© Bluestronomical Publishing Inc. 2007

Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band
Shuffle The Deck
Smoke Ring #37101302623

While it is claimed the South has been always the home of the blues, its umbrella casts a shadow over many states. The umbrella can widen enough, stretching to the Northeast. Connecticut seems an unlikely state for spawning blues musicians. Blues clubs are very few. And, for the few that do exist, the players would have to be worth their salt if they wish to get work anywhere. But a blues society exists in Connecticut, and according to their roster, there are many bands.

One name that should be added is Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band. This guitarist/vocalist/bandleader has done his best to gain exposure by working with past outfits Blue In The Face, The Mojomatics and The Hoodoo Band.

Traditions are honored in Paul Gabriel and his Blues Band's release Shuffle The Deck. The sounds of shuffle, swing and slow blues come from eras past. Rooted in the ambiance of influences such as Magic Sam, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and T-Bone Walker, Shuffle The Deck manages well enough to sound contemporary on its own musical merits.
Paul's original songs hold up well. Tracks "Old Time Ball" and "Shuffle The Deck" take the formulas of swing and give them a kick to their backside. Manny Foglio's harmonica is the spark-plug giving life to the driving shuffle of "Live Wire".

Gabriel's choices of covering Albert King are great ones. Dusting off an obscure "Don't Throw Your Love on Me So Strong" is a better move than covering "Crosscut Saw". When blues warhorses are done to death, the novelty starts to wear pretty thin.

The players in Gabriel's band are veterans who support their boss well. Drummer Barry Urich worked with the guitarist in Blue In The Face. Keyboardist Pat Gregor played with Paul in The Hoodoo Band. Bassist Bill Bileca worked for many years in the Smokin Opey Band.

Paul Gabriel knows originality is the ingredient that helps his music stand out from the rest. Other blues acts on the club circuit get their ya-yas out by doing textbook standards that have been covered too often and wore their welcome out a long time ago. His bringing the past to the present is comfortable assurance that traditions have their place and shouldn't be swept under the carpet.

- Gary Weeks -


Southwest Blues CD Review - May 2007

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