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Blues Underground Network |
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B.C. Read "1000
Miles"
With a fine collection of talented
friends peppered throughout his newest release, "1000 Miles", B.C.
Read, along with his great band once again shows us yet more proof as to
why he is considered to be one of Canada's Finest Blues
Artists.
"1000 Miles" consists of 12 Tracks
which are all originals except for Track 12 "Are You Ready For the
Country" (Neil Young). Of the other 11 Tracks, B.C. Read wrote or co-wrote
all of them, with co-writing credit also going to George Tennent (Track 4
"Rosalita"), Sheldon Corbett (Track 8 "Diamond Bop"), and Mallard (Track
11 "Train Of Life"). Besides co-writing credit George Tennent and Sheldon
Corbett are also part of B.C. Read's band in the capacity of Stand Up and
Electric Bass (George Tennent) and Saxophone/Organ/Horn Arrangements
(Sheldon Corbett). The other great musicians in the band, which played on
all the Tracks or partial Tracks included Kevin Barrett (Piano), Joe
Dixon (Drums), Ross Nykiforuk (Organ/Accordion), Glenn Ens
(Drum/Percussion), Doug Scarrow (Electric Guitar), Kelly Read
(Banjo/Vocals), Kevin Marsh (Trombone), and Barry Redford (Trumpet). In
addition to Vocals, B.C. Read played Electric, Acoustic, and Slide
Guitars, as well as
Harmonica.
In addition to the immense talent of
B.C. Read and his amazing band, "1000 Miles" also contained a Who's Who of
great Canadian talent, which included Special Guests Suzie Vinnick
(Vocals), Big Dave McLean (Harmonica), Jack Semple (Guitar), Ron Clemens
(Guitar), Wilma Groenen (Vocals), and Brent Longstaff (Tuba). Each of the
Special Guests brought their forte' to the forefront, with Suzie Vinnick
featured on Track 4 "Rosalita' (Vocals), and Track 12 "Are You Ready For
the Country" where she does an amazing job on Background Vocals, Big Dave
Mclean who offers up his Harmonica magic on 4 Tracks, of which my favorite
was Track 2 "Number Two", a slow almost Johnny Winterish sounding Track.
Jack Semple gets to show us his amazing Guitar work on Track 4 "Rosalita",
where he brings the Tex Mex/Latino feel to the forefront, and "(Why Can't
We Just) Walk Away". Ron Clemons grabs the Lead Guitar spotlight on Track
2 "The Blue Boy", a R&B song with the influence and feel of a Joe
Cocker song. The suggested single off of "1000 Miles" was Track 6 "That's
The Deal" in which Wilma Groenen, is featured as part of the Duet with
B.C. Read, on this powerful Funky R&B tune. One of my favorite Tracks
on "1000 Miles" was Track 7 "Jellyroll Baker", a great Piedmont Style
Country Blues song, which was accompanied to perfection with the unique
playing of Brent Longstaff on
Tuba.
As is always expected and delivered
is B.C. Read's singing, songwriting, and musical magic. His ability to
deliver on all those levels, is starting to truly bring him to the
forefront, as one of Canada's Premier Artists. His vocals,
described as Whiskey Soaked, ala Fine 25 Year Old Scotch, cut through
each and every song, leaving you with the sense that his singing is
truly original and fresh sounding. The songwriting on
"1000 Miles", is pretty well second to none, and runs the
full gamut from Chicago Blues, R&B, Funk, Country Blues, and
beyond. As far as B.C. Read's musicianship is concerned, he offers you
plenty of proof that he is one heck of a Guitarist and Harmonica player,
with his Guitar work standing out throughout this album, especially his
Slide Guitar on Track 3 "Number Two" and his National Guitar work on Track
11 "Train Of
Life".
For me, "1000 Miles", was yet another
great and unique offering from B.C. Read, along with his outstanding band
and stellar lineup of Special Guests. It is an album that has a little bit
for everyone and a lot for all, and one that I have no problem Highly
Recommending. Great tunes B.C. and looking forward to more in
the
future.
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues
Underground Network)
Listen To Samples Here...
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