Dean Newton Trio
Self-Produced
www.facebook.com/deannewtontrio
CD: 11 Songs, 47:00 Minutes
Styles: Contemporary Electric Blues Rock, Guitar Monster Blues, Debut Album
If blues and booze go together like milk and cookies, then the Dean Newton Trio would be a perfect “pub band.” They’re from Cumbria in the United Kingdom, and boy, can they pack a wallop with a guitar. These three will “beat you, bash you, squish you, mash you, chew you up for brunch, and finish you off for dinner or lunch” (Attack of the Killer Tomatoes) with the sheer force of their shredding prowess. This is music to get drunk to, plain and simple. Out of eleven songs, ten are originals, full of the kind of voltage one needs on a Friday or Saturday night. Purists might say, “This is ALL rock!” Would they be wrong? There are no classic numbers here, and the blues rhythms find themselves submerged in the other genres presented, like R&R and funk. Nevertheless, front man Dean Newton has above-average vocals and clear diction. Tunes such as “What You’ve Got” add a semi-political twist to the powerhouse proceedings.
A graduate of the London College of Music, Dean has studied under some of the most highly-respected guitarists in the world. At the age of twenty-eight, he’s a highly in-demand “muso” and guitar teacher whose playing style is thoroughly postmodern, yet rooted in the traditions of blues, rock and jazz. Never one to stand still, he is always seeking out new sounds and concepts to flesh out his albums and push the proverbial envelope. Newton has been described as a virtuoso guitarist by many of his industry peers, and is also an endorsed spokesman for Tokai Guitars.
Drummer John Marcangelo and bassist Jeff Noble also have considerable experience in the blues/blues rock scene. Marcangelo’s greatest claim to fame is being a private student of legendary jazz drummer Philly Joe Jones. As for Noble, he’s been playing bass for over four decades and has toured worldwide with different ensembles and on cruise liners.
The following track combines keen songwriting and potent musicianship in a neat package.
Track 05: “What You’ve Got” – We all try to keep up with the Joneses, and it’s costing us: not only in our wallets, but in our souls as well. With a killer bassline by Jeff Noble and melodic guitar by Newton, nifty number five is a cautionary tale. “Well, you read it in the papers and you see it on the news. You’ll see it when you least expect, when you’re buying your new shoes. It’s all about what’s cool, and it’s all about what’s hot. Because it’s all about getting what you want instead of wanting what you’ve got.” Danceable and catchy, this one’s a winner for sure.
The Dean Newton Trio has put forth a notable debut that’s perfect to enjoy with potent potables!
