|
No
messin' around .
. . |
| CD Review by Paul "Zombie" Kloiber |
|
May
2008
|
Twenty years ago I was introduced to the stunning talent of Jeff Healey through his first album "See The Light." It was a milestone for me as it brought back to the limelight the smoky blues sounds and powerful drive that my sister had introduced me to early in my life with such artists as Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, The Stones, Led Zeppelin and even later on, the more contemporary blues like Stevie Ray Vaughan. The album was so completely consuming to me that I literally wore out the cassette within three months and quickly replaced it with the CD so it would last a bit longer. The fact that he was blind or that he played across his lap like no one else before him never even came close to the uniqueness of his gift. Two months ago on March 2nd this icon of perseverance, talent, and genuine personality left us. Jeff passed away from cancer at the age of only 41, but left a mark upon not only the music world, but my life and my musical soul. He was a man I respected, admired, and thought of as a friend from the long conversations we shared. Unfortunately for me the last few times I saw him in person were the night before the tragic loss of Stevie Ray Vaughan at Alpine Valley Music Theater in WI and then a couple of years later when he played at the Park West in Chicago. On those occasions we talked music and influences and about the passion we both had beyond the notes that were played or heard. And until the day I die I'll remember the firmness of his handshake when we said goodbye. Below is a review of Jeff's posthumous release "Mess Of Blues". Forgive me early if it seems biased, I have tried very hard to be as objective as I can. The first track "I'm Torn Down" is one of four live tracks on the CD. It jumpstarts this eclectic mix of blues and other favorites and showcases Jeff's vocal and guitar talent. This CD is far more than the original Jeff Healey Band from the beginning. No longer is it the three-piece power blues trio of Healey, Joe Rockman and Tom Stephen. Jeff surrounded himself with some of his favorite musicians for a raucous foot stompin' jam, including Dan Noordermeer on guitar/vocals, Dave Murphy on keyboards, Al Webster on drums, Alec Fraser on bass and acoustic guitar and Holger Peterson doing the backing vocals. All in all, it was the perfect way to start this disc rolling. The second track, an eight-minute smoky blues number called "How Blue Can You Get" highlights the blues roots that brought him to fame and shows off Dave Murphy's exquisite keyboarding. Jeff's powerhouse lead guitar rips this song up one way and down the other and is easily the best track on the CD. Next is a keyboard-based little boogie number "Sugar Sweet" again pitting Murphy and Healey in a basic jamfest between the lead guitar and keyboard. "Jambalaya" comes in next with Alec Fraser on vocals, bringing a cajun/zydeco twist to the CD. Featuring a bouncin' piano line and a carefree danceable beat, it is just as infectious as nightlife in the bayou. Next up is a sweet cover of The Band's classic "The Weight." Sung with soul, harmony, and passion it clearly expresses the passion within Jeff and his love of his roots. Jeff loved everything from blues to traditional jazz. He amassed a whopping 30,000 78 rpm record collection, most of which was early jazz, but he never strayed far from the bluesy home that this song takes the listener back too. Then with a tickle of the ivories the next song, the Elvis Presley collaboration and title track, "Mess of Blues" rocks you and gets your feet tapping and head bouncing to the lively beat. Keeping that boogie-woogie piano groove and making the house shake is the rocker "It's Only Money" featuring Dave Murphy on the piano and vocals. It jumps, it jives, and it swings. This would be a staple on the playlist if they had toured, and would have had audiences dancing in the aisles. The guitar tinged Neil Young classic "Like a Hurricane" has that rough and gritty edge. And while Jeff's vocals don't have the same gravel that Neil does, this song still would have been a hit in any of the past four decades. Ending
this stellar CD are two killer tracks. "Sittin' On Top of the
World" a slow blues jam reminiscent of the Muddy Waters classic
blues style. Its deep slow rhythm and steady low vocals are complimented
by the driving piano of Murphy and the blues picking of Healey as
they play off each other, each serving back better than what the
other sent over. Then the rompin', stompin' "Shake Rattle and
Roll" brings this venture to an almost rockabilly conclusion.
It showed to me how much fun this was for all the guys playing.
From start to finish this whole CD is pure gold. It's not original
Healey, but it's a Healey original – his music and his soul,
played and displayed for the world to hear and see. This is the
legacy that will still be influencing other guitarists and musicians
long after the radio stations and wedding DJs stop playing "Angel
Eyes." I know I have tried to be unbiased but in the words
of Rhett Butler . . . "Frankly my dear I don't give a damn."
This CD has something for everyone. It's an A+ disc all around and
a tribute to the music and the man. All I can say is, Thanks Jeff
for the music, the conversations, and for never giving up. And tell
Jimi the main stage is yours for a while! |
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