Keeping It In The Family
Self-Released, 2022
8/10
Listen to Keeping It In The Family
A trio of bluesmen who were founded right before the pandemic hit, this sophomore album again showcases ‘Sir Rod’ Patterson’s inimitable vocals, Adam Gussow’s skilled harmonica and percussion, and Alan Gross’ meticulous guitar for the live album that’s got much energy and charm behind it.
“Shake, Rattle And Roll” starts the listen and does all of those things with plenty of melodic guitar and frisky percussion alongside Rod’s smooth pipes, and “Seventh Avenue” follows with warm harmonica and thumping drums amid the expressive vocals.
Moving on, the spirited demeanor of “Every Day I Have The Blues” is full of playful, rhythmic interplay, while “Brother Sterling” certainly isn’t short on grooves in the soulful album highlight.
“Ode To Billie Joe” and “Hot Tamale Baby” exit the listen, where the former is more intimate with vivid storytelling, and the latter finishes with an energetic and jangly display of busy but controlled blues.
Though I generally think live albums are better for the longtime fan, since Sir Rod and company only have 2 releases now, it’s likely this could be your introduction to the band, and we’re all lucky that the sound quality here is fantastic, and the songs timeless, memorable and just so much fun.
Travels well with: Derrick Procell- Hello Mojo!; John Primer & Bob Corritore- The Gypsy Woman Told Me