Serve It To Me Hot
VizzTone, 2021
9/10
A San Diego bluesman who has plugging away as Chickenbone Slim for a decade now, Larry Teves knows his way around a blues tune that flirts with West Coast swing, rockabilly and Americana, and he’s got Laura Chavez, Marty Dodson and Andrew Crane in his band these days, plus some guests, too, for this 4th album.
The title track gets the listen off to a warm and rugged start, where Dodson’s thumping drums and Chavez’s thick guitar chops complement his gritty yet tuneful pipes on the firm blues rocker, and “Wild Eyed Woman” follows with no shortage of rhythm amid the power and melody.
Elsewhere, “Love To Be True” trims the volume back with plenty of beauty alongside the cautious rock textures, while “Squares Everywhere” shakes and bounces with a retro appeal as playful backing vocals add much to the dance friendly demeanor. “Laying Down In The Weeds” then hosts producer Christoffer Andersen on organ for the busy blues landscape that’s executed with a timeless precision.
Further on, “I Will Stand For You” benefits much from Crane’s precise bass work that welcomes Americana entering the formula, and “Hook Me Up” exits the listen with no shortage of groove filled rock as the album finishes on a very sturdy blues rock adventure.
An album with zero filler, Chickenbone Slim and company play the blues with a spirit akin to John Lee Hooker or T-Bone Walker, and their roots rock influences gives these 13 originals a distinct appeal that you’ll have a hard time not enjoying.
Travels well with: Chris Badnews Barnes- Badnews Rising; Gabe Stillman- Just Say The Word