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Blues Underground Network |
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Brian Blain "New Folk
Blues"
Singer, Songwriter, Storyteller, and
Bluesman are some of the words used to describe Toronto based Brian
Blain, but once you have had a chance to really listen to his music, you
may come to the conclusion that he is much more then even all those
descriptions combined. Brian Blain has been offering up his own unique
blend of witty and unique folk and blues for nearly 50 years, having
"first recorded with a folk group whose payment for the session was a
trip to Montreal and a steak dinner". Along the way he has picked up
countless praises from blues publications, fellow artists, and of course
fans, such as, "master storyteller... It is refreshing to know of
artists such as Brian Blain" (Music City Blues Society, Nashville),
"...one of the wittiest songwriting pens on the Canadian blues
scene" (Montreal Gazette), and "...'slice of life' original
songs, stunning in their creativity, poignancy and ironic humor"
(Indiana Blues Monthly), to name just a very few and now with his third CD
release, "New Folk Blues", we all get a chance to experience his musical
magic.
"New Folk Blues" is a collaboration
between Brian Blain and renowned Bass player George Koller, and was
recorded Live, in just one evening, at Reba's Cafe' in Toronto's west-end
Junction district. All 9 of the Tracks are Original songs written by Brian
Blain, except for Track 6 "Ramene Moi Demain", "A love song to
the Eastern Townships, en Francais", which he co-wrote with Daniel Racine.
In addition to this Album, which he has kept slim and trim, as far as
long introductions are concerned, Brian Blain has also created longer online
versions for some of the songs that have full introductions
included. Other additions to some of the Songs including Mash/Ups
and Over dubs are planned for digital download, making, as
Brian put it, a Live Album "which has become in a way, a Living
Album".
With Brian's amazingly gifted talent
for unique and witty storytelling, you would expect his songs to be
abundantly creative and thoroughly interesting, and with "New Folk Blues",
that is exactly what you get. Take for instance, "The Day Coke Saved The
Blues" a story about how a song help save the Northern Blues Record Label.
The song in question was written by Northern Blues Recording Artist Paul
Reddick and was used in the "Fountain Pour" Coca Cola commercial. "Another
Song About Alice" is another wonderful example, with this one being the
story of whatever happened to Alice from Alice's Restaurant. Alice, by the
way, is 1960's cult music legend Alice Brock whom lives in Provincetown,
Massachusetts. Alice is a great supporter of Brian's music and a good
friend.
Beyond the storytelling on "New Folk
Blues", is also the great, yet simply played, instruments of Brian
Blain's Guitar and George Koller's Bass. Nothing fancy here, just two
musicians having a great time bringing us some amazingly performed Folksy
Blues, fresh, downhome, and simple. One of the more unique sounds on
this Album came from the Bass of George Koller on Track 2, "The Old
Whaler's Confession". where the opening to this song sounds just like the
sounds whales make, which I found thoroughly mesmerizing. Fans of
really good Bass playing will also really like Track 7 "Don't Blame The
Bass Player".
Beyond "New Folk Blues", Brian
Blain's commentary on life goes a lot farther than simply putting out
Albums. Brian is also a prolific blogger, whoms latest blog
chronicles his life since moving to Toronto. Brian is "also resident
desktop publisher for the Blues Society, the Jazz Festival and the
Musician's Union putting out newsletters and websites ." and
"host of the monthly campfire jam sessions held at the Gladstone
Hotel, where he encourages both novice and veteran musicians to join
together in the joyful communion of music
".
"New Folk Blues" is one of those rare
treasures that just makes
you feel good inside to listen to and
for exceptionally well done Folk Blues, I highly recommend this
Album.
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
Additional Info
Tracklist
1. The Day Coke Saved The Blues
2. The Old Whaler's Confession 3. Treasure Beach 4. Forgotten 5. Another Song About Alice 6. Ramene Moi Demain 7. Don't Blame The Bass Player 8. Last Time I Saw Lenny 9. The Ghost of Clinton's Tavern
Listen To Samples Here...
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