Christopher Dean Band – Songs From French Street

Lost World Music

www.thechristopherdeanband.com

14 songs time – 62:36

Vocalist-guitarist Christopher Dean and band cook up a tasty slice of soul and R&B along with some blues on this his fourth album for Lost World Music. It is well-executed and produced. I like the more bluesy selections. For those fond of the soul-R&B genre there is much to like here from boisterous horn-driven songs, soulful ballads, and the occasional blues offering.

Many of the songs such as “Can I Get It” and “Without You In My Life” capture the horn-punctuated soul song of the sixties to a “T”. Soul singer Johnny Rawls adds his vocals to both tracks, right alongside Christopher. One of the few blues songs, Otis Rush’s classic “Keep Lovin’ Me Baby” also contains a hint of R&B influence. Christopher’s vocals are drenched in soulfulness which are helped by his tasty guitar play.

He manages to emulate Curtis Mayfield’s vocal delivery on Mayfield’s “My Country”. The first bonus blues track is Muddy Waters’ “Gypsy Woman”, in which he and the band deliver the goods with Dean on guitar and “Chicago” Carl on blues piano. Dean switches to acoustic guitar and Carl reappears for Memphis Minnie’s “Nothing In Ramblin'”.

The band has this music down pat. Steve Lombardelli serves as a one-man horn section(augmented by Joe Mixon) throughout that is bolstered by a sturdy rhythm section. The clean production values were supplied by Phillip (Taj) Jackson. The guys commit themselves handily on the upbeat numbers along with the sultry soul ballads. The result is a first-class effort. There is a variety of music to enjoy here.