Booze, Blues And Southern Grooves
Survival South, 2022
8/10
Listen to Booze, Blues And Southern Grooves
The southern blues guitarist and singer Reddog sure does have some talented friends, and together they deliver a cozy soul and blues album that’s a lot of fun to listen, too.
“Love, You’ve Got To Spread The Word” opens the listen with warm guitar and soulful vocals from Reddog, as backing vocals add a gospel quality alongside Clayton Ivey’s agile keys, and “The Blues Will Get You Everytime” follows with proficient drumming from Justin Holder, where a hypnotic beat and playful blues flows with both melody and grit.
Further on, “Simple Song” benefits much from Bill Stewart’s drums, David Hood’s bass and, of course, Reddog’s poetic singing in the sublime balladry, while “Searching For Some Soul” bounces and shakes with intricate and mesmerzing guitar amid some frisky thumping.
Approaching the end, “Old School Blues” certainly does bring a retro flavor with its stylish and spirited song craft, and “Honest Man” exits the listen with congas thanks to Stevie Hawkins in the breezy and timeless finish.
The backing vocalists, Carla Russell, Mary Mason and Angela Hacker, sure do accent the climate well, and Reddog’s influences like Freddie King, Duane Allman and Otis Rush are never far from the surface, and it sure makes for a southern rooted affair that people all over the globe will enjoy.
Travels well with: Chickenbone Slim- Serve It To Me Hot; Chris Badnews Barnes- Badnews Rising