Red, Hot And Blue
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The Ontario blues rocker Glenn Marais brings his esteemed band for these Motown, Mississippi and Philadelphia inspired tracks that are never short on grace and beauty.
“That’s Where My Mojo’s At” starts the listen with Marais’ spirited guitar and Jeff Saulnier’s thumping drums that blend soul and blues with grit and melody, and “Superfunk” follows with Jesse Karwat’s lively keys that complement the dense climate.
Into the middle, “It All Went Down” benefits much from Manny DeGrandis’ skilled bass for the loud versus soft dynamics, while “The Song Of Love” displays both intimacy and power thanks to dreamy flute and well timed brass.
Residing near the end, the multi-faceted “Pink Lemonade” blends jazz, rock and gospel for the album’s best, and “Professor Day” exits with lively, funk fun that’s as infectious as it is memorable.
A record where each track brings surprises and leaves an indelible impression, Marais and company make the most out of every diverse, bluesy moment here.
Travels well with: Blackburn Brothers- SoulFunkn’ Blues; Davis Hall & The Green Lanterns- Canboro Canborough