The James Montgomery Blues Band The James Montgomery Blues Band Review by Gary Hill
This is quite a strong album. The brand of blues here is decidedly electric. I tend to prefer that. This album leans at times toward hard rock, at other times toward soul and still other points seem closely tied to jazz. It's all quite effective, from start to finish, though.
This review is available in book format (hardcover and paperback) in Music Street Journal: 2017 Volume 1 at lulu.com/strangesound.
Track by Track Review
One More Heartache
I dig the horns on this energized tune. The guitar solo mid-track really drives it home. This is a big part blues, but there is also plenty of soul built into it. It feels related to James Brown to me.
Born in Chicago This is more of an old school electric blues jam. Harmonica brings a lot to this.
Blues with a Feeling Another that lands more in the traditional electric blues category, this is strong. It really is delivered with feeling and that makes it a strong tune.
Young Woman's Love More of a pop rock tune, this is classy stuff. It's a nice change of pace, too. There are some great guitar fills on this thing. It does get more of an old school blues vibe as it continues, but this is the most modern thing we've heard to this point.
Mary, Mary This is a smoking hot electric blues rocker. It has some of the meanest sounding music of the album. It's a real stomper.
I Got a Mind to Give up Living
A slow blues, this is really classic. It just screams out "blues." The harmonica soloing is a nice touch.
Shake Your Moneymaker Bouncing, high energy and fun, this is cool.
Good Question There is a ton of jazz built into this high energy stomper. This instrumental is a lot of fun.
One Plus One A swinging tune, this one really plays into the jazz side of the equation. This is catchy, energized and just plain fun.
Mystery Train Here is the other song that's a bit more modern in sound. It is more in keeping with some of the bluesy rock bands. Sure, it still lands on the faithful side of electric blues. This is a great way to end things.
