Two Trains
MoMojo, 2025
9/10
The always impressive singer and pianist Dave Keyes is in excellent company for these 10 diverse and timeless blues tracks.
The rhythmic swagger of “Blues Ain’t Looking For You” starts with Keyes’ powerful pipes and Bernard ‘Pretty’ Purdie’s thumping drums, and “Boogie Till The Cows Come Home” follows with John Putnam’s animated guitar amid Keyes’ playful piano that complements the sing-alongs.
The middle spot belongs to “Long Way From Right Right Now”, which trims the pace back with plenty of soul thanks to Rob Paparozzi’s spirited harmonica and the wise singing, while “What Just Happened” benefits from Mike Merritt’s frisky bass and Vicki Bell’s well timed backing vocals in a more rugged climate.
Residing close to the end, “Worrying You Off My Mind” welcomes Woody Mann’s skilled guitar and smooth voice to the piano fueled moment, and “Rest In Peace” exits with a breezy intimacy that’s just Keyes’ emotive pipes and pretty piano.
An eclectic outing that touches on blues, boogie, country blues, urban blues, gospel and even funk, Keyes brings a wealth of talent and experience to very relatable and memorable songs.
Travels well with: Al Basile- Blues In Hand; The Lucky Losers- Arrival