Scott Weis Band – Live In Europe
Self-Release – 2024
13 tracks; 77 minutes
Pennsylvania’s Scott Weis Band started in 2005 and this is their eighteenth release. Recorded at four different venues in Germany, and described by the band themselves as “kind of a great quality bootleg”, this must give a good representation of what a SWB show sounds like. Led by Scott on guitar and vocals, this is a power trio with Robert Kopec on bass and backing vocals and Roger Voss behind the drum kit. The single card sleeve does not give information on songwriters but there a few well-known covers sitting alongside band originals (and the website does offer more information). As this is this reviewer’s first encounter with the band it is not possible to determine which of the band’s previous albums are the source of the songs presented here, but fans of the band will know and no doubt welcome the appearance of this live outing.
The band sets out its stall with the powerful “Raise Your Hands”, all heavy drums and repetitive core riff, before showing a slightly softer side with “All Over Again”, the slower pace allowing the listener to better hear Scott’s slightly gruff vocals and a spiralling solo mid-tune. ZZ Top is probably an influence for the band, so “Jesus Just Left Chicago” is a logical choice (actually preceded by a verse of “Just Got Paid”) and is well done, a tune that suits Scott’s vocals really well. A lengthy version of “Tennessee Whiskey” allows Scott to demonstrate his guitar skills though the vocals are a little less clear. The sleeve has a track that had eventually to be omitted due to time constraints, so we move on to “Pride And Soul” which opens with a touch of country honk, the audience clapping along to the infectious rhythm before Scott enters with a heavy riff. Bass player Robert does the band intros ahead of the slow number “Mindless” and the heavy riffing “Into Your Eyes” before the band tackles another cover, this time a dive into the soul songbook with “Something Is Wrong With My Baby”, a song made famous by Sam And Dave; it would be hard to match the original but SWB’s ten minute version is definitely overblown.
“Motherless” is presumably a cover of the traditional blues “Motherless Child”, the slide features effectively throughout. Three more originals follow: “Bitch Please” finds Scott in thrall to a temptress in a chugging rocker, “Right Where It Belongs” has a heavy riff at its core as the drums set a furious pace and you can hear the audience get excited on this one; “Promise Land” sounds as if it might be the Chuck Berry classic but is a SWB tune, another rocker with heavy guitar. Set closer is another lengthy workout, this time Freddy King’s “Have You Ever Loved A Woman”. Scott gets out his harmonica to start it off and a hint of Zeppelin’s “Dazed And Confused” in the intro signals the direction the track will head, Scott’s powerful main solo over the rhythm section’s throbbing beat a highlight. Taking it down again, the harp wails before the band winds it up for a big finale.
SWB fans have been calling for a live album and will be delighted that this is now available. Those who like the heavier end of the blues-rock spectrum should also find plenty to enjoy in this well-filled album.
