|
|
Blues Underground Network |
|
|
L.R. Phoenix & Mr. Mo'Hell know how to play the blues and they do so with a Raw and Unique Style that is very refreshing, almost primevil in nature. They draw on their Rawness and Uniqueness from one the best and that is L.R. Burnside, for whom they have even been referred to as his Reincarnation. One only needs to listen to the first few moments of their new Album, "Jumper On The Line", to see the validity of that statement. "Jumper On The Line" consists of 12 Tracks, all written by L.R. Phoenix, except for Tracks 1, "Shake Them Down " (Bukka White), 2, "Donīt Want No Skinny Woman" (Sonny Boy Williamson 1), and 7, "Jumper On The Line" (L.R. Burnside). L.R. Phoenix & Mr. Mo'Hell pay homage to L.R. Burnside, by not only doing one of his songs, but by also naming the Album after it. Also joining Phoenix and Mo'Hell on this Album is Honey Lake, on Tracks 5 and 10 (Violin) and Track 8 (Vocals). "Jumper On The Line" is their follow-up release to "Wrecked", for which I quoted saying in my Review of that Album, ""Wrecked" is simply a brilliant representation of the old Blues, played in a simply manner with just a Guitar, Drums, and the good old Harmonica thrown in for good measure. The beat on this Album is infectious, the music and vocals are crisp and clear. If your head in not bobbing and your feet tapping from the opening track, you are simply not awake yet." "Jumper On The Line" is essentially not any different in nature, it is simply more great Country Style Blues, done about as good as anyone out there nowadays could do. Throughout most of this Album you will find a similar beat, but that beat by no means is boring, on the contrary, you will find it quite hypnotic and addictive in nature. As for subtle hints of other great groups, I kind of got a little Rolling Stones and Led Zepellin out of it, as well, but really if you listen to it intently enough, you may surely pick up others. Finland is where L.R. Phoenix & Mr. Mo'Hell reside, Phoenix being originally from England, and I am continually amazed how much of a hot bed of the Blues, especially the older styles blues, Finland and surrounding areas are. Some of my currently favorite Blues Artists come from that area of Europe and continue to impress me with their unique grasp of the older blues and their unique way in which they reinterpret it for us. L.R. Phoenix & Mr. Mo'Hell are absolutely no exception to that rule. "Jumper On The Line" could not help but get my 5***** Rating. It is certainly a fresh take on the old blues, that can't help but leave us also feeling refreshed. Highly Recommended... Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) Additional Info Tracklist
1. Shake Them Down Additional Info http://www.myspace.com/lrphoenix
|