Soul Service
VizzTone, 2020
8/10
The Memphis resident Tony Holiday returns with another batch of blues inspired songs, and this time he’s not on just harmonica but also handles vocals and harp, too. He’s also in great company, with Landon Stone on guitar, Max Kaplan holding down bass and backing vocals, and Danny Banks behind the drum kit.
Holiday starts the listen with the strong guitar work and proficient harmonica of the spirited and R&B flavored “Paying Rent”, and “She Knocks Me Out” complements the setting with soulful keys from Victor Wainwright alongside a bouncy, extremely melodic display.
Although there’s just 8 tunes, each one is a gem, including the rootsy swagger of “Good Advice”, as well as the stylish “Checkers On A Chessboard”, which flows with a darker quality that’s no less captivating and brings in a guitar solo and piano for good measure.
Near the end, “Day Dates” brings the album into quieter, soulful territory with incredible harmonica in the layered climate, and “Ol’ Number Nine” exits the listen with no shortage of rhythm while bluesy dynamics unfold with precision on the train song.
A powerful fusion effort with some humor included, Holiday is proving to be a significant name in the area blues rock, and Soul Service is an ideal companion to his 2019 album, Porch Sessions.
Travels well with: Backtrack Blues Band- Your Baby Has Left; Phantom Blues Band- Still Cookin’