GA-20 – Live In Loveland
Karma Chief/Colemine Records
11 tracks
With three great studio albums, some EPs and singles out there, GA-20 has now released a great live recording that is nominated for a Blues Blast Music Award for Best New Live Album. The album features cuts from their latest album and some cool cover tunes. Recorded live on to ¼ inch analog tape, there is an old school vibe to the recording. GA-20 is the trio of Pat Faherty on vocals and guitar, Matthew Stubbs on guitar and Tim Carman on drums. Recorded live in the Plaid Room in Loveland, Ohio, this was one helluva show.
The live recording starts off with Harol Burrage’s Cobra Record hit“ I Cry for You” where the band does a fine job covering the tune to the crowd’s delight. Another fine cover follows, Little Walter’s “My Baby Is Sweeter.” Here we get some dirty guitar solo to savor as the band delivers another great performance. The title track from their first album is next, “Lonely Soul.” A driving beat and a slick sound blends blues and early rock sounds into the GA-20 seminal sound. It’s a lot of fun.
The next three cuts are from their newest studio CD Crackdown. “I Let Someone In” features more fine guitar work and Faherty’s howling vocals. Then it’s “Dry Run,” a slower and ambling tune that again lets Faherty and Stubbs shine. Stinging guitar and emotive vocals make this a great cut. “Double Getting’” is a rockabilly/early rock sounding tune that the band delivers with passion.
Clifton Chenier’s “My Soul” from his Chess release Bayou Blues is next. Transforming New Orleans into their cool sounding vibe of distorted guitar and howling vocals works well, another nice cut. Up next is “Just Because,” a cool ballad culled from the latest album. “Hold It One More Time” is an original track with a 1950’s/1960” rock infused blues done in typical GA-20 fashion: high powered with driving beat and sound with vibrant guitar and impassioned vocals.
“Crackin’ Up” is an old Bo Diddley tune that GA-20 makes their own. The Stones did this song back in the 1960’s and now GA-20 dusts it off and freshens it up in their signature style. They conclude with the wild and jumping “By My Lonesome,” a great rocking tune from their last album. Done in an updated and funky Check Berry style, they lay out some great licks and the band gives it their all. The crowd goes wild as they conclude.
This is a super recording of a really amazing show. GA-20 delivers eleven great performances of their own tunes and some sweet covers. These guys are bringing old school blues back with a great blend of rock and their own distinctive style of play. GA-20 is not for the faint of heart- this is a rocking and hot blues band with some great sounding stuff- don’t miss this one. It is well deserving of an award nomination!
