Christian Dozzler
Louisana
(Blueswave 1999)
Christian Dozzler is a
veteran European bluesman who makes his home in Austria. Dozzler is a
talented instrumentalist, proficient on the harmonica, piano, accordion
and guitar. He spent nine years with the "Mojo Blues Band"
before founding the "Blues Wave" in 1993. Christian is
considered one of the most versatile musicians in Europe, and has recorded
with Magic Slim and Champion Jack Dupree. Louisiana is the Blues Waves'
4th recording, and as the title suggests, it is an homage to the music of
the Bayou state featuring many guest musicians whose music is synonymous
with Louisiana blues.
The leadoff number on the recording,
"Louisiana," features some impressive vocals from Dozzler over a
funky second line rhythm. Despite being from Austria, Dozzler sings in a
voice completely unaffected by any trace of foreign accent and exhibits a
very pleasing tone. "Its Too Late" is a zydeco number which
gives Dozzler ample opportunity to showcase his skills on the accordion.
Several veterans of the Louisiana music scene lend their talents to the
project giving it an authentic Louisiana feel. First up is pianist Henry
Gray, a native of Baton Rouge who has played with Jimmy Rogers, Little
Walter and spent 12 years as a member of Howlin' Wolf's band. Gray's
Chicago influenced style is exhibited on the self-penned "I Ain't
Going for That" and "They Raided The Joint." Louisiana-born
Ashton Savoy, now residing in Houston, contributes the Lightnin' Hopkins
tune "Short Haired Woman" and the up-tempo Texas shuffle
"Came Home This Morning." Johnnie Allan contributes a great song
in "Wanting To Get Over You," a number in the swamp pop
tradition of "Mathilda" and "This Could Go On Forever"
that is perhaps the highlight of the album. Larry Garner also makes an
appearance on the record showing why he is considered one of the leading
lights of the contemporary blues scene.
Sadly, this album marks one of the
last recording appearances of the "Swamp Boogie Queen" Katie
Webster, who died shortly after recording her parts for this album.
Although Christian Dozzler was raised in a land located far from the
Louisiana bayou, he has done a very fine job in crafting a recording that
accurately reflects the rich musical history that is known as Louisiana
blues. Dozzler should also be credited for sharing the spotlight with
several richly deserving artists responsible for the development of the
Louisiana blues sound. Recommended.
- Barry T. Gober -
Southwest Blues CD Review - April 2000
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