Patrick Earley | Edmond, Oklahoma USA | 02/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Guy Forsyth has always been one of the more intriguing figures in the blues world. Even though he's considered one of the most contemporary of blues artists today, as displayed on his last album "Can You Live Without", he does a U-Turn here and explores the roots side of the blues genre, as in Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley, and Willie Dixon. He favors a more down and dirty acoustic approach here. But he still has that world worn voice of his that can be compared to Tom Waits, or any of the old style delta bluesmen of yesterday. Forsyth also displays great harp work, as in the Bo Diddley opener "Mona". And on the fast upbeat "Makin'Money". He also dives in to some cajun gumbo with "Lovin' Dangerously". And on the song "Thibodaux Furlough" he gets in to a strange vibe that sounds a lot like early Dr.John during his New Orleans psychedelic period. But most of this album he sticks with the delta blues theme. And I think Forsyth does delta better than any white boy I've ever heard. With his booming vocals he makes every lyric count when he sings. If your going to make an album like this, there's nobody better you can get to play acoustic guitar than Steve James. He also hired Don Leady from the band the Tailgators to add a little electricity to the guitar work. These are 2 of Austin's very best musicians. I got to see Guy Forsyth perform at a blues festival in Tulsa a couple years ago. Forsyth put on one of the most intense and at the same time enjoyable live shows I've ever seen. And that's much the way this record is. Intense and very enjoyable."
He is also a great performer
DL Stott | Redwood City, CA United States | 03/23/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I recommend this and all CDs by Guy. He as a marvelous human being and a great live performer. If you are ever in Austin, or have a another chance to see him live, GO! You will not regret it. You will not only hear great blues and want to dance, you will see the soul of a powerful man in action. It may just move you to tears. Riveting."
Guy Shows His Colors!
Angela | Austin, TX | 10/01/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This CD is so awesome. Guy really shows his diversity by combining Needlegun with Can You Live Without. It has a definite blues base, but it includes the art of his voice and contemporary sound. The chords are groovin. Some songs have a eerie sound revealing that mysterious undertone to Mr. Forsyth that we all want to know about. In my honest opinion, this is the best CD yet from Guy. Some of the tracks include the talents of Wammo, Johnny Benoit, and Stan Smith. Buy it! Its the best yet, but I know that there is more to come from this miracle man."
A sure 'Best of 2000' contender,
DL Stott | 10/02/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Guy Forsyth's Steak is further evidence that judicious and respectful mining of the great Blues seam can continue to provide meaningful and relevant entertainment into the 21st century. Ten self penned tunes and three from the holy trinity of Bo Diddley, Muddy Waters and Willie Dixon, all played immaculately and with appropriate humor, comprise Forsyth's best effort yet. His band are all seasoned veterans and he sings the material as well as any middle-class white boy ever has. His gruff vocal and mic'd harp are reminiscent of Tom Waits and the late Lester Butlerof the Red Devils. While it may be hard to imagine that 'hellhounds on his trail' are his inspiration, something awful must have happened to the young Guy to produce this blueswailing gem."