|
Blackdog
Blue
I always get a little excited when I am introduced to a Debut CD, as there is the odd time when that Debut CD is considered the groups best work. Of course, Boston and Rush comes to mind for me. Blackdog Blue, I am sure, will try to top their Debut CD "Slide", but personally, I think they will have a hard time doing it. Blackdog Blue's "Slide" is a wonderful mixture of Rock, Country/Rock, Country, and yes a little Blues, as well, thrown in for good measure. One thing I noticed right away with this CD, was the fabulous Vocals, of not only Dennis Hayes, but of Renca Denis, as well. In fact the Vocals on "Slide" are some of the best I have heard in awhile, and meld magically together, with each Track. The Title Track on "Slide" is of course called "Slide" and it quickly hooked me with it's Soft Rock Style Beat and addictive Lyrics. A very fitting opening to the CD and you get a sense right away of the treat it will be listening further on. The next 2 Tracks, "Third Degree" and "Too Much Tequila", take us from a Salsa Rock feel to a Country/Rock feel, with a little touch of Deep Purple with the Yamaha Organ getting a little solo in "Too Much Tequila". I love good Beer Drinking Songs or should I say Songs mentioning Beer Drinking in them, and Blackdog Blue doesn't disappoint, with their 4th Track "Darlin". This Song which reminds me a little of Hank Williams "Tear in my Beer", not only shows the versatility of Blackdog Blue instrumentally, but also the versatility vocally as both Dennis and Renca, takes turns shining separately, as well as, harmoniously together. Knowing that Blackdog Blue got at least the first part of it's name from a Track off of Led Zeppelin's Untitled Album #4, I was anxious to see if there was any hint of Zeppelin in their Songs, and I was pleased to find it on their 5th Track "Sing Me A Song". This Track starts off as if it is a Live Recording with Fans Cheering Etc., and then for a few moments, you think you are listening to the opening of Led Zeppelin's Song, "Going To California", with which the change of Chords, takes on a Peter Frampton type of feel. Again, wonderful Vocals shine in this Acoustical Masterpiece. "Sing Me A Song", takes you back to better times when the Music had more peaceful meanings. Track 6, "I Don't Believe In Love Anymore", is probably the best Track on this CD, speaking from a Radio Play perspective, as I could easily see this one played on the Air waves on a regular basis, and one that would be quite appealing to those that like, not only Country, but Rock, as well. Starting out as a Solo Acoustic, the Beat takes a jump as the rest of the Band gets on board a little over a third of the in. Track 7, "Vacation Song", gets Country, and although I am not a Country Fan at the Best of Times, this Song, thanks to Blackdog Blue's Talent, just draws you in and is quite enjoyable listening. Track 8, "You Say That You Love Me", is one for the Blues Fans and is reminiscent of ZZ Top, and again Deep Purple, with a healthy dose of Uli Scheck's Magical Fingers, on the Organ. Track 9, "Little Bit Of Candy", continues to take us back to the days when Deep Purple reined supreme. The Final Track, is of course a fitting way for any and all CD's to end, with a Reprise. In this case it is a 57 Second Reprise of the Song, "Sing Me A Song". You don't have to be a fan, of any particular Genre, to truly enjoy Blackdog Blue's "Slide". It has something for everyone and enough talent to have you appreciating every Song it offers. Blackdog Blue's Debut Cd "Slide", is an Exceptional Offering and a Testament to the Wonderfully Diverse Talent that Kamloops has to offer, including Doug Perry, of Perry's Recording Studio, who was the Co-Producer on this CD. I give
this CD, my highest rating, Five *****
|
