CD Review - Outstanding by Blue Touch

By Ben1976, 5th Jan 2012 | Follow this author | RSS Feed | Short URL http://nut.bz/3b7pxm2m/
Posted in Wikinut>Reviews>Music>Blues

A CD Review of Outstanding by by the blues rock ensemble Blue Touch

CD Review

CD Review – Outstanding by Blue Touch

6 out of 10

It is an easy trap to fall into. An album title like this sets up some expectations.

So, we have the pleasing vocals of Andrea Maria, and Alan Cleaves, the solid rhythms of drummer Hugh Lawrenson and bass player Merv Griffin, the dual guitars of Cleaves and Neil Sadler, and Harmonica interjections from Nigel Pugh, and tight playing from all members, as well as some original arrangements of some classic, well know songs from the blues back catalogue..

The songs range from the acoustic guitar that starts of ‘Feeling Good’ and Sonny Landreth’s ‘Congo Square’, the blues of ‘Early in the Morning’ which features some sterling lead guitar and two original songs. I say original, but only ‘One More Kiss’ is a truly original song. ‘Got your Letter’ simply puts some different lyrics to Cream’s version of ‘Crossroads’ but it is solidly sung and played.

There are a number of different moods on the album. ‘How I love you Baby’ is a joyful arrangement of the song. ‘Cry me a river’ features a pleasing vocal performance, and ‘Help me’ is a lively reading of the Sonny Boy Williamson song.’Reconsider baby’ is a light, Latin esque version of Lowell Fulson most famous song, but the arrangement takes away the lopping rhythm and distinctive guitar motif, but the new version works.

A live recording of Seasick Steve’s ‘I Started out with nothing (and I still got most of it left)’ shows the band in its natural habitat, and in a good light.

So, all in all, a fine blues band, some solid arrangements, and probably a very good live show, worth checking out, but maybe the album title needs to be thought about.

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