The Bluesland Horn Band – SIX | Album Review

The Bluesland Horn Band – SIX

Self Released

www.bluesland.ca

10 tracks

Hailing from Western Canada, The Bluesland Horn Band blends old school R&B, blues, gospel, country, funk. Soul, rock and music from the crescent City into a sound all their own. With all original tunes penned by producer Terry Medd, this is their aptly named sixth musical release.

The album and their website didn’t list any of the band members, but inside their Facebook info is, “Blues and soul/jazz fans may remember the origins of this band which played throughout Western Canada from 1998 to 2004. The band has been reformed by producer, guitarist Terry Medd. The players are; Pat Belliveau and John Reid – Tenor Sax, Dr Z – Trumpet, Paul Evans – Baritone Sax, Guy Plecash – Keyboards and Lead Vocals, Kenny Chalmers – Drums, Bryan Czar – Bass Guitar, and Marty Cochrane – Lead Vocals.” They do not mention the female vocalist on the next to last track.

The album begins with a downhome feeling cut entitled “My Old Truck.” Horns, acoustic guitar, mandolin and piano combine into a huge mélange of musical goodness. Growling vocals add to the ambience. “Creole Queen” kicks off with some funky guitar and organ and gets into a real New Orleans styled groove. The lead and backing vocals are cool and the accompaniment is superb. Organ and trumpet solos are well done, too.

“Shuffle In The Attic” is a driving, guitar rock cut instrumental that blends rockabilly and horns into a great cut. Big guitar and organ solos are offered up to savor. “Rock My Roll” is next, a swinging, rocking number with greasy vocals and a more sweet guitar solos along with some pretty sax soloing, too.

“Keep The Devil Behind” takes us to another interaction at the crossroads where avoiding losing one’s soul is an ongoing effort in this dark and cool blues cut. ”Shuffle in the Alley” is another slick instrumental, moving the shuffle down from the attic and out into he alley. Nice piano work is featured here along with ringing and stinging guitar.

“Holy Water” takes the listener a bit to church with some slick organ and an somewhat ethereal feel to this blues cut. A very tho0ughtful guitar solo is offered up in this one. Next up is “Not Ready,” a song about staying young at heart and living every day enjoying music. Organ and guitar swap solos and the piano and horns do a fine job in support.

“Solitaire” has an unidentified lead vocalist in ths duo, features  sweet instrumentation and just a nice overall sound.   “So Long, Goodbye” is  a cut about a guy giving up his former not so nice ways. Greasy and delightful harp work and a little accompanying guitar is featured on this cut, a great ending to a great album.

These guys have put together an outstanding set of original tunes. They are  played by a set of truly talented musicians. If you are looking for music that blends genres and styles into a beautiful mélange of highly listenable stuff, then look no further!

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