IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BEAT
Stephen G. Stegman | Silver Spring, Md. | 12/28/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"If one were to look up the definition of the blues you may find ..." the secular music of African Americans...". Since the structure of the blues is fairly straightforward musically, (12 bar phrases, 3 line stanzas and repetition of the first verse) this leaves the blues artist with a blank canvas with which to fully express the emotion and rhythm of the moment. Rude Dog achieves what all good blues singers and players set out to do; become totally immersed in the emotion and rhythm of the song and thereby allow the listener license to join in on the fun.
Ever the consummate bandleader, Rude Dog is buttressed by some oustanding performances by the Rhythm Revue, (Rude Dog's bass and drummer) as well as Linwood Taylor, the outstanding lead guitarist of D.C. area notoriety and others. "Cadillac Walk", "Prodigal Son", "You've Got To Move" and "Shake Your Hips" are worth the price of the cd alone. This is a fine addition for the veteran blues collector as well as the new or casual blues fan.
My only criticism of the project is that Rude Dog tends to sing in an octave lower than low on a few of the tunes ("River Runs Deep", "Help Me", etc.). He can get up it up there where it needs to be on tunes like "Prodigal Son" and "Shake Your Money Maker" and at that pitch the vocal is very solid. The lower ranges are a bit uneven. But, I quibble amd digress. Just buy the damn thing, turn up the volume and order your favorite adult beverage. IT'S ALL ABOUT THE BEAT!
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