Search - Joe Beard, Ronnie Earl :: Blues Union

Let's just play the blues

M. Bernocchi | Old Windsor, Berkshire United Kingdom | 03/24/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

""Let's just play the blues, Joe" and that's exactly what we did. That is the quote of Ronnie Earl that appears between the notes of this CD. He is right. This is an awesome blues collection where the word "blues" this time is written all in capitol letters. Ronnie and his regular band the Broadcasters are the ideal counterpart for the soft-spoken singer/guitarist Joe Beard and the way in which they perform together in both the covers and the original Beard's songs included in this CD let the listener simply speechless. Beard song writing is mature and strong and he voice is deep and soulful, his guitar playing reminds the great John Lee Hooker. If you addend the background music that a skilful band like Ronnie Earl and the Broadcaster could provide it shouldn't be too difficult to figure out the final result. As usual Per Hanson and Rod Carey provide a solid and precise rhythm section on which Bruce Kats add his B3 and piano parts with the usual mastery. Ronnie's guitar work deserves a particular mention also because in the past he has been described from some critics as a skilled guitarist but unable to back-up a singer. I believe that this album should prove beyond any doubt that they were wrong. Ronnie contribution to the final fantastic result is indisputable. He plays marvellously well throughout the entire album and when the time comes he delivers killing solos. Just listen to "Telling it like it is" or "Don't know why" and you will become immediately his fan. In conclusion the combination of one of the best blues band around and one of the best blues singer/songwriter delivers just what you would expect, an incredible, terrific simply wonderful blues album that you shouldn't miss."