Bluezzman's
Blues CD Reviews 27
David Gogo
"Skeleton Key" |
Cordova Bay Records
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO, © MARCH, 2006
There is so much good blues music coming out of Canada these days
that I'm hearing rumors that, as a tribute, the Minister of Canadian
Waters is considering renaming some of the Country's most popular bodies
of water. The info that's been leaked to the Blewzzman has the HUDSON
BAY being changed to the HUDSON BAYOU and the SAINT JOHN RIVER will
soon be called the DOCTOR JOHN RIVER. Remember, at this time, these
are still unofficial rumors. OK, OK, enough with the merriment and
on with the document.
Although a new comer to this writers ears, DAVID GOGO is certainly
no newcomer to the blues scene. Just a few of the genres giants he's
performed with include B. B. King, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Jimmy
Vaughn and the Downchild Blues Band. In addition to being nominated
for a Juno Award (Canada's Grammy), DAVID has been nominated for nine
Maple Blues Awards (Canada's Handy) while winning for "Guitarist
of the Year" and "Entertainer of the Year". Not a bad
resume`.
"SKELETON KEY", his fifth release for Cordova Bay Records,
features six originals and seven covers from the likes of Albert Collins,
Otis Span, Willie Dixon, Stevie Wonder, Paul Butterfield/Mike Bloomfield/Nick
Gravenites, and Curtis Mayfield. Names such as those can't help me
from admiring his taste for music as well as his presentation of it.
While in the name frame of mind, this is a good spot to introduce
the band. Accompanying DAVID GOGO on all Lead Vocals and all Guitars
are: TODD SACERTY, Bass; BILLY HICKS, Drums and Percussion; BRENDAN
HEDLEY, Piano and Organ; and RICK HOPKINS, Organ. Others making musical
contributions are: GARY BARNUM, Harmonica & Groaning; MELISA DEVOST,
Harmony Vocals; PIERRE KOMEN, Sax & Vocals; EARLE GIBSON, Trombone & Vocals;
KYLE BURROWS, Rhodes; and TINA JONES, Trumpet & Percussion.
"SKELETON KEY" features a nicely balanced blend of Blues
and Rock and the mix is sure to satisfy the taste of the blues rockers
as well as purists such as myself. Before I get ready to mention a
few of the tracks there is something I want to say now, and I'll just
say it once, so that I won't have to repeat myself too many times during
the rest of this review. This disc contains some of the best drum work
I have ever heard in my life. On every track, BILLY HICKS is certainly
one of the highlights.
Starting off my particular favorites was one of the originals, "I
CAN STILL HEAR YOU CRYING". If there were ever a time in DAVID'S
life where he needed to send a one track demo somewhere, this should
be it. This track simultaneously exemplifies his strong and soulful
vocals as well as his masterful guitar ability.
"SKELETON KEY" another original, and the all too short
title track, is very well done. Compared to some of the other tracks
it's one of the more subtle songs. It's one of those very catch sing-alongs
that you may very well catch yourself singing later in the day.
"BACKSTROKE", the Albert Collins cover, smokes. I don't
know where to start here - it's just a fiery jam with everyone fanning
the flames - it gets hotter as it goes on. On this track the organ
player is totally out of his mind, I can't say more than I already
did about the drummer and as expected on an Albert Collins cut, it's
an opportunity for a guitarist to showcase his talent, and DAVID does
just that.
If there's a blues heaven, and Paul and Mike are up there listening,
then "REAP WHAT YOU SOW" is surely putting a smile on their
faces. This one is so well done it may very well be the best track
of the lot. This one is all DAVID - his singing gave me goose bumps
and his guitar playing sent chills through my body.
On "THINGS ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE", there is absolutely no
mistaking Stevie Ray Vaughn's influence on DAVID. This is fast and
hard playing and good old rocking blues at it's best.
Unfortunately, for now anyway, DAVID'S tour dates seem restricted
to Canada and the surrounding area. Maybe next year, as the snow on
the ground is higher in feet than the temperature on the thermometer
is in degrees, David will consider doing a Florida tour. I sure hope
so, this is one act I'd love to catch live.
© 2006. All Rights Reserved.
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