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Blues Underground Network |
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Blues Underground Network |
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Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards "Redemption"
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Well my friends the verdict is in and it states that there is definitely a new kid in town, and he goes by the name of Ross Neilsen and along with his Posse, The Sufferin' Bastards, they are coming straight at you with some of the best Gritty Down Under The Dog House Blues Rock, you have heard in a long while. Over the last 3 years, Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards, have been catching the attention of a lot of people, not only with their epic tourings, 240,000+Kms, but also because of their epic sound. Hailing from the East Coast of Canada, they already have 5 national tours and over 600 shows under their belts and they managed to do it 100% independently on their own, which is a testament to their creative business savvy. Another piece of evidence as to how creative and liked this band is comes from the story of how they managed to raise the funds to get "Redemption" recorded. You see, "Redemption", was recorded at the "famed Zebra Ranch Studio in Mississippi", and because of that they were unable to get Canadian Funding for the Project. That however did not stop them and they decided to do a unique fund raising project, namely a bottle drive. Needless to say, the idea worked and the Bottle Drive was a huge success, with what seemed like most of New Brunswick pitching in to help and in doing so, another Album was born. "Redemption" consists of 11 Barn Burnin' Tracks of which Ross Neilsen solely wrote 7 of them and co-wrote one with "East Coast blues master Matt Andersen". The 3 Cover Tracks were "Possession" (Robert Johnson), "Commit A Crime" (Chester Burnett) and "Human Mud" (Randall Cable) which were all done magnificently with the kind of flare that only Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards can bring to the table. Besides, Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards, Shawn Worden (Bass) and Karl Gans (Drums), they also had help from, as they describe them, "Incredibly Awesome Guests", with Luther Dickinson (Slide Guitar Track 7), Alvin Youngblood Hart (Lead Guitar Track 9), Cody Dickinson (Keys Track 4 & 11 and Woogie Board/Percussion Track 6). All of those "Incredibly Awesome Guests" helped make one Incredibly Awesome Album. "Redemption" is dedicated to the "Legacy Of James Luther Dickinson", whom was supposed to be the producer of this Album, but had unfortunately passed away in August of 2009. However, having total faith in Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards, his son Cody Dickinson took over the job and along with his brother Luther, played on the Album, as well. "Redemption" comes at you hot n heavy, straight out of the gates, and if you think you going to get a bathroom break or even want one, when listening to this gem, think again. Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards are an invigorating, energetic, and rejuvenating sound, the likes of which you have not heard in a long time. Especially true for Neilsen's Over Drive Style of Guitar Playing. In 2010 Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards, were nominated for "Best New Artist at The Maple Blues Awards, Two Rising Star nominations from CBC, back to back Blues Album of the Year nominations from the East Coast Music Association and more recently Ross won Best Blues Recording for Redemption at the 2010 MusicNB awards". This all shows that Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards has certainly started a new Blues/Rock train heading down the tracks, and in doing so has caught not only the attention of countless fans across Canada, but has also really caught my attention, as well. "Redemption" gets a resounding high five from me via my highest rating of 5*****. Brilliant and Fresh Blues/Rock, all in one fabulous package. Ross Neilsen and the Sufferin' Bastards are not only going places, but they are also going far. Review By John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network) Other Info Ross Neilsen’s latest recording, Redemption, was recorded at the famed Zebra Ranch Studio in Mississippi and it’s the first recording that bears the name of Neilsen’s long-time backing band, The Sufferin’ Bastards, with Shawn Worden on bass and Karl Gans on drums. Tracklist
1 Afflicted 2:49 Listen To Samples Here... About Canada’s hardest working blues rock act, Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards, do it right. They take their strong, timeless material to the place that matters. Three People. Three years, 600 shows, 240,000kms, five national tours all executed 100% independently. In a time of corporate cookie cutter music this is the return to real. Proving hard work pays off Ross Neilsen has been honoured with a nomination for Best New Artist at The Maple Blues Awards in 2010, two Rising Star nominations from CBC, back to back Blues Album of the Year nominations from the East Coast Music Association and more recently Ross won Best Blues Recording for Redemption at the 2010 MusicNB awards. Ross Neilsen is the real, old school kind of artist. Write. Tour. Record. Tour. Repeat. Ross Neilsen’s latest recording, Redemption, was released in the spring of 2010. Recorded at the famed Zebra Ranch Studio in Mississippi, Redemption is the first recording that bears the name of Neilsen’s long-time backing band, The Sufferin’ Bastards, with Shawn Worden on bass and Karl Gans on drums. “I am lucky to have such a powerful rhythm section and wanted to include their name with mine on the recording to make a statement that they are a huge part of what I do.” Neilsen says. “This record was an evolution for all of us in many ways. We have grown as a band and as individuals. As a result of this we wanted to make an effort to really step it up for our next release.” The voyage to recording Redemption was an epic one, with Neilsen and his band deciding to record with famed musician and producer Jim Dickinson (North Mississippi All Stars, Screaming Jay Hawkins, John Hiatt, Ry Cooder), at his Zebra Ranch in Northern Mississippi. Dickinson was impressed with the demos he had heard and was eager to work on the new recording. The stage was set and the plans were made for Ross Neilsen and The Sufferin’ Bastards to make the trip of a lifetime, however a wrench was thrown in to the wheels. In August 2009 Jim Dickinson passed away, leaving the band shattered and unsure of the next step. Within hours, Jim Dickinson’s family contacted Neilsen to step in and take over production; this time in the chair would be Cody Dickinson, three-time Grammy nominated producer and drummer for North Mississippi All-Stars. The recording would be back on. Ineligible for Canadian Funding due to the project taking place stateside, the band started unique fundraising project – a bottle drive. What would seem to be the entire community in the New Brunswick region got involved by saving their empties for Neilsen and The Bastards to collect and use the refund for their expenses. “It became something even more than just fundraising. I met so many people; some of them already fans and some of them had never heard of us but wanted to help us live our dreams. The feeling of our community getting behind us like that was heavy.” Said Neilsen. Redemption can be classified as a collection of songs about love, lust, and loss. Neilsen’s poignant songwriting and stunning guitar playing make each track standout, as does the tight rhythms courtesy of Worden and Gans. ”She Ain’t You” is a heavy guitar-laden song, with a searing solo from Neilsen and features Luther Dickinson (Black Crowes, North Mississippi All stars) on slide. The emotional ”Bold and Beaten” was co-written by East Coast blues master Matt Andersen and tells the tale about life on the road and sacrifices that many musicians must face in order to do what is natural for them. Each track on Redemption is distinctive and draws on influences from the blues and modern rock n roll. A spectacular and modern twist to a blues classic “Commit a Crime” appeals to old school blues fans and new. The second leg of their massive national tour is currently underway supporting the release of the first single, “Afflicted” is in full swing. While Ross Neilsen & The Sufferin’ Bastards are rocking Canada again, preparations are under way for the release of the second single in early 2011 supported with an animated video. Whether telling tall tales or capturing the spirit of the blues through his own originals and unique covers in his intimate solo shows or combining clever lyrics with old school, in-your-face guitar playing with his band, Ross Neilsen will take you on an emotional journey through the joys and pains of life, death, triumph and defeat. Neilsen will touch your heart, soul, body and mind, sending you home to sing yourself to sleep. And in the morning? You will want more, much more. http://www.myspace.com/rossneilsen
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