Andy Irvine Diggin' that Funky Blues CD Review
Joseph Militello, Yahoo Contributor Network
Before I begin this review I must thank world renowned bassist and recording artist Andy Irvine for graciously donating his newest CD to me to review. Andy is a Rochester, N.Y. native who recently gave a great in-house bass guitar clinic at Music City in Buffalo, N.Y. Warwick bass guitars sponsored the clinic.
For those of you unfamiliar with Andy Irvine here's a brief history of his music career. Andy played on punk rock legend G.G. Allin's last recording and Andy has recorded with an impressive list of recording artists' including Eden Brent, Pee Wee Ellis, Eddie Turner, John Wesley, Lucky Peterson, Tiny Tim, and the bands Beanstalk and Clang.
Andy displayed his exceptional bass playing techniques on his favorite fret-less and fretted Warwick electric basses at the informative bass clinic. Andy also offered some unique insight on the manufacturing of Warwick bass guitars. Andy closed out the clinic with a very interesting and informative question and answer session.
Special thanks also goes out to Vincent James from Music City for providing tickets to the in-store Andy Irvine bass guitar clinic. Music City is located on 3236 Main Street in Buffalo NY. Visit Music City online at www.musiccitybuffalo.com. You can see, hear and read more about all of the great instruments and upcoming in-store music clinics Music City on the store's website.
On with the review, Andy Irvines second CD release is titled Diggin' That funky Blues. Andy released his first solo effort entitled Soul Clap in 2009. Diggin' That Funky Blues features 10 rocking songs that combines elements of soul, funk, rock and low down, dirty blues. He composed, arranged, and produced, the album himself. In addition, Andy played many of the instruments and sang on 4 of the tracks. Lead vocalists' Johnny O and Lionel Young handled vocal duties as well.
The first track, Them Nasty Blues features vocalist Johnny O singing on top of a low down, dirty, nasty, blues track that features some excellent, blues, guitar, playing.
Andy takes over on vocal duties for Call Me Cornbread. This track is a funky, rhythm and blues romp that would make even James Brown proud.
Can't Slow Down is an uptempo, blues rock, number that will get your feet tapping along with the rocking beat. This song features some rocking Tenor Sax played by Toby Hopper and great backing vocals provided by Kay Irvine.
The 4th song is a very cool instrumental that kicks off with some melodic bass soloing by Andy, the song then switches gears into an uptempo rocker, Andy continues soloing throughout, showing off his excellent soloing skills on the 5 - string bass. When I See You - In The Twilight is my favorite song on Diggin' That Funky Blues.
The title track is a great, funky, blues, song that will be sure to get your booty shaking to the beat. Andy takes a ferocious popping and slapping solo on the bass, showing his versatility and skill on the bass.
The slow rocker, I Awoke From A Dream, features an excellent bass solo. Andy's ripping and aggressive solo playing proves that the bass can carry a solo just as well as a guitar can, especially when Andy's soloing! Great Job Andy!
The closing track, One More Show, features some great harmonica playing by Al Chesis. This song reminds me of a classic, blues, roadhouse song with it's hard driving tempo, killer, blues rock, feel and rocking bass groove. Great closing track!
