Alvin Jett & the Phat Noiz Blues Band
Honey Bowl
Blues Blvd. #250235
Alvin Jett and the Phat Noiz Blues Band is a 4 piece combo based out of St. Louis. The band consists of Alvin Jett on guitar/vocals, Frank Bauer on sax/vocals, Matt Davis on bass/vocals and Corey Woodruff on drums. The band describes its music as in your face, hard driving blues, which reveals roots in rock, funk, R&B and soul, and at times, a hint of gospel.
“Make Me Blue” kicks off the album with an up tempo mix of funk and blues. The tunes feature Jett’s gruff vocal style and his frenetic guitar playing while providing Frank Bauer the opportunity to take an extended sax solo. “Lay My Burden Down” is a Jett/Bauer written tune that addresses terrorism, starvation and prostitution. The band stumbles on “Bluesman’s Hat” which suffers from stiff drumming and lyrics that sound like they were lifted from the blues album Charlie Daniels made several years ago. The title track is an enjoyable soul/blues tune featuring fiery guitar work reminiscent of Ernie Isley. “The Wreck” is a well written tune with vocals from one of the other band members besides Jett. “3 Minute Man” is a tune that boasts about a man’s lack of sexual prowess. “Lucky Charms” is a nice instrumental featuring Jett’s R&B tinged guitar and Bauer’s sax. “Graveyard Shift” is a respectable slow blues about a woman stepping out on her man while he is working. The band sounds good on tunes such as the moody, tasteful instrumental “Me, You and Cyndi” and the Jett written “Running like a Dog”.
Stylistically, Alvin Jett and Pat Noise have succeeded in their musical mission statement by successfully combining blues with funk, R&B and rock. Overall, Honey Bowl is a respectable effort but could use some improving.
- Barry Gober -
Southwest Blues CD Review - October 2009
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