New Blues Review – 9-17-24
By Jack Roy
Blues People – The Skin I’m In (PWI Entertainment)
Bio – “BLUES People’s arrival on the global blues scene marks a dynamic shift in the present and future state of blues music… and the culmination of a story over 40 years in the making. Lead singer- guitarist Kelton Cooper and Bassist Mike Griot met as teenagers in rival bands in Orange, NJ… just a stone’s throw from NYC. Cooper (who played drums, guitar and bass) and Griot (who was a classical cellist and electric bassist) shared early stages on local talent shows. Hungry to play the music of the time, these inspired teenagers took every opportunity to play their instruments for any who would listen. Whether it was a friend’s basement, garage or backyard — these two talents literally loaded their equipment in shopping carts (if necessary) to the next place they could play their music. FAST FORWARD (2017): Having separately amassed years of pro touring credits, recording sessions and collaborations with a literal “Who’s Who” in entertainment, Cooper and Griot found themselves back together again — this time in Griot’s live music club in New Jersey. Cooper moonlighted as a sound engineer…as well as continuing his relentless freelance schedule. It was fellow sideman/drummer Gene Lake (David Sanborn/Boz Scaggs/Meshell Ndegeocello) who suggested Cooper should do an original project. Upon presenting this to Griot, Griot agreed, stating “if we become a cover band, lose my number”! This proved to be the catalyst for band’s birth.”
Review – Wow!! My favorite CD of this year (and that is saying a lot). This album is filled with some of the tastiest Blues with a stellar group of musicians that have not been together, relatively for that long. Kelton Cooper (vocals and Guitar) is magic, reminds me of Michael Burks (rest his soul). Voice is so believable, strong and perfect. Guitar playing is pretty darn good, really has that same Burks feeling as shown in the first song on the album, “Amnesia”. With the Jazzy percussion of Gene Lake on Drums, the band has a wide range of music they can draw from as in “The Skin I’m In”. Even their take on Hendrix’s Hey Joe is brilliant, making it their own. Band also has Mike Griot on Bass and Ron Thompson on Keys/Organ. You will here lots of great Organ in many of the songs here, so perfect. All the songs are incredible, even the Social Justice tribute (which I typically do go for) but this one is just not the message (good message) but musically is superb, “Knee Off My Neck”. I think my favorite on this CD is “Amnesia”, listen here. I will give this a 10++ on Blues Content and a 10++ on Music Content.
Jimmy Carpenter – Just Got Started (Gulf Coast)
Bio – “Jimmy Carpenter, saxophonist, singer-songwriter, and arranger, began his musical journey over 40 years ago. In the ‘80s, he toured the east coast with the renegade blues band, The Alka-Phonics, in the ’90s with the blues-rock band The Believers, with whom he learned about the music business. Over the years, Jimmy has toured internationally with Tinsley Ellis, Jimmy Thackery, Walter Wolfman Washington, Eric Lindell, and others. In 2012 Jimmy joined Mike Zito, his long-time friend and musical cohort, and recorded and toured as a member of Mike Zito and the Wheel. In addition to touring nationally & internationally, Jimmy has written, arranged and recorded the horns for many artists, and has gained a reputation as a master Blues, Rock-n-Roll and R&B saxophonist. Jimmy has also released five solo albums: Toiling in Obscurity, (2008); Walk Away (Vizztone 2014), and Jimmy Carpenter Plays the Blues (Vizztone 2017), Soul Doctor (Gulf Coast Records 2019, and The Louisiana Record (Gulf Coast Records, 2022). After many years in New Orleans, he currently lives in Las Vegas with his partner in crime and musical inspiration, Ms. Carrie Stowers. In addition to leading his own band and playing with numerous others, he is the Musical Director for the Big Blues Bender, and leader of the Bender Brass, The Bender’s house band. If that wasn’t enough, he is the current president of the Las Vegas Blues Society. ”
Review – What a great collection of songs on this CD, with the incredible voice of Jimmy Carpenter leading the way. Kind of a mixture of Swingy Blues, Funky Blues and Jump Blues like you would hear at the Copa. With an amazing band fronting Jimmy, the CD really is top shelf. Jimmy Carpenter on Sax and Vocals, Christoffer Anderson on Guitar, Jim Pugh on Keys, Derrick D’mar Martin on Percussion and Jerry Jemmott on Bass is the main band with some special artists like the Morgan Brothers singing Background which is amazing on the cover of “Shining Star”. “Soul Theme” is probably one of the more Bluesy tunes and has some great guitar skills from Kid Andersen. I think my favorite on this CD is “My Babe”, got a real nice swing to the tune, listen here. I will give this a 10+ on Blues Content and a 10+ on Music Content.
Ruthie Foster – Mileage (Sun Records)
Bio – “The Texas born and bred Foster has been routinely blowing away those at her concerts, some who have never heard of the veteran singer/songwriter, for decades. Her riveting, organic and charming stage presence along with a thrilling, commanding voice singing music that combines soul, gospel, reggae, blues, Americana and some jazz is that powerful. But somehow, although she has made consistent career strides since appearing in the late 90s (including five Grammy nominations, numerous Blues Music awards, worldwide touring and a clutch of wonderful albums.”
Review – I have always been a big fan of Ruthie Foster, what an incredible voice moving in-between Gospel, Blues and Country. Maybe one of the purest voices out there, but has kept mainly under the radar of the vast public. Mileage is a combination of Ballads, Spirituals and many of the songs boardering on Country. I have to say, even though her voice is as good as ever, her musical choices on this album is not my favorite. With that said, it is just my preference and not a reflection of her talent and quality of music on this CD. “Six Mile Water”, feels like we are in Church with such power in her voice. Her cover of “That’s Alright Mama” is magic, just enough difference to make it her own. “Take It Easy” is another that fosters up the real Foster (See what I did there!!). I know my favorite on this CD is “Done”, this is the Ruthie that I think of, listen here. I will give this a 9 on Blues Content and a 10+ on Music Content.
