Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

They say, from something bad a little good must come. In the case of  The Twisters, from something horrific, something magnificent has been created. "After The Storm" is the horse that The Twisters had to get back on after their fall. Showing, not only a deep respect for their Bassist, the late James J.T. Taylor, but also respect and heartfelt thanks to all whom supported them after their tragic accident, "After The Storm" is their gift to us.

The Twisters, of course, had some major decisions to make over the last few years, one being whether or not they would continue on at all. Once that was decided the next big hurdle was finding a Bass player to fill the huge shoes of James J.T. Taylor. That was accomplished with the addition of the amazing Keith Picot. Also needing replacing was their Drummer, as Sandy Smith had to bow out a few years ago, due to Tendonitis. Taking over the sticks for Sandy is Matt Pease.

The Twisters are considered to be one of the finest Jumpin' Swing Blues Bands around, "After The Storm" may well be considered their finest work, to date. With their band now firmly in place and the help of Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne on Piano and Organ, "After The Storm" delivers all that you could of ever expected from The Twisters and much more.

From the opening tune, "I'm Your Man" to the last tune, "Bye Bye Bird" which is dedicated to J.T., one gets the sense that something has changed, like a fine wine that has been allowed to age to perfection. "After the Storm" delivers to us a musical maturity that comes from having paid your dues and being able to once again concentrate on the road ahead, accepting the good and the bad as all parts of life's mystery.

Like a good book, "After The Storm" delivers on each tune, whether it be fast paced such as, "Thick or Thin", slow and sultry such as "Honest To Goodness", or simply a instrumental in the case of, "Second Wind".

Recorded in Whitehorse, Yukon at Brandon and Chris Isaak's Studio over a 3 week period,  all the tunes are original, except for "Bye Bye Bird", which is a Willie Dixon/Sonny Boy Williamson Song. A fitting Tribute to J.T.

All tunes are a testament to the talent of The Twisters, and showcase each and ever band members mastery over their instruments, especially Dave Hoerl and his Magical Harmonica. 

"After The Storm" is a must have CD, whether you are a fan of  Jumpin' Swing Blues or not. The Twisters have shown, that there is light at the end of the tunnel, and in their case, a very bright light and quite a future ahead of them yet.

I give this CD, my highest rating, Five *****

Lonesome Train -The Twisters (Canada) Recorded live in Verviers, Belgium, March, 2007.
The Twisters: Brandon Isaak, vocals, guitar; David Hoerl, harp; Keith Picot, bass; Lonnie Powell, drums

http://www.twisters.ca/

http://www.myspace.com/thetwistersband