Brian
Curran – Straight Up Blues
{2001}
This is Curran’s first
CD, 13 tracks, 9 originals.
While not a bad attempt at
a first, at times it strayed across the country
line. There was an abundance of instrumental
tracks. After each song started I thought
I was listening to a loop, the guitar playing
is OK the vocals were better. Keep in mind
Brian is a young man, fast forward a couple
years, add some more musicians to this guys
accompaniment he will be fantastic. For now,
I would rate this as fair.
“Bring
the Flowers”
was a pretty good song, nice walking lines,
very bluesy.
“St.
Louis Stomp”
was a country instrumental track, a banjo
would have been cool.
“I
Believe in Love”
was one of my favorite songs, I liked the
harmonica.
“Southbound”
was reminiscent of a Delta Blues, the melody
seemed a little simple and repeats often,
there was a cool walking line towards end
of song.
“Preachin’
Blues”
has a quicker tempo than most, liked the slide.
“You
Got to Have Me”
reminded me of a sunny day 60’s song,
the tune had great vocals. I liked this track.
“Love
Bug”
sounded too country, not bad finger pickin’,
wouldn’t be my choice for blues CD.
“Driftin’
Blues”
was the best song on the CD. Very much of
a Robert Johsonesque tune.
Ciao'
for now, peace.
Cornbread