Through With Cool
Sweetspot, 2022
9/10
The 8 time Blues Music Award-nominated singer/songwriter/cornetist Al Basile returns with some of of his best work to date, where an all star cast of New England musicians accompany him for 14 well thought out tracks.
“Keep On Living” starts the listen with plenty of rhythmic percussion, as Basile’s descriptive storytelling unfolds with soulful horns, and “My Hero” follows with warm keys and smooth singing guiding the cozy blues climate.
Nearing the middle, “Take Your Time” showcases spirited guitar in the reflective tone that’s both stylish and subdued, while “We Belong Together”, the best tune, moves with a very melodic and fuller approach of agile guitar, crisp drums and soaring brass.
Further still, the dreamy “You Better Change Your Tune” puts much emphasis on the flowing piano, where well timed horns complement Basile’s laidback voice, and the title track exits the listen with an intimate and poetic delivery with just guitar and Basile's inviting pipes.
Basile is joined by Bruce Bears on keyboards, Brad Hallen on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums, Doug James on tenor sax and Jeff “Doc” Chanonhouse on trumpet, plus the guitar wizardry of multi-Blues Music Award nominee Kid Andersen. Together, they make for what Basile calls his most realized work to date, and his control of his voice and strong cornet playing certainly confirm that.
Travels well with: Bob Margolin And Bob Corritore- So Far; Todd Sharpville- Medication Time