The Screaming Blue Dogs
The Screaming Blue Dogs
(BD9701)
Oh come on, that name alone is gonna make
you want to give this Chicago band a listen; and you will be glad that you did. The Blue
Dogs' self titled release is a great ride from a bunch of talented gentlemen firmly rooted
in the traditional Chicago Blues soil but growing unrestrained into a new species of
music.
The release features all original songs from the foursome; they start out great and
then get better. The band is a well-oiled machine with a sharp, audio edge that separates
them from the rest of the pack of bar bands out there. Marc Suwanski, the voice, harmonica
and piano man, definitely puts his best foot forward on the ivories; bringing home some
very captivating jam in every track. Sample his handiwork at it's best on "Shake It,
Don't Break It," when the band jumps ship and Marc goes off on a piano tangent to end
all tangents. The climax on this track, when the band jumps back on board for the finale,
is almost worth the price of the CD.
There are eight solid tracks here (and one hidden track) that really showcase the Blue
Dogs as a hard working, hard driving group. Kevin Maring plays some memorable guitar and
has a feel for the down and dirty, double-crossing blues mood. His slide work on
"Coming To My Own" reveals an insightful, sagacious approach; he doesn't beat us
over the head with the technique but manages to convey that ethereal quality that a good
slide exudes.
This CD is fun; lots of character in the grooves. Check out Mrs. Fountain's favorite
track "I Don't Like Working" or the get the party started song "Friday
Night." My favorite track is the hidden one, a good eleven and a half minutes of
remarkable jam session highlighting each of the members.
If I had to sum up what makes this a great CD, it's this: energetic charm. Their sound
is very much a part of the old and even more about the new. It is good chemistry and
extremely easy on the ear.
- Bill Fountain -
Southwest Blues CD Review - March 1999
Current Reviews -
1999 Reviews - available at our store
