CD Review - Mark Doyle and the Maniacs - Comin Home
By Ben1976, 18th Sep 2011 | Follow this author
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Posted in WikinutReviewsMusicBlues
A CD Review of Mark Doyle and the Maniacs's Album 'Comin Home'.
CD Review
CD Review Mark Doyle and the Maniacs Comin Home Free Will records FW531 7 out of 10 The songwriter and guitarist Mark Doyle goes into the studio with his band, the Maniacs, and produces an album of 13 quality songs and arrangements. The album starts with a rollicking version of Willie Dixon’s classic ‘I just want to make love to you’ and although this is a staple piece for many blues band, the ensemble doing something different with it. Although it is Mark Doyle’s album, and he has a hand in the writing of many of these albums, it is not the guitar fest it might have been. Strong band performances abound, particularly from the number of singers who appear on the album, like Jack Lipton, who appears on many of the songs, and Michael P Ryan, who as well as adding his vocal talents to the mix, also plays bass, and has co-writing credits on many of the album’s song. The lively instrumental original ‘Mark’s Boogie’ channels the spirit of Freddie King into something completely different, with licks crossing time signatures, and a catchy infectious theme on harmony guitars. The harmonica playing of rhythm guitarist Terry Quill also adds to the mix, with a different soloing style. The influence of 60’s British Blues Boomers can be seen throughout the album, not just in the group’s individual sounds, and the sound of the album in general, but in the covers they have chosen to play. John Mayall’s ‘Please Don’t Tell’ and Keith Relf’s ‘I ain’t done wrong’ both feature, and add to the overall quality of the album. If you want to hear musicians that can play as a band, rather than a soloist and backing musicians, and original songs played well, as well as some new versions of some classic songs, this is a fine place to start looking.
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