture in the second half of the twentieth century, that there is no way to do it complete justice.  Chicago Blues: A Living History makes a fair attempt, however, surpassing even the zeitgeist of their self-titled original.   "Keep A-Drivin'" proves that neither the blues nor rock n roll is dead yet, while "Easy Baby" marries the blues and soul in a perfect union you won't be able to resist.

Shades of Motown work their way in to "Yonder Wall", forecasting the sound that would take root in the motor city, courtesy of Chicago, and grow into something new.  "Be Careful How You Vote" is an entertaining bit of blues-based rock n roll that is as poignant as it is fun.  Its good advice, and great listening, no matter how you cut it.  Chicago Blues: A Living History brings the funk on "Don't Take Advantage Of Me", an incredibly catchy blues rocker you won't be able to get out of your head.  "Ain't Enough Comin' In" mixes blues and soul, ala Robert Cray, in a number very apropos for tough economic times.  "Make These Blues Survive" has a distinctive modern edge, and acts as a great setup for the classic story-teller style of "The Blues Had A Baby (And They Named It Rock N Roll)".  It's a not so subtle reminder of where we came from musically, with a sound as vibrant today as it was in the late 1940's and early 1950's when the roots of rock n roll were aligning themselves.

The history of the blues runs rich and deep in the cultural soil of America.  Chicago Blues: A Living History makes sure that those roots will never be neglected, by showing just how integral the blues has been to a popular culture that continues to evolve.  The (R)evolution Continues seems likely to be a critical favorite, likely to repeat as a GRAMMY nominee, and perhaps even win this time around.  If you've always meant to acquaint yourself with the Blues, The (R)evolution Continues won't teach you all you need to know, but it's an impressive-enough resource to be a compelling document.  The (R)evolution Continues is a likely addition to year end lists, and deservedly so.  Don't pass this one by.

 Rating: 4 Stars (Out of 5)

Learn more at http://www.chicagobluesalivinghistory.com/ or www.myspace.com/chicagoabluesalivinghistory.  Chicago Blues: A Living History – The (R)evolution Continues drops June 7, 2011.  The album is available for pre-order from Amazon.com as a CD or Download.  A digital version is also available via iTunes.