Thrown together studio sessions
T. Jarvis | Alexandria, VA United States | 11/26/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"This is just a local producers idea of trying to cash in on the original trio, see youtube clips search: tymjar blue riders
or this address
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=tymjar+blue+riders&search=Search
The youtube clips are solid group performance, but the CDs were thrown together in the studio, with sidemen used as add-ons, in improvised on the spot, re-arrangements... very hit-or-miss, and NOT inspired playing! Most of the youtube clips are rated 5 stars and have already gotten tens of thousands of hits, particullarly the session produced for the BBC."
Love the Blues? BUY THIS CD!
A. Reeve | Ohio | 11/19/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I came across Ben Andrews (lead singer) on YouTube & knew I had to have this CD. The original Blue Riders trio on this 2 disc set features Jeff Sarli on bass & Mark Wenner on harmonica. Ben Andrews earthy soulful voice fits the blues like a comfortable pair of shoes. "Early Morning Blues" is packed with lively versions of Blind Willie McTell, Big Bill Broonzy, Ledbelly & more. These guys don't just do a cover of these tunes, they make the song their own. If you love acoustic Delta or Piedmont style blues, you need to own this CD."
Is This New Material?
Robert W. Follett Jr. | Houston, TX USA | 12/28/2007
(2 out of 5 stars)
"If you're a fan of country blues (fingerstyle blues), and know who the Blue Rider Trio are, you HAVE to be excited to see a new CD bearing their name. However, upon closer inspection you will notice that the song selections can all be found on the only two CDs that the group recorded with Mapleshade Records. That's right, this new release offers no new material!
While I did not purchase this CD, I would like to point out that the other reviewer (T. Jarvis) is none other that the Tim Jarvis that toured with Ben Andrews and the Blue Rider Trio. He has made many of his personal Trio videos available on YouTube. If Tim says that the material on this release is thrown together, than I am sure it is not the same high-quality production heard in the first two Mapleshade CDs ("Preachin' the Blues", and "Harp, Steel and Guts").
If it is the same material (meaning not remixed, remastered, alternate takes, etc) then I recommend that Mapleshade make a REAL effort to connect with Trio fans; contact their current record label and make an agreement to re-release their European recordings in the US under the Mapleshade label.
If you have a love for country blues and want new material from the Trio, Mapleshade Records is evidently not the place to look. As I understand it, they are currently touring Europe, where there is still a sizable market for blues. I still look for their records coming out of Europe, but have had no luck. However, if you have ever had the privilege of hearing them breathe life into old country blues originals than you know it's certainly worth it to keep trying."