The Siegel-Schwall Band - 'flash forward'
{ 2005 Alligator Records}

CORKY SIEGEL Harmonica, Piano & Vocals
JIM SCHWALL Guitar, Mandolin, 12-String Guitar, Accordion & Vocals
ROLLO RADFORD Electric Bass, Upright Bass & Vocals
SAM LAY Drums & Vocals; Guitar & Vocals on "Stormy Weather Love"
with special guest MARCY LEVY Background

This disc is the first release by The Siegel-Schwall Band in over 32 years! 1st recording since 1987 and first recording with original material since 1973. Featuring Sam Lay (drummer with Paul Butterfield, Little Walter, Howlin Wolf, and Bob Dylan)

1. AFRAID OF LOVE – simple blues shuffle with a bit of harp

2. DEJA VOUS- drum tempo with harp makes ya’ wanna do a little soft shoe

3. GOING BACK TO ALABAMA- enjoyable song throughout

4. THE UNDERQUALIFIED BLUES– Willie Dixon type bass line

5. KRAZY- tough to decide who’s krazy here, wild song

6. CAN’T STOP- quiet and creepy soundin’ song with nice background vocals – loved it

7. ON THE ROAD- mix of roots, country and blues with reference to travelin’ the road

8. TWISTED- a twisted tempo but love that harp

9. RUMORS OF LONG TALL SALLY- groovy guitar work

10. HEY LEVITICUS- acoustic guitar and harp, with very original lyrics

11. SWEET LIZ- jump start blues with nice backing vocals

12. PAULINE- original vocal style with guitar bends and jazzy piano, my favorite track

13. STORMY WEATHER LOVE- delightful harp with soft and simple lyrics- a classic

What a simple, pleasant, yet very creative disc that provides a different spin on blues recordings of the modern day. These musicians know when to cut loose during this recording and know just when to slow it down. I loved this disc even more the second and third time around. I give this disc 4.4 out of 5 on my STLBluesometer rating. I wish they had St. Louis on their upcoming schedule, but a road trip to Chicago isn’t out of the question in the coming months. Go check them out yourself live or on the web.

Joseph 'UJ' Miller