Gary Kendall
Feels Real Strong
47 Records 47R002
The veteran Canadian bassist, vocalist, songwriter, producer and band leader Gary Kendall has a winner on his hands with Feels Real Strong. Given his prodigious talent and constant contributions to the Canadian music scene, this should come as no surprise. Having been a member of the legendary Downchild Blues Band from ’79-’83, and currently since 1995, Kendall is widely-known. When not touring with Downchild, Kendall books the entertainment at Toronto’s famed Silver Dollar blues club and performs with The Gary Kendall Band among other alliances. He released his first solo CD, Dusty & Pearl on his own independent label, 47 Records, in 2004.
That CD had so many guests, it was difficult to hear Kendall’s originality and style in the music. The new CD is far more focused on Kendall and his current, potent road band. They are comprised of Toronto’s finest roots musicians including Wayne “Shakey” Dagenais (keyboards), Darran Poole (guitar), Tyler Burgess (drums and harmonica) and Mike Fitzpatrick (drums). Additionally, there are six guest musicians.
From the opening bars on “Real Good Night,” 12 all-original, radio-friendly songs come straight at you for 45 multifarious minutes. This lead-off song describes, from both a listener’s and performer’s perspective, the feelings experienced when things come together in a perfect performance. With a guitar that sounds influenced by Mark Knopfler, the danceable “Marlena” contains the kind of pop/rock that was commonplace on celestial radio 25 years ago. “Deep In My Heart” contains hand-clapping, foot-stomping boogie/rock, while rhumba-style rock reverberates from “When You Tell Me”. With poignant horns and prevalent guitar, the title track is a ’60s-era-sounding soul ballad. Additional soul is found on “Wall Of Love,” which challenges you to be grateful for what you have. Perhaps it was written based on the fact that he has been there and done that. Whatever the case may be, Kendall “saw a lifeline and grabbed that rope” and resists the temptation of a debauchery-filled lifestyle on “Here To Stay”. “Streeta Groove” is a Texas shuffle that details the zany history of Toronto’s Spadina Street clubs and bands.
Additional American roots music can be heard on the zydeco-sounding “Sugaree.” “Rainy Night In Hogtown” features a traditional blues pattern and romping slide guitar that would make Muddy Waters or Bob Margolin blush. “Terrified Blues” is a slow since-you-left-me-baby blues. “That Thing” is a contemporary take on Willie Dixon’s “The Same Thing”.
The most memorable things are the whirling rhythms and the exceptional musicianship – especially the Professor Longhair influenced keyboards, which steal the show. Most of all, the CD allows the listener inside the man who has been a pillar for so many others. If you are strictly expecting blues, you’ll be disappointed. If you prefer a more diverse menu, you be as satisfied as a diner in a New Orleans restaurant. This successful album is sure to end up on some 2009 top ten lists.
- Tim Holek -
Southwest Blues CD Review - May 2009
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