Tom Dikon & The Jukes Revival – Been A Long Time Baby
self release
12 songs time-47:50
Virginia based singer-harmonica player Tom Dikon has gathered up songs he has written over the years along with some newer ones to put together this project. He enlisted the help of his friend guitarist-producer Jason Cale who assisted him in selecting the right session players for this CD. Mission accomplished, as all players gel together to support Tom’s musical vision. Tom’s harmonica chops are right up there with the best on the current scene. His fluid, energetic and inventive style of playing is a high point of this endeavor. The fact that he has a cool and smooth vocal delivery doesn’t hurt either. He has managed to come up with twelve original songs that are informed by Chicago blues, jump blues, a bit of jazz and his own musical leanings. Tom has enlisted two guest vocalists to join in on the proceedings.
The title song introduces the listener to his smooth and soothing vocal delivery via a Chicago style blues. Jason Cales burning guitar playing chugs along with harmonica and the sax skills of Dave Fatek. Tom’s harmonica super charges the boisterous jump blues of “Hilton Hop”. The band chimes in on backing vocals. Jackie Scott steps in with his soulful and expressive vocal chops on the funky “Hipshake”, that features some refreshingly inventive guitar from Jason Cale. The jazzy acoustic guitar on “I Saw You” is reminiscent of the great gypsy guitarist Django Reinhardt. The song is a breezy little romp.
The harmonica playing on “Nevermind” recalls the percussive style that John Mayall employed on his live at the Fillmore period. Jay Skenk adds a little hoedown flavor with his viola along side some snappy snare drum. “Tidewater Stomp” is an energetic but short at two minutes harmonica based instrumental that you just wanna slap back on. Anthony Rosano supplies the vocal along with his slithery slide guitar playing along with Jason’s guitar on “Try To Make A Livin'”, a harmonica charged shuffle.
Jackie Scott returns for his second vocal turn on “Mind Over Matter” a song that is timely in its’ subject matter as it talks about crooked politicians. He is as soulful as he wants to be once again. Rick Anthony handles the lead guitar chores on this one. Hard blowing harp and the jazzy sax of Dave Fatek jump start “Wouldn’t You Know It”. Things close out on the jump blues of “Ooh Wee Baby”. Tom reminds us before he leaves of his harp skills.
Tom Dikon & The Jukes Revival and friends recall a bygone era of the blues while breathing new and refreshing life into it. Pulling eleven quality songs out of thin air is no easy task, but this crew makes it appear that way as they trade off solos at ease. The musicianship, songwriting, production values and arrangements are all top notch. This is a more than worthy listen.
