Leo Lyons/Hundred Seventy Split

Movin’ On

Flatiron, 2024

9/10

Listen to Movin’ On

The bassist extraordinaire Leo Lyons turns in 10 sturdy rockers here, where the Hundred Seventy Split accompany him for the powerful, blues occasion.

“Walking In The Devil’s Shoes” starts the listen with Lyons’ thick bass and Joe Gooch’s swirling guitar and bright voice making for a timeless blues climate, and “It’s So Easy To Slide” opens the listen with a playful demeanor, where Damon Sawyer’s frisky drums suit the bouncy melodies.

“Mad, Bad And Dangerous” occupies the middle spot and chugs with grit and tunefulness that you could dance to, while “Meet Me At The Bottom” makes great use of meticulous acoustic guitar amid the precise rhythm section and expressive singing.

Arriving near the end, “Beneath That Muddy Water” carries plenty of rhythm with a rugged charm that’s firm yet emotive, and “Time To Kill” illustrates all the player’s respective talents in the driving, harmonic and exciting blues rock.

An adventurous first effort on the Flatiron label, Lyons flirts with swing, southern and swampy ideas and brings in Bob Hadrell on organ for a record you won’t soon forget.

Travels well with: Kevin Burt & Big Medicine- Thank You Brother Bill: A Tribute To Bill Withers; Paul Reed Smith/Eightlock- Lions Roaring In Quicksand