New Album Review: Flavio Guimaraes & Friends!!!
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s hard to find time to unwind and just hang out on the front porch with only the simple sounds of life keeping you company. But the next time you feel that need, have Flavio Guimaraes & Friends playing nearby. Flavio – a highly accomplished harmonica player in his own right – gathers some of the greatest players on today’s harmonica scene to join him on his latest project. Steve Guyger. Gary Smith. Joe Filisko. Rick Estrin. Charlie Musselwhite. You even get a skillful taste of what Peter “Madcat” Ruth can create on his blues ukulele.
Aside from a couple electric tracks with a full band – including a tasty instrumental with Rick Estrin & The Nightcats – the album is a traditional blend of stripped-down, no-nonsense, acoustic blues. With this kind of laidback sound, you don’t get the sense the tunes were laid down in one of the world’s largest cities, Rio de Janiero. But you get the undeniable notion these musicians know the intimate roots of the blues. Here are some highlights:
- Steve Guyger channels John Lee “Sonny Boy” Williamson and early Little Walter to a tee on “Blues Before Sunrise.” Plus, Guyger’s gruff, gravelly vocals add more weight to that lowdown feel. It’s also refreshing to hear him call out solos to the others: proof they were having a ball in the studio.
- It’s not often you hear the electric tone monster, Gary Smith, blow his horn acoustically. “Washboard Shuffle” is your chance. You can still hear Gary’s big sound come through loud and clear in this cool harp duo with Flavio.
- Joe Filisko demonstrates the amazing, low-tuned Thunderbird harmonicas, Hohner’s latest Marine Band series. Filisko and Flavio’s diatonic dialogue on “Harp Talk” reveals the deep, guttural possibilities and the rhythms of “Gospel Trail” show the percussive power available with a Thunderbird. Here are two videos of Joe introducing the ins and outs of the new instrument.
There are plenty more harmonica gems on this album fit for the front porch. Oh, and if you don’t have a porch? Just close your eyes, open your ears, and kick back. Flavio and friends will take you there.
- Corporate Kirk Manley |
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