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Blues Underground Network |
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MonkeyJunk "To
Behold"
We often look forward to a product
that really does come across as advertised, but far to often we are
disappointed. That is however, not the case with MonkeyJunk, whom have
always advertised their style of music as "a contemporary blend of
swamp R&B, soul boogie and bedroom funk", and whom have always
delivered that style of music, as promised. Now with their new
release, "To Behold", the band with the strange name once again shows us
how three super talented Canadian musicians deliver the beat without the
Bass.
Consisting of Steve Marriner, Tony D
(Diteodoro), and Matt Sobb, MonkeyJunk whom got their name from "I’m
talkin’ ‘bout the blues. I ain’t talkin’ about monkey junk”, a remark made
by the legendary blues artists Son House, have not been together that
long, actually only 3 years, yet in that short amount of time, their
popularity, both in Canada and internationally, has sky rocketed. 2010 saw
them nominated for six Maple Blues Awards and winning five, Electric Act
of the Year, Entertainer of the Year, Guitar Player of the Year (Tony
D), Vocalist of the Year (Steve Marriner), and Harmonica Player
of the Year (Steve Marriner). Not long after that, they received the
"Best Blues Artist Award at the Canadian Independent Music
Awards". But wait a second, it doesn't stop there, MonkeyJunk also
managed to do something only previously done by one other Canadian
Artists, and that is win a Blues Music Award, and for the Best New Artist
Debut. Top that off with managing a very impressive third place showing at
the International Blues Challenge and one might think that building
an extra room, to house any future awards, would be a good
idea.
"To Behold", MonkeyJunk's second
Album for the Stony Plain Record Label, was "co-produced by Ken
Friesen (Tragically Hip, Blue Rodeo) and Steve Marriner", and
consists of 10 Tracks, of which 7 are credited to all the members of the
band. Of the three remaining Tracks, Steve Marriner gets credit for one
("With These Hands"), and Tony D gets credit for one, as well ("All About
You"). The one cover that was chosen for "To Behold", was the great Hank
Williams Sr. song "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)". Joining this
terrific trio, whom by the way, like Hound Dog Taylor band, does not
consists of a Bass player, are Special Guests, The Marrinaires (Tracey
Brown, Kelly Prescott, and Curtis Chaffey), whom offer Harmony
Vocals and Background Vocals either together or separately on 4
Tracks.
"To Behold" starts the ball rolling
with a good taste of their Swampy Blues with "Mother's Crying" and believe
me, if your feet ain't tapping and your head ain't bobbing, shortly after
you start listening to this opener, you just ain't alive. Next up is the
Hank Williams Sr. cover "You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave)", and
although no one could do it better then Hank, MonkeyJunk still manage to
give this beer swilling song, due justice. The third Track "Right Now"
comes off as a little Funky in nature with a start that reminded a lot of
ZZ Top, especially with the Guitars fuzziness. The funk is nicely
accentuated with Steve's Keyboard and Tony's great Guitar work. Next
up is "Let Her Down", a nice track that slows everything down a bit but at
the same time, blues everything up. A really good song with great
keyboards, once again from Steve. Finishing off the first half of "To
Behold" finds us heading into Soulful Blues territory, with Steve
Marriner's solo written song "With These Hands". This one speeds it up a
little and is wonderfully accentuated with Background Vocals courtesy of
Tracey Brown, and Kelly Prescott.
The second half of "To Behold" starts
with "You Don't Know" a nice Track that reminds me a bit of 56 Deluxe,
especially the singing. Steve's great Harmonica skills come through at
just the right moment and plays nicely into the opening of the next Track
"While You Are Mine", a song served up, just right, on a delicious plate
of blues. Next up is one of my favorite Tracks on "To Behold", "Running In
The Rain". Everyone is clicking on all 8 cylinders for this one and
everyone gets an opportunity to show off their goods. The second to last
Track "All About You" once again slows it down a bit for this
inspirational song written solo by Tony D. A nice slow one for those
lovin' couples up on the dance floor. With the title of the
closing Track on "To Behold", being "The Marrinator", I
am sure there is no doubt as to whom that is referring to. Done
in a style that is as raw as it gets, Steve Marriner lets loose on his
Harmonica, and gives us over five minutes of pure Harmonica Heaven clearly
showing us why he won Best Harmonica Player at the 2010 Maple Blues
Awards.
With such a young band you would
think that the players would still not have had that much experience, but
that is not the case with MonkeyJunk, as their amazing trio of Steve
Marriner, Tony D, and Matt Sobb, can already boast of having over 60 years
of combined musical experience, already under their belts, which no doubt
is the reason they have come so fast out of the gates and continue to to
lead the race in popularity.
"To Behold" is an excellent sophomore
release for MonkeyJunk, one not only sure to please their fans, old and
new, but also an Album destined to see this trio of Canadian talent at the
forefront of many more awards and accolades.
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues
Underground Network)
Additional Info
Tracklist
1. Mother's Crying 4:36
2. You're Gonna Change (Or I'm Gonna Leave) 3:34 3. Right Now 4:12 4. Let Her Down 4:57 5. With These Hands 3:48 6. You Don't Know 3:40 7. While You Are Mine 6:04 8. Running In The Rain 2:44 9. All About You 5:04 10. The Marrinator 5:11
Listen To Samples Here...
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