PETE'S PLAY LIST
April 2003
1) Robin Bibi Band "A Tribute To Fast (Vol 1)" The BT Holmes Service Tosh Records
A stunning amalgam of the words and music of the late Brian T Holmes- a contemporary and friend of guitarist Robin Bibi. Robin and his excellent band recently played a memorial gig for Brian, and brought to life some sterling songs. This album is more of the same, superbly performed and produced. This album is best described as a gem of a songwriter, unearthed and polished by a master craftsmen and his fine band. File under cutting edge, Rock, Funk, Rock & Roll, killer hooks and stunning guitar runs.
2) Shiva Shakti "Shiva Shakti" Mystic Records
Shiva (Phil Jones) was the core member of the early 70's Notting Hill gate hippy outfit Quintessence. 30 years on, Phil is still pursuing his Eastern muse with Swiss synth playing vocalist man Rudra Beauvert, and his voice has matured like dripping bees honey There's a revamped version of Notting Hill Gate", a wonderful atmospheric slice of sensuality in "The Seer", and an annoyingly but hugely compelling slice of satirical humour in "More Than Meets the Eye". Jones's voice is part Iron Butterfly, part Jim Morrison, and if you can put up with a surfeit of Brahmin/Krishna worship, you will discover a truly wonderful, invigorating, innovative, atmospheric kind of album.
Click here to listen to the entire track "More Than Meets The Eye"
3) Alvin Youngblood Hart "Start With the Soul" Hannibal Records
Already nearly two years old this sparkling album receives some more overdue focus courtesy of Alvin's up and coming UK tour. From the hugely compelling hard driving opener "Fighting hard" which suggests a sumptuous voice to match an immense guitar tone, Alvin rocks out, adds some chunky funk and redefines the meaning of contemporary blues. Produced by Jim Dickinson, this is one mighty album
4) Rory Gallagher "Wheels Within Wheels" BMG
Collated by Rory's brother Donal, this collection of acoustic led pieces finds Rory in a an all star Folk setting, and is a timely reminder of a passionate rock blueser who never lost sight of his blues roots Rory edgy and at times almost weary vocals perfectly complement a dazzling guitar style, as evidenced on the "Barley And Grape Rag". Unlike many posthumous releases, this album appears to have been put together with care and rare thought, and is apparently a successful compelling trawl through unreleased acoustic material of which "Going To My Home Town" with Lonnie Donegan is superb.
5) Man "Down Town Live" Altrichter Music
Another Man live album, more spacey jams, and once again the triumph of guitars over the voice. Well not quite. This album was recorded on the first night (not a smart idea perhaps) of the bands 2001 Euro tour. Recorded in Hamburg, its notable for one of Micky Jones's last recorded outings until he succumbed to a brain tumour (he's hopefully on the road to recovery). Young keyboard player Gareth Thorrington missed the date because of transport problems, and as such it's a classic twin guitar line-up that impresses as ever on Deke's Ride & The View, the surreal Popemobile and the magnificent "Love isn't Love". The Germans know something about football, beer, sausages and The Man band. Long may their musical predilection continue.
6)

Ian Parker Band "Awake At Night" Bootleg
This is a live double album which although not officially released, is a fine document of the end of Parker's Alibi and the launch of the new Ian Parker band. Recorded at the band's local stronghold, The Robin Hood Club, the album offers sundry clues as to why Ian Parker is highly regarded.
One part white boy soul singer, one part rock blues guitar hero, and one part thoughtful song writer, Ian cleverly blends self penned ballads, rockers with some carefully chosen soul and blues covers.
"Scared To Lose" and "Funny How" illustrate the band's potential and the closing awesome version of Crosby's "Almost Cut My Hair" deftly illustrates Parker's understanding of his music antecedents. Listen to clips here

The official live CD "Lost & Found" will be reviewed soon.
7) Jimmy Griswold "The Right Road" White label
Jimmy hails from Connecticut (check out his Ronnie Earl/Duke Robbilard influences), but is based in Florida. This self release was cut in 2000 but is set for a re-launch for his debut Euro tour in May. The above influences aside, Jimmy is a big Roy Buchanan fan, and dedicates the superb "Blues For Roy" to his hero. Listen to clips here
8) Michael McKillips Bell "Caught Between A Rock & A Hard Place" Ape Force Records
From the opening double take and muttered "oops" you know you are dealing with an irreverent talent. By the time you've heard the funky "Mean To Me", the cool blues of "Miss Me When I'm Gone" to the heavy duty emotional blues of "Waiting On Love", your suspicions are gloriously confirmed. There's a feel for Southern Blues, Allman Brothers style, and a full toned guitar style to match the aching blues vocal, and Michael isn't afraid to delve into Gospel, swing and beyond, complete with horns. And while the rest of the album doesn't quite hit the same heights, the five minutes of glorious rock blues that is "Waitng On Love" is enough to convince any doubters. Watch for the name 'cos with a mix of jump blues/rock blues and funk Michael will appeal to many.
9) Eric Bibb "Natural Light" Manhaton
Eric Bibb has carved out his own unique niche in a sort of contemporary take on the younger Taj Mahal. He draws on a rich tradition of music spanning the Blues, Folk, Jazz and World Music and even a dash of Funk. He also interprets other people's material such as John Randall's "Circles",and Roger Hubbard's "Home Lovin Man" to produce supremely crafted original music that is uniquely Bibb! Hubert Sumlin makes a welcome appearance on the band outing of "Too Much Stuff", and there's some telling guitar work from the inimitable Robbie McIntosh. Ultimately this is another quality Bibb album mixing eclecticism with a bluesy rootsy undertow, and a splendid effort it is too.
10)

"American Folk Blues Train; Alan Lomax: Field & Studio recordings" Castle Music
Part of the Jazz Today Series, "This......is the story of the blues told by men who have lived the blues and created the blues. They had the blues, the lowdown blues, the dirty mistreated blues, the broke and hungry blues, the loveless blues, the evil hearted blues", so says album compiler and in the field recorder, the late Alan Lomax.
Lomax who died last year aged 87, was directly responsible for the on going blues lineage, recording the likes of Bill Broonzy, Memphis Slim, Sonny Boy Williamson, and sundry other efforts in churches, prisons, and chain gangs. This triple CD lies at the very heart of the blues, or if you believe the label, then jazz!
Either way this release is timely reminder perhaps, of the very roots of so much contemporary music, and the man who did so much to faciliate its development. .

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