Twice As Good – The Second Coming
2XG Records
10 songs, 39 minutes
Could you work with your parent? Some people blanch at the thought. But others find guidance, support and grounding through the evolved relationship between parent and child. Just like in other family businesses, we know music can have the same familial ties. A parent passing on their knowledge, parent and progeny creating something new and unique. For father/son act Twice As Good the results are well executed Soul Blues. Added to the mix is that Paul (son) and Richard (father) Steward are Native Americans. Pomo Indians of the Elem Indian Colony, the Stewards bring their Native American heritage to bear not only in their support and fan base in the Native American community but also in the incorporation of Native American music and ideals in their work.
The Second Coming is the duo’s 7th album. These prolific musicians have been working tirelessly since 2003 to build a career. Paul Steward is a bit of a jack of all trades. A talented guitarist with a B.B. King influence and a smooth singer, Paul plays most every other instrument on this record – drums, bass, keys, accordion, saxophone, harmonica and a Pomo clapper stick. The elder Steward, Richard, is the foundational sound of the music with his rhythm guitar and background vocals.
The music of The Second Coming is solid Rhythm and Blues. Starting with the chug of the original “Clarksdale” and working through some classic material such as “Hole in the Wall,” “Midnight Friend” and “Go to the Mardi Gras” it’s easy to see why Twice As Good is a popular act in their Northern California home. Then when one digs into their web site it becomes apparent this music is being played by some characters. Dressing in colorful, almost always fedora adorned, outfits, the Stewards have a look and an attitude.
The stand out tune on The Second Coming is the original “Myanik Xe (Beautiful Music).” Incorporating chants, with added support from Leroy Smith, and lush chording into a hypnotic Native American groove that jitters and jabs, “Myanik Xe” features impassioned singing and playing. This tune, placed 7th in the 10 song order, offers a counterpoint to the more locked in polished sheen of the album.
Twice As Good is a great band. Paul Steward has talent to spare and the magic that is created when he and his father lock in exemplifies how good that family connection can be. The performances on The Second Coming are great, but it is clear from watching videos of these powerful performers that their energy is not easily captured in the recorded format. This record is a great primer for anyone discovering this great band. It also makes one wish for a live recording of this powerful group to fulfill the flames and pyrotechnics simmering under the surface.
