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Octavia & The Earthblood Blues Band - Down In The HollowOctavia & The Earthblood Blues Band - Down In The Hollow
{AVAP Records}


This band hails from Pennsylvania and provided me with enjoyable material to review by these gifted musicians for their first release together. Octavia toured with Etta James and Freddie King in the 70’s and her bands have opened for Dr. John, B.B. King and Delbert McClinton to name a few. This jazz and blues diva continues to write and record and spread her talents through her two bands, “The Earthblood Blues Band” and “Infusion With Octavia.” My two favorite tunes on this disc were “Playin’ For Keeps” and “Cold Day In Hell”, which really highlighted the talents of this band. I can only hope they someday consider booking a show in St. Louis while out touring. I encourage you to check them out yourself and feel you won’t be left disappointed.

The band is:

Octavia, Lead and background vocals, harp, acoustic guitars,
electric rhythm guitars, misc. percussion instruments
Bill Wasch, Electric lead, rhythm and slide guitar
Bobby Fry, Bass guitar
Chad Salvaggio- Drums on track 4, 7 & 10
Butch Walker, Drums on track 1, 2, 3, 6, 8 & 9
Randy Bucksner – Tenor Sax on tracks 7 & 9

The tracks are:

1. Playin’ For My Keep – moaning harp, soulful vocals and crafty electric slide work
2. Down In The Hollow - slow grooving folky blues tune with that signature harp
3. Cold Day In Hell - could be the longest harp note held in the history of da’ blues
4. Insomnia – a mix of rockabilly with them no sleep blues
5. Service Call - whaling harp and bass thumping tribute to all mechanics
6. Indelible Days - slow simple song showcasing Octavia’s vocals and howling harp
7. Unchain My Heart - nicely arranged cover with pleasing vocals, harp and guitar work
8. The Village Will Provide - a new age blend of folk, roots and blues
9. Need A Little Sugar In My Bowl - sassy tribute to Bessie Smith with soulful vocals and cool sax
10. This Train’s A Comin’ - instrumental blues jam with Octavia’s harp skill showcased

I give this disc 3.8 out of 5.0 on my STLBluesometer rating and recommend giving the songs listed on their music page a listen and judge for yourself if you want to add this disc to your blues collection. www.OctaviaBlues.com

Joseph "UJ" Miller
email :: uj@stlblues.net

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