Alan Black "Happy As A Monkey"

 

 

Alan Black's Solo Release "Happy As A Monkey" had been sitting on my desk for a couple of weeks until it was finally it's time, in the Queue, for me to review. I have been looking forward to listening to it, especially after reading a brief description about it on Black's CD Baby page for the Album, "A collection of honest, earthy blues from quite possibly the only drummer on the planet who sings and plays harmonica from the drumkit!". I was also looking forward to listening to it because of the fact that Alan Black is a Canadian and being Canadian myself, I always enjoy hearing the great talent that my Country has consistently produced.

 

Alan Black has been on the music scene for decades with his favorite haunt being Peterborough, Canada. He has "appeared at every major Canadian festival, been nominated for two Junos, and toured Scandinavia and the UK with the likes of Tracy Nelson (Mother Earth Fame) and Mose Scarlett ".

 

Like most great Artists, the love for music was cultivated into Alan Black's life at an early age, via his very musical family, which hosted many a weekend party that included a lot of singing. His love for the Drums came from his father, also a Drummer and he practiced as much as he could on "every piece of furniture at home until allowed to practice on his dad’s drum kit". The Harmonica became part of Alan Black's life starting at the age of 12, when he decided to buy one after viewing, Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee on the TV, and began practicing long and hard, from then on, mainly to records by Bob Dylan and the Rolling Stones. His hard work, learning to master both the Harmonica and Drums, has certainly paid off, garnering him two Juno nominations as well as being "runner-up for the BB King Lucille Award at the prestigious Handy Awards". He has also backed the legendary Sunnyland Slim and has opened for the Legendary John Lee Hooker, as part of just a very few of his many worthy accomplishments. Alan Black now fronts his own very popular band, "Al Black and the Steady Band".

 

"Happy As A Monkey" marks Alan Black's first Solo Debut Release and consists of 10 Tracks, of which all but 3 are written by Black'. Of the three that are not his originals, one was written by Mac Rebennack ("I Been Hoodood"), whom of course we all know as Dr. John. The other 2 songs are credited to Dennis O'Toole ("3 Kinds of Fool"), and one of Bands members Gary Peeples ("Tend To Get the Blues"). In addition to Gary Peeples playing Guitar, he is joined by his other Band mates which include Andy Pryde (Bass/Keyboard), Rob Steele (Percussion) and of course Alan Black (Drums/Harmonica/Percussion/Lead Vocals). Joining in on this fine production, on various tracks, were Buzz Thompson, Guitar on Tracks 6 & 9 (a past and present member of many great bands including Ronnie Hawkins Band, The Hawks), Rick Fines, Guitar Track 7, Backup Vocals Tracks 4 & 7 (Multi Maple Blues Award Winner and Nominee), Joanna Mohamed, Backup Vocals Track 5, Meredith Jordan,  Backup Vocals Track 5(One of Canada’s promising new artists), and Don Baird, Hammond B3 Track 5. "Happy As A Monkey" was produced by Alan Black and Andy Pryde, and Recorded, Mixed, and Mastered by Andy Pryde.

 

Described earlier as "A collection of honest, earthy blues", "Happy As A Monkey" is certainly that, but also it came across for me as actually a lot more. Throughout "Happy As A Monkey" you get mostly the Blues finely interwoven with Folk, Roots, and even Country influences, a very nice blending.

 

The longest Track on "Happy As A Monkey" is "I Been Hoodood" and it was one of my favorites on this Album. The singing was superb, especially the backup accompaniment via Joanna Mohamed & Meredith Jordan. A very fine job done indeed, of this Dr. John Classic, almost reminiscent of Alice Cooper's great beat throughout "Black Juju".

 

Another somewhat slower Track "Tend To Get the Blues" also got my attention, with the wonderful guitar work of Rick Fines, splendidly combined with Alan Black's edgy Harmonica. This one is also a nice long Track and reminded me a bit of a Mark Knopfler sound.

 

Throughout "Happy As A Monkey", you cannot help but be really impressed with the performances of all the musicians and vocalists on this Album, as well as the really well written and performed Originals. Alan Black could not have asked for a better supporting cast for his Debut Solo Album.

 

For lovers of really good Harmonica Driven Blues, sprinkled nicely with a few other Styles, plus really killer Musicianship and Vocals, "Happy As A Monkey" is one of the better releases from a Canadian Artists this year.

 

With "Happy As A Monkey", Alan Black has every reason in the world for him to be smiling on the Album's Cover.

 

Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

 

Additional Info

 

Tracklist

 

1. When I Hear You 2:31
2. Reincarnation Blues 3:05
3. Sink Or Swim 2:43
4. Empty Words 4:19
5. I Been Hoodood 6:40
6. I Love To Ramble 2:36
7. Tend To Get the Blues 6:25
8. Good Advice 2:21
9. She's Winning 2:53
10. 3 Kinds of Fool 3:22

 

Listen To Samples Here...