Frankie Boy & The Blues Express – Young Man’s Blues
self release
14 songs time – 63:33
This New England based band offers up a laid back and authenticity-based serving of some very satisfying blues. Frankie Boy Blues aka Frank Maneiro supplies guitar and vocals as well as composing all the original songs. He is in possession of a semi-jive good vibe voice with attitude. The Blues Express is Mickey Maguire on bass, Harrison Foti on drums and the seemingly guest guitarist Mike Morgan. They all contribute occasional backup vocals. Their main influence is the late Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson and they include two of his songs. Luther played guitar in the legendary Muddy Water’s band.
A mellowness permeates the proceedings, lending a good time relaxing feeling. They start off with a tribute to their mentor with “Guitar JR” that has a funky groove with chiming guitars and spoken vocals. “Going Fishing” is a chugging slice of blues that is an analogy for matters of the heart. The title song is mellow, showing off his pleasing voice. Mike and Frankie contribute solid guitar solos.
Frankie talk-sings his way through the slow groove of “Anna”. The funky and easy flowing “Lose My Cool” displays Frankie’s vocal swagger. Traditional and on-point blues guitar is shown by both guitarists on another slow one, “Hey There Anayah”. The first of two Luther “Guitar Junior” Johnson songs, “Talkin’ About Soul”, is funky and upbeat. It features a brief rap section.
The funk continues with Wilson Pickett’s “Engine Number Nine”. The funk quotient is taken at a slower pace on “Something About You”. Guitar Junior’s “Flippin’ and Floppin’/So Mean To Me” is a bit of a 50s throw-back with Mickey Maguire on vocals and a short drum solo by Harrison Foti. The old chestnut “Black Drawers On” is a group vocal.
Buddy Guy’s “Mary Had A Little Lamb” is given the appropriate funky treatment and guitar workout. Magic Sam’s “You Belong To Me” is given about a minute and a half drum intro before getting to the funkiness. The band closes out the proceedings with the original ballad “What More Can I Do”.
They have put together songs of different varieties with attention to detail, while achieving this with their basic two guitar, bass and drums approach without any outside help. The result is a very engaging presentation. Check it out for a breath of fresh blues air.
