Rochester, NY's Chris Beard is a relative newcomer as far as CD releases go. However, for 47 magnificent minutes you will journey through 10 tracks including 8 Beard originals. The impressive singer/songwriter/guitarist gets credit for producing what is surely JSP's finest release of the new millennium. Throughout his 2nd disc for the British label, Chris plays with so much soul and passion you'll be thinking he is a reincarnated blues master. In a world where everyone who has played 12 bars or has been in 12 bars gets classified as blues, it's a pleasure to find a 'real blues' artist still exists. He has the unique, raw sound of Son Seals (circa Midnight Son) although the influences of BB King and Buddy Guy are visible.

"Ten Toes Up" contains the heaviest funking horns you will hear. Somehow they manage to keep up with the sheer intensity of Beard's guitar playing. On, "High Cost Of Living" keyboardist J.J. Moscato lets rip with an impressive solo. "Silver Spoon" is a heavy funk. Here, Chris sings, 'I wasn't born with a silver spoon, everything that I got, I got through paying my dues' and then he proves it with a mighty solo. His voice is clear, crisp and gentle with the right amount of gruff. The 44-year-old Prince of the Blues delivers a solo that is as sharp as it is smooth on "Somebody's Sleeping". One listen to this track and club owners/festival organizers/disc jockeys will all be pursuing Chris. The tempo is highly upbeat on "The Girl Is Ready". Here, an irresistible, pulsating rhythm of horns invite you in and Beard's guitar playing ensures you stay. The horns hit you hard on "You're The One" and force you to take notice.

Beard is backed by his large band whose names are so numerous they barely fit on the credit page. The disc will appeal to those who enjoy funky, horn-drenched guitar blues played as in the type of clubs you were warned to stay away from. It comes highly recommended from Tommy Castro, Duke Robillard and Bob Margolin while Art Tipaldi does a fantastic job with the liner notes. On thing is for sure and that's Beard was born to play the blues.
- Tim Holek

July 2001 Southwest Blues