The
Joe Richardson Express is comprised of Kevin Phelan (bass), Richard
Lamm (drums), and Joe Richardson (guitar, harmonica, and vocals).
Somhelgisfel,
the latest CD from the Joe Richardson Express, is one of the most
unique blues CDs that I've ever heard. Some of the tracks like
Black Sheep of the Blues, Trouble, and Mother
Rain are exactly what you'd expect to hear from an Austin
blues band. But some tracks are an extreme departure from the
norm. Joe Richardson has captured the essence of the blues on
this CD. It's not about a formulary bass line, or SRV-like guitar
licks. It's about the feeling of the blues.
Somhelgisfel
opens with Feelin' Like The Dead. Even though Joe is an
accomplished axeman, Feelin' Like The Dead is sung backed
only by a bowed upright bass. The somber tone and simplicity of
the arrangement take you back in time to the old school blues
musicians like Robert Johnson. Track 2, Black Sheep of the
Blues, allows Joe to show off his skills playing slide guitar.
Richard also gets his chance to shine. According to the liner
notes in the CD, tracks 3 and 4 were written in the studio while
waiting for equipment to be set up. The songs have a raw feel
to them, and even though they were written on the fly, both Golden
Idol and Somhelgisfel are remarkably well structured.
Most songs have three distinct components that must all stand
out on their own merit, yet come together to make a great song.
The Gospel has two of the three. The lyrics convey a powerful
story about God creating a guitarist who could play like no other.
Joe, Richard, and Kevin all do a phenomenal job playing this Hendrix
influenced piece. Unfortunately, the vocals are choppy; somewhat
reminiscent of early Red Hot Chili Peppers. This is really the
only aspect of the CD that disappointed me.
Two
songs that really rise above the others are Virginia and
Mother Rain. Virginia has an addictive rhythm executed
with an acoustic guitar, subtle percussion, a muted bass, soft
vocals, topped off by some infectious whistling. Mother Rain,
while mellow like Virginia, takes on a completely different
feel. Joe's skillful control of his instrument would make any
Jimi or Stevie fan proud.
To
sum up, the Joe Richardson Express has an eclectic collection
of songs that reaffirm what the blues are all about - a disregard
for convention in an effort to convey true emotion. Looking at
their website, it appears as if you can periodically catch the
band at Joe's Generic Bar on 6th Street. This is a great venue
to get an up close and personal show. I recommend checking them
out.
The
Joe Richardson Express is comprised of Kevin Phelan (bass), Richard
Lamm (drums), and Joe Richardson (guitar, harmonica, and vocals).
