Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires are the blues sensation that is currently rocking their way from Calgary on down to Arkansas. The band is comprised of James “Rock” Gray (singer, songwriter), Mike “Shinetop Jr.” Sedovic (piano, B-3 organ), Dwight Ross Jr. (drums), Greg “Junior” Demchuk (harmonica), Doug “Mr. Low” James (horn section) Dave “Elmo” Bailey (vocals), Preston Hubbard (bass) and of course, Steve Gerard (guitar).
Voodoo Workin’ is the band’s third album with three original songs by Gray. The album was cut in Oxford, Mississippi and has a blend of flavor that ranges from deep southern blues to a soul sound that will make you sway in your shoes. Each one of the band members gives it their all and from the smoke coming out of my CD player, I think they have a scorcher here.
“Voodoo Workin’” is the title track of the album and the boys are cookin’ with Cajun style spice. The guitar bursts into a crackling fire, propelled forward by riffs that crank up the flames to a fever pitch. A harmonica wails and drums kick up the action until the track is a raging wildfire. The vocals scrape along your ears with the soulful grit of a true bluesman. This track is a classic piece and my absolute favorite on the album.
“TV Mama” grinds its way to life with fierce guitar riffs, a steady drum beat, horns and smoky lyrics that grab you by the throat and don’t let go. A fluttering touch of piano in all that heat was a sparkling glass of cool water. This song struts along, horns cajoling you into an extremely odd TV land dream episode that is at once fantasy and a bit of a nightmare. The sharp guitar playing is edgy, the song a sassy romp and very original. Excellent track!
“Ain’t Gonna Let Her Go” is a little slower paced. The guitar captures some classic blues sound and is accompanied by a steady drum beat, horns and a strong harmonica presence that nails the blues feel of this track right to the wall. The lyrics are more subtle and have less swing than the other songs in the album, but the classic blues sound is alive and well.
Steve Gerard & The National Debonaires have outdone themselves with Voodoo Workin’. This album is their third release and strongest to date with the addition of James “Rock” Gray and his accomplished vocals and songwriting capabilities. With the gospel flares, country twang that occasionally pops up and the sheer blues magic of this album, it is destined to become a classic. The band will be touring over the next few months and now has their own iPhone and Android app for fans to keep up with their busy schedule. If you get a chance to see them live, do it. Before you go, get the CD because you are going to want them to sign it.
Key Tracks-Voodoo Workin’, TV Mama, Ain’t Gonna Let Her Go
Dana Wright-Muzikreviews.com Staff
September 30, 2011
