Leo Hull & The Texas Blues Machine
In The Pockt
Indipendent
In The Pocket is a condensed version of Leo’s philosophy to “Keep the wheels on the road, the beer cold, the music hot and the blues live,” and keeping the blues alive is well presented in this CD. Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine is one of the hardest working blues bands in Texas and they released their latest CD, In The Pocket, on July 19th. All songs except “Harley Davidson” were written by Leo and musical arrangements are by Leo and lead guitar man, Jimmy Jewell. The Texas Blues Machine is composed of Leo Hull on vocals and guitar, Craig Valez on bass, David Pence on drums and Jimmy Jewell on lead guitar. Special guests are Jeff Stone on harmonica and Charlie Lowe on keyboards.
Leo states that the inspiration for several of the songs on this CD came from his stage observations of the fans. That is probably true, but it also appears that Leo’s appreciation and insight of the blues forefathers has given him the gift to write an authentic blues anthem, and “Birth of the Blues” is just that. Leo has virtually put us on a “freight train, overloaded and running late” as we travel from the cotton fields of Mississippi to Beale Street to modern day Austin. We are surrounded by the haunting spirits of Robert Johnson, Hank Williams and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
“Blues Dancin’ Queen” is another one of those observations of the band as they see the fans dancing to their tunes. “I’m Confused” is an observation of the social, political and religious issues of today. This could be a hackneyed over-worn theme, but Leo puts it all into proper prospective.
“Down and Out” you know what I’m talking about. Everyone can identify with this song. You thought you had two incomes, but you don’t know where it’s spent. ‘If the dollar cost a quarter and a quarter cost a dime, woo, my pockets would be empty most of the time.’ Jeff Stone does a good job on the harmonica and Jimmy Jewell’s slide guitar work is awesome.
“Harley Davidson” was written by Leo’s good friend Doug Lynch. This is a story of Harley, David’s son, who lived his dream and died by the gun. This tune was originally written as a ballad, but you can tell that Leo has taken lots of liberties and rearranged it to fit the Texas Blues Machine’s Texas Roadhouse Blues style.
“Pay Your Dues” tells the story of how we all pay our dues. Leo’s mother is 93 and he asked her how you get there? She tells him, ‘well that’s a story must be told, you gotta pay your dues’.
Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine has been playing Texas blues for over 10 years, and they have developed a strong following all over the state.
- Ronnie W. Donald -
Southwest Blues CD Review - September 2009
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