Blue Mosaic Reviews
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Blue Mosiac by The Kingsnakes is Classic Chicago Blues
By Matt Marshall– September 17, 2011
The Kingsnakes have been playing and touring for over 20 years. The musicians in the band come with a laundry list of credentials, from touring across the world with Little Milton and Junior Wells to Byther Smith and Jimmy Witherspoon. Their latest release, Blue Mosiac, is filled with twelve original tracks in their most comfortable setting; Chicago blues. The band is tight, with a top notch rhythm section and Nelson Keaton playing blues harmonica that dances in between the original lyrics sung by James “Ang” Anderson. Mike Bailey holds down the bass.
“Lefty” is a fun, upbeat song with a danceable and familiar groove. The last two tracks are two different takes of the same song, “Mary Jane” — one a haunting, hypnotic style acoustic jam with a finger picking guitar and harmonica as Anderson sings in veiled references. The electric version kicks up the pace with stinging electric and heavy snare drums, courtesy of Gus Gotsis, for a danceable rhythm.
Overall, the songs are original and the music is easy to listen to. Fans of Chicago blues will enjoy the album and it’s numerous references that will be instantly recognized by Chicagoans. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in the album; it’s got a traditional sound that’s well known and often played to blues fans. It is, however, simply good, easy to digest music. There are mixed influences in the album, from soul to R&B, but on Blue Mosiac, the Kingsnakes are largely doing what they’ve done best for over two decades: Chicago Blues.
By Matt Marshall– September 17, 2011
The Kingsnakes have been playing and touring for over 20 years. The musicians in the band come with a laundry list of credentials, from touring across the world with Little Milton and Junior Wells to Byther Smith and Jimmy Witherspoon. Their latest release, Blue Mosiac, is filled with twelve original tracks in their most comfortable setting; Chicago blues. The band is tight, with a top notch rhythm section and Nelson Keaton playing blues harmonica that dances in between the original lyrics sung by James “Ang” Anderson. Mike Bailey holds down the bass.
“Lefty” is a fun, upbeat song with a danceable and familiar groove. The last two tracks are two different takes of the same song, “Mary Jane” — one a haunting, hypnotic style acoustic jam with a finger picking guitar and harmonica as Anderson sings in veiled references. The electric version kicks up the pace with stinging electric and heavy snare drums, courtesy of Gus Gotsis, for a danceable rhythm.
Overall, the songs are original and the music is easy to listen to. Fans of Chicago blues will enjoy the album and it’s numerous references that will be instantly recognized by Chicagoans. There’s nothing particularly ground breaking in the album; it’s got a traditional sound that’s well known and often played to blues fans. It is, however, simply good, easy to digest music. There are mixed influences in the album, from soul to R&B, but on Blue Mosiac, the Kingsnakes are largely doing what they’ve done best for over two decades: Chicago Blues.
By Mike O’Cull - Chicago Blues Guide
The Chicago Kingsnakes have been playing the blues since 1983 and, in that time, have gone from being a local sensation to an internationally touring music machine that has released many records and played literally countless shows. The band was formed by James ‘Ang’ Anderson, a guitarist and vocalist of the first order who has played with Albert King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Lefty Dizz and Koko Taylor. The other members of the group (Nelson Keaton on harmonica and vocals, Gus Gotsis on drums and vocals, Mike Bailey on bass and vocals, and guest bassist/vocalist on about half the tracks Ron Berry) have equally impressive backgrounds and have worked with notables like Cash McCall, Big Daddy Kinsey, Jimmy Witherspoon, and other well-known blues artists. Blue Mosaic is the bands’ newest recording and the title refers to the patchwork of musical influences the members cut their teeth on, from straight-up Chicago blues to the R&B of Al Green, Booker T & The MG’s, James Brown, and Curtis Mayfield. Those influences are proudly on display on Blue Mosaic, combined with the ‘Snakes’ own unique vision of the blues
Right off the bat, The Kingsnakes have two big things going for them on this album that a great many blues bands just don’t do enough of, at least to this reviewer. The first is original songwriting. Blue Mosaic is made of entirely original songs, 12 of them, to be exact. There are no covers, remakes, remixes, or anything else like that on this album. Nope, this is 100% original music and it really speaks to the creativity of the band. It’s nice to hear songs we haven’t heard before, quite honestly. Also, writing original songs in any roots music style is not as easy as it may seem and requires a great grasp of the elements of the style at hand and the skill to turn those elements on their ear one more time and come up with something new and interesting all over again. The second thing is background vocals. These ‘Snakes can sing harmony and it really brings the tunes here to life. So many blues records feature one powerhouse vocalist doing their thing while the band plays and, while that’s cool, it really catches the listener when those harmonies kick in and add a new and cool texture to the music. Songs like ‘Take Your Time”, “Blues Gone Uptown”, and “Stop, Drop, And Roll” demonstrate both of these elements to great effect and are standouts.
The Chicago Kingsnakes, while a veteran outfit, are in a good position to take this music into the future. The members of the group have clearly learned the lessons of blues masters past and are taking those lessons, mixing them with their own inherent creative energy, and creating the new blues, the blues of tomorrow. Blues music needs to stay relevant and vital in the lives of the fans; other bands would do well to follow the approach used here and create their own material and sound. Blue Mosaic is already on my short list of favorite reviews of the year and is a whole lot of fun. I can’t wait to see the band run this stuff down live. Meet me at their next show.
The Chicago Kingsnakes have been playing the blues since 1983 and, in that time, have gone from being a local sensation to an internationally touring music machine that has released many records and played literally countless shows. The band was formed by James ‘Ang’ Anderson, a guitarist and vocalist of the first order who has played with Albert King, Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Lefty Dizz and Koko Taylor. The other members of the group (Nelson Keaton on harmonica and vocals, Gus Gotsis on drums and vocals, Mike Bailey on bass and vocals, and guest bassist/vocalist on about half the tracks Ron Berry) have equally impressive backgrounds and have worked with notables like Cash McCall, Big Daddy Kinsey, Jimmy Witherspoon, and other well-known blues artists. Blue Mosaic is the bands’ newest recording and the title refers to the patchwork of musical influences the members cut their teeth on, from straight-up Chicago blues to the R&B of Al Green, Booker T & The MG’s, James Brown, and Curtis Mayfield. Those influences are proudly on display on Blue Mosaic, combined with the ‘Snakes’ own unique vision of the blues
Right off the bat, The Kingsnakes have two big things going for them on this album that a great many blues bands just don’t do enough of, at least to this reviewer. The first is original songwriting. Blue Mosaic is made of entirely original songs, 12 of them, to be exact. There are no covers, remakes, remixes, or anything else like that on this album. Nope, this is 100% original music and it really speaks to the creativity of the band. It’s nice to hear songs we haven’t heard before, quite honestly. Also, writing original songs in any roots music style is not as easy as it may seem and requires a great grasp of the elements of the style at hand and the skill to turn those elements on their ear one more time and come up with something new and interesting all over again. The second thing is background vocals. These ‘Snakes can sing harmony and it really brings the tunes here to life. So many blues records feature one powerhouse vocalist doing their thing while the band plays and, while that’s cool, it really catches the listener when those harmonies kick in and add a new and cool texture to the music. Songs like ‘Take Your Time”, “Blues Gone Uptown”, and “Stop, Drop, And Roll” demonstrate both of these elements to great effect and are standouts.
The Chicago Kingsnakes, while a veteran outfit, are in a good position to take this music into the future. The members of the group have clearly learned the lessons of blues masters past and are taking those lessons, mixing them with their own inherent creative energy, and creating the new blues, the blues of tomorrow. Blues music needs to stay relevant and vital in the lives of the fans; other bands would do well to follow the approach used here and create their own material and sound. Blue Mosaic is already on my short list of favorite reviews of the year and is a whole lot of fun. I can’t wait to see the band run this stuff down live. Meet me at their next show.
One Mighty Fine Album
Celebrating 28 years together, The Chicago Kingsnakes released their 10th album, "Blue Mosaic" via their own label, MusicKing Records. Consisting of members James "Ang" Anderson (Guitar/Lead Vocals), Nelson Keaton (Harmonica/Vocals), Gus Gotsis (Drums/Vocals), and Mike Bailey (Bass/Vocals), this exceptionally well known. and well seasoned band. brings us their great tasty take on Chicago Blues. Considered one of the finest Blues bands around, The Chicago Kingsnakes have honed their skilled to perfection, thanks in large part to touring and playing with some of the truly great Blues men, which included, Byther Smith, Junior Wells, Jimmy Witherspoon, and Cash McCall, to name just a few. James "Ang" Anderson has played with Buddy Guy, Albert King, Son Seals, James Cotton, and Koko Taylor, and may more. With that amount of exposure to the greats, it is no wonder why The Chicago Kingsnakes are such a well respected and well oiled Blues Machine.
The band chose the name Blue Mosaic, for their album, because of the diverse amount of influences they all had concerning not only Chicago style Blues, but also other Blues including R&B. This diverse blend of different experiences made for one mighty fine album.
"Blue Mosaic" consists of 12 Tracks, all originals written by James "Ang" Anderson and consists of not only fine Chicago Blues, but also a little R&B, as one finds on Track 4 "Tell The Truth" and a nice tinge of Jazz on Track 3 "Blues Gone Uptown". "Blue Mosaic" also comes with a mighty fine instrumental, Track 7 "Hip The Gip". This is the one that James "Ang" Anderson gets to shine in, all through the Track and it really shows off Anderson's Guitar to the tee's.
One of my favorites on "Blue Mosaic" was Track 8 "Lefty", a faster paced song with great Harp work throughout, via Nelson Keaton, whom also shines throughout this album.
Another artist that shines throughout was Ron Berry, who the band brought in to play Bass on 7 of the Tracks of which he really stood out with some big Bass playing on another one of my favorites, Track 8 "Stop Drop And Roll". The harmonizing on that one was no less than heaven to listen to.
The last 2 Tracks on "Blue Mosaic" were quite unique in nature, because they were the same song, done first as Acoustic, and then done as Electric. The song, "Mary Jane", was a really fine way to end this album, and showed off every bit of talent they had, and more. The Acoustic version was basically James "Ang" Anderson singing and playing Guitar, Fingerpicking Style, interlaced with Nelson Keaton's Harp playing, where the Electric version kicked everything into high gear, as the rest of the band joined in for this power packed finale.
For me, "Blue Mosaic" was a mighty mighty fine introduction to a mighty mighty fine Chicago Style Blues Band, and a introduction that certainly has my appetite wanting more.
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
The band chose the name Blue Mosaic, for their album, because of the diverse amount of influences they all had concerning not only Chicago style Blues, but also other Blues including R&B. This diverse blend of different experiences made for one mighty fine album.
"Blue Mosaic" consists of 12 Tracks, all originals written by James "Ang" Anderson and consists of not only fine Chicago Blues, but also a little R&B, as one finds on Track 4 "Tell The Truth" and a nice tinge of Jazz on Track 3 "Blues Gone Uptown". "Blue Mosaic" also comes with a mighty fine instrumental, Track 7 "Hip The Gip". This is the one that James "Ang" Anderson gets to shine in, all through the Track and it really shows off Anderson's Guitar to the tee's.
One of my favorites on "Blue Mosaic" was Track 8 "Lefty", a faster paced song with great Harp work throughout, via Nelson Keaton, whom also shines throughout this album.
Another artist that shines throughout was Ron Berry, who the band brought in to play Bass on 7 of the Tracks of which he really stood out with some big Bass playing on another one of my favorites, Track 8 "Stop Drop And Roll". The harmonizing on that one was no less than heaven to listen to.
The last 2 Tracks on "Blue Mosaic" were quite unique in nature, because they were the same song, done first as Acoustic, and then done as Electric. The song, "Mary Jane", was a really fine way to end this album, and showed off every bit of talent they had, and more. The Acoustic version was basically James "Ang" Anderson singing and playing Guitar, Fingerpicking Style, interlaced with Nelson Keaton's Harp playing, where the Electric version kicked everything into high gear, as the rest of the band joined in for this power packed finale.
For me, "Blue Mosaic" was a mighty mighty fine introduction to a mighty mighty fine Chicago Style Blues Band, and a introduction that certainly has my appetite wanting more.
Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)
REVIEW: The Chicago Kingsnakes - Blue Mosaic (MusicKing Records)
Their first proper album since 2003’s “Grass Roots”, though they’ve busied themselves over the intervening years touring the world with Byther Smith and playing shows with Junior Wells, Jimmy Witherspoon, Cash McCall, etc. When added to the fact that Kingsnakes leader, guitarist-vocalist James Anderson, has played with everyone from Buddy Guy and Albert King to Son Seals, James Cotton and Koko Taylor, It’s probably safe to assume that The Chicago Kingsnakes are some of the best and most respected blues players around.
That’s certainly the impression I get from listening to “Blue Mosaic”. Their style, unsurprisingly, is Chicago blues, and they play it slow and heavy, and tight and upbeat, and whatever way they play it, they play it well. Opening number “Take Your Time” is measured and intense, and highlights all their strengths, primarily great musicianship. When they’re aiming to get feet moving on tracks like “Blues Gone Uptown” and the Sonny Boy Williamson(esque) “Lefty” – the latter with harmonica courtesy of Nelson Keaton – they sound like the ultimate blues bar band. It’s another track, “So Cold in Chicago”, that I find myself returning to. Another upbeat number, it’s what they used to call a toe-tapper, but it’s a bit more than that, and seems to be stuck on repeat.
Simon M.
http://www.leicesterbangs.co.uk/
Their first proper album since 2003’s “Grass Roots”, though they’ve busied themselves over the intervening years touring the world with Byther Smith and playing shows with Junior Wells, Jimmy Witherspoon, Cash McCall, etc. When added to the fact that Kingsnakes leader, guitarist-vocalist James Anderson, has played with everyone from Buddy Guy and Albert King to Son Seals, James Cotton and Koko Taylor, It’s probably safe to assume that The Chicago Kingsnakes are some of the best and most respected blues players around.
That’s certainly the impression I get from listening to “Blue Mosaic”. Their style, unsurprisingly, is Chicago blues, and they play it slow and heavy, and tight and upbeat, and whatever way they play it, they play it well. Opening number “Take Your Time” is measured and intense, and highlights all their strengths, primarily great musicianship. When they’re aiming to get feet moving on tracks like “Blues Gone Uptown” and the Sonny Boy Williamson(esque) “Lefty” – the latter with harmonica courtesy of Nelson Keaton – they sound like the ultimate blues bar band. It’s another track, “So Cold in Chicago”, that I find myself returning to. Another upbeat number, it’s what they used to call a toe-tapper, but it’s a bit more than that, and seems to be stuck on repeat.
Simon M.
http://www.leicesterbangs.co.uk/
Illinois Entertainer
Celebrating 28 years of making music, The Chicago Kingsnakes delivers its 10th album, Blue Mosaic. The dozen tracks mix Chicago blues and R&B with strong vocal harmonies, twangy guitar licks, and happy-wailing harmonica. Slide guitar and blues-harp go hand-in-hand on “Take Your Time,” while the laid-back groove of “Come Back Home” fits nicely within the blues family. (chicagokingsnakes.com)
– Kelley Simms - Illinois Entertainer
– Kelley Simms - Illinois Entertainer
The Chicago Kingsnakes – Blue Mosaic MusicKing Records MK60659
The Chicago Kingsnakes were formed in 1983 by guitarist / vocalist James Anderson and since then have become a fixture on the Chicago blues scene releasing seven of their own recordings and accompanying Byther Smith on his Bullseye release “I’m A Mad Man”.
The experience of playing with the likes of Smith, Buddy Guy, Albert King, Lefty Dizz, Son Seals, James Cotton, Junior Wells, Koko Taylor and Little Milton has given Anderson’s playing the authority and authenticity required to replicate the true essence of Chicago blues, a trait that is echoed by the talents of harp maestro Nelson Keaton whose playing is steeped in the traditions of all of Chi-Town’s great harp players. To this potent mix you can add the tight but swinging rhythm section of Gus Gotsis (drums) and Mike Bailey (bass), ensuring the band have that wonderful ensemble sound that permeates all of the classic Chicago blues records, and makes you realise why they are so popular on the Chicago blues scene and why they have lasted for so long..
The band open with the “lowdown and greasy” grooves of “Take Your Time” with it’s snakey guitar, mellifluous harp and harmony vocals, before dipping into Jimmy Rogers’ influenced territory with the brooding “Come Back Home” where the harp mines a menacing Big Walter Horton feel whilst Anderson’s guitar is permeated with shades of Magic Sam and Willie Johnston.
“Blues Gone Uptown” is a swinging jazz inflected blues that brings to mind the Aces in their Junior Wells period – “Stop Drop And Roll” is pure Little Walter reminiscent of “My Babe” – whilst “You Don’t Want My Lovin” gives a strong nod towards Otis Rush’s “All My Lovin’”. But if two tracks can sum up the talents of this band, it has to be “Mary Jane” which is delivered in both acoustic and electric formats. The acoustic version has a brooding Sonny Boy II feel accentuated by a laidback underlying menace, whilst the electric version is permeated with a rawer Cyril Davies feel.
Chi-Town blues as it should be played! Rating 9
Mick Rainsford - Blues in Britain Magazine
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The Chicago Kingsnakes - Blue Mosaic - Music King Records
12 songs; 48 minutes Styles: Chicago Blues, Modern Electric Blues, Gospel-Influenced Blues
Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary defines a “mosaic” as “a surface decoration made by inlaying small pieces of variously colored material to form pictures or patterns.” That's a mouthful to say, but a sight to behold! The Chicago Kingsnakes, for the cover art of their tenth release on Music King records, have aptly chosen a mosaic. It depicts a man playing guitar, and one can easily guess its most prominent color. “Blue Mosaic” is an intricately-crafted work, offering a predominance of Chicago blues, but also containing colorful sparks of gospel-influenced and acoustic numbers. One of the defining characteristics of mosaics, the quality that causes many art fans to revere them, is this: Each stone is absolutely unique, yet contributes smoothly to the overall image. Such is the case with the twelve original, “inlaid” songs here. Some brilliant highlights:
Track 4: “Tell the Truth”--Hearing the Kingsnakes' choir-like call to honesty, one might imagine strolling into church. However, if the “baby” mentioned in this song doesn't come clean, she'll be strolling out the door! The band's leader, James “Ang” Anderson, states, “The new lineup has very strong vocal harmonies, and we wanted to capture that sound on this disc.” Here, with the help of long-time cohort Ron Berry on bass and backing vocals, they have done so with sweet, smooth artistry.
Track 6: “So Cold in Chicago”--For anyone familiar with the Windy City, this swinging selection is a real treat! Winning this CD's award for funniest lyrics, it features a frustrated James “Ang” Anderson bemoaning the temperature: “Wind shot me like a .45—I'm stranded on Lake Shore Drive. Lake Michigan's frozen. All the schools are closin'!” As listeners chuckle (and shiver), they'll quickly warm up to Nelson Keaton's breezy harp and Anderson’s tasty guitar runs anchored expertly by Gus Gotsis on drums and Mike Bailey on bass. The only thing it lacks is a decisive closer: perhaps the sound of icicles shattering, or that of a car that won't start, followed by a choice word!
Track 9: “Lefty”--Despite its unassuming title, this is Chicago blues at its finest. The Kingsnakes go all out on this rip-roaring stomp, with each instrument red-hot in the middle of their “Blue Mosaic.” Anderson proudly reminisces about his early days: “Blue Monday at the [original] Checkerboard [Lounge]—it's my time to jam. All of these Monday nights made me who I am!” Purists will delight, and everyone will dance, once they hear the opening notes of this number! The title refers to Chicago legend “Lefty” Dizz, who graciously allowed “Ang” to play his guitar.
The band chose the title “Blue Mosaic” for their latest album because the music reflects their origins in Chicago blues as well as R & B influences. “Ang” Anderson explains, “We all came up playing the blues, but were listening to artists like Curtis Mayfield, Al Green, Booker T. and the MG's and James Brown on the jukeboxes at the clubs.” One thing's for sure: out of varied and seemingly-unconnected fragments comes a cohesive whole, a mosaic made of notes and chords instead of stones. The Chicago Kingsnakes realize this, finding joy in their creation!
Reviewer: Rainey Wetnight - Blues Blast Magazine
Blues Magazine number 63 (France)
La pochette de ce CD est, pour le moins, originale, et dénote une
créativité et inventivité certaines. Les Chicago Kingsnakes se sont
formés il y a un peu plus de 20 ans et ont déjà plusieurs albums à
leur actif. La formation actuelle compte en son sein Nelson Keaton
(hca), James Ang Anderson (voc, gtr), Mike Bailey (bs) et Gus
Gotsis (bat). Parmi les douze originaux proposés ici, la majorité se
réfère à leur influence principale, le Blues de Chicago. Mais, comme
le titre le souligne, il s’agit d’une mosaïque, et on trouve aussi
des traces de Soul et de Rhythm’n Blues. Il y a aussi une certaine
progression dans la construction de l’album, puisque les trois titres
marquants, le Rhythm’n Blues néo-orléanais guilleret Stop Drop
and Roll, et les Rockin’ Blues carrés Lefty et Mary Jane (version
électrique, celle acoustique se traînant un peu) se trouvent en fin
de parcours. Encore un groupe à ajouter à la liste, déjà longue, des
représentants qui font honneur au Blues chicagoen.
By: Bernard Boyat
Rootstime Magazine - Belgium
28 jaar zijn ze al bezig deze “The Chicago Kingsnakes” en hun release “Blue Mosaic” is al hun tiende album inmiddels. Het bevat twaalf originele nummers, allen geschreven door frontman en zanger-gitarist James P.Anderson. De titel van het album verwijst naar de oorsprong van hun muziek die te situeren is in de Chicago Blues met R&B invloeden. Anderson zelf zegt dan weer dat ze blues spelen al luisterend naar Curtis Mayfield, Booker T en James Brown.
Wij noteerden bij beluistering van de aanvang van het album “Easy Listening Blues”. Het soort blues dat aangenaam is om naar te luisteren maar waarbij je tegelijk bijvoorbeeld een boek kan lezen. Het schijnt wat traag en vrolijk, rustig voort te kabbelen. Herkenbare riffs en af en toe wat fijn snarenwerk en dito harmonicalijnen eronder. Soms dan weer wat achtergrondzang en naar de jazz knipogend zoals in “Blues Gone Uptown”. Het album lijkt op een lichte ontgoocheling voor onze oren af te stevenen wegens toch wat meer van verwacht. En plots is daar dan “Tell The Truth”, het vierde nummer op deze uitgave. Het nummer lijkt een gospel te gaan worden met die fijne vocale harmonieën, met dank aan gast Ron Berry, terwijl er een countryachtig sfeertje wordt aan toegevoegd door het subtiele mondharmonicaspel van Nelson Keaton. Verrassend nummer maar de aandacht is getrokken. Het niveau wordt nog opgetrokken met “Sick And Tired”, de trage van dienst met schitterende gitaarsolo en jammerende harmonicaspel.
Het volgende nummer waarvoor we weer wat verder op onze stoel gaan zitten is “So Cold In Chicago” met ongelooflijke grappige tekst, de ritmesectie met Gus Gotsis op drums en Mike Baily op bas laat je als het ware de koude aan de lijve ondervinden, strak , sober, toepasselijk gedaan. Het instrumentale “Hip The Gip” maakt dan weer dat we terug wat bladzijden in ons boek kunnen verder lezen. Het is eigenlijk wachten op de vette knipoog naar Sonny Boy Williamson die “Lefty” wel is voor we weer op het puntje van onze stoel gaan zitten, hier zijn ze wat ons betreft op hun best met die aanstekelijke, dansbare groove.
De laatste twee track zijn twee verschillende benaderingen van hetzelfde nummer. “Mary Jane” krijgt een akoestische en een elektrische versie. De akoestische is ronduit schitterend te noemen: een hypnotiserende, verhalende stem, de fingerpicking en klagende harmonica. Met voorsprong toch wel het beste nummer op dit album. De elektrische versie is ook al boeiend, beukend, stampend, scheurend. Knap werk! Als The Chicago Kings op ene dag erin slagen een album uit te brengen waarop alle songs het niveau halen van de aangehaalde nummers hebben ze een vijfsterrenplaat op hun naam staan. Iets in mij zegt dat dit ooit zal gebeuren.
Bluesyluc
http://www.rootstime.be/CD%20REVIEUW/2011/DEC1/CD19.html
A lot of contrast, both in color and statement
As with any album I review, it’s usually the cover that first catches my eye. The Chicago Kingsnakes chose some artwork by modernist painter Marc Chagall to grace the cover of their new CD, “Blue Mosaic.” Like Chagall's work in which his colors attract and capture attention, The Chicago Kingsnakes blend tones and graduated perspectives into new, living forms that become integral parts of the music on their tenth MusicKing label album release. The cover artwork is a good representation of this band’s cohesive personal Chicago blues vision with R&B and soul influences. Thus, the musical mosaic on this album conveys plenty of striking images and vivid impressions. The songs are all-original, written by guitarist and lead vocalist James “Ang” Anderson. The rest of the band is Nelson Keaton (harmonica), Mike Bailey (bass), and Gus Gotsis (drums). They all sing and that contributes to the band’s well-executed charm that has grown a legion of fans during its nearly three decades in existence. The album presents a lot of contrast, both in color and statement. “Sick and Tired” might have the band wanting to go back where they belong on the south side of Chicago, but “So Cold in Chicago” has them stranded on Lakeshore Drive in a car that won’t start. The Chicago Kingsnakes’ music doesn’t give me that “chill right down to my bone.” Some lyrics come off as a little awkward, and their instrumental work is almost too clean and arranged at times … lacking some of the guts, grit and grease we come to expect in the blues. On the other hand, some of their burning music is pretty hot too, and a few of the cuts might get you to “Stop, Drop and Roll” right into their fire. These guys are clearly an energetic and talented working band with many devoted fans. I only wish they’d take on a few more elements that remind me of Howlin’ Wolf. (Joe Ross, Roots Music Report)
Kuningaskäärmeille
kymppi täyteen
10.1.2012
The Chicago Kingsnakesin kymmenes levy "Blue Mosaic" ei ole aivan napakymppi, mutta melko lähelle taulun keskustaa Tuulisen kaupungin harmoniset matelijat tähtäävät.
The Chicago Kingsnakes on orkesteri, joka vannoo kotikaupungilleen ominaisen bluesin nimeen. Bändi, jonka aikajana venyy pian 30 vuoteen, pullautti ulos omalla Music King Records -levymerkillään kiekon "Blue Mosaic" viime syksynä. Pitkäsoitto on Kuningaskäärmeiden kymmenes.
Mies The Chicago Kingsnakesin takana on James Anderson. Anderson (tunnetaan lempinimillä "Jim" ja "Ang") muistaa lämmöllä pienen Suomenkin. Hän soitti Järvenpäässä Byther Smithin joukoissa kesällä 1992. "Esiintyminen Puistobluesissa on yksi musiikkiurani kohokohdista", Anderson kertoo
Blues-Finland.comille.
Andersonilla on vahva blues-miehen tausta, onhan hän Chicagon rajuna tunnetun South Siden kasvatti. Kotinurkillaan hän oli tekemisissä Chicagon isojen nimien kanssa ja päätyi ennen pitkää legendaarisen Little Miltonin bändiin. The Chicago Kingsnakes ja Byther Smith löysivät toisensa 90-luvun alussa; heidän yhteislevytyksistään merkittävin on "I'm a Mad Man" (1993). Monet pitävät albumia Smithin uran parhaana.
Kukaan on tuskin puulla päähän lyöty, kun selviää, että The Chicago Kingsnakesin "Blue Mosaic" -levyllä pääosassa on perustavanlaatuinen Chicago-blues. Mukaan on toki haettu monipuolisuuttakin. "Musiikki kuvastaa paitsi bluesin juuria myös vaikutteita rhythm 'n bluesista. Koko nykykokoonpano on kasvanut bluesin tahdissa, mutta olemme aina kuunnelleet myös Curtis Mayfieldin ja James Brownin kaltaisia artisteja", Anderson huomauttaa.
Mies puhuu asiaa. Kahdentoista kappaleen levy olisikin ollut hölmö rakentaa pelkästään perusbluesin varaan. Soul-ainesta on tarjolla "Tell the Truth"
-kappaleella. "Blues Gone Uptown" puolestaan edustaa bluesin jump-osastoa. Ero jazziin on yhtä olematon kuin merkityksetönkin. Anderson laulaa: "Well, they call it jazz, sure as you're born"! "Hip the Gip" -instrumentaali vastaa levyn funkaavimmasta menosta.
Laulutyöskentely erottaa The Chicago Kingsnakesin useimmista muista saman tyylin bändeistä. Kaikki levyllä esiintyvät viisi muusikkoa ovat äänessä. Solistina toimii Anderson, ja muu nelikko hoitaa harmoniat. Parhaimmillaan kokonaisuus on raikkaalla avausbiisillä "Take Your Time" ja hölkällä "Stop, Drop and Roll".
Perusblueseista parhaiten toimivat "Take Your Time", tukevasti polkeva "Sick and Tired" ja hienon, tremolosoundilla äänitetyn kitaran komistama "Come Back Home".
"Lefty" on levyn 'pakollinen' Elmore James -tyylin ränttätänttä. "You Don't Want My Lovin'" taas on ties-kuinka-mones kopio Otis Rushin kuolemattomasta
kappaleesta "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)".
"Blue Mosaic" -levylle on keksitty jännittävä lopetus. Kuullaan kappale "Mary Jane" ensin akustisena pohdiskeluna ja heti perään sähköisenä revittelynä. Biisipari toimii oivasti, varsinkin kun Andersonin laulusoundi on purkitettu sähköversiolle albumin muita kappaleita raaempana.
Yhtyeen koko nelikko (entinen vakiobasisti Ron Berry on nyt vierailevassa roolissa) esittäytyy vankkana. Komppiosasto – basisti Mike Bailey ja rumpali Gus Gotsis – ei jätä mitään sattuman varaan. Nelson Keatonin huuliharppu on alati läsnä, mutta osaa ottaa tarpeen mukaan myös sivuroolin. Andersonin kitara soi verevästi, ilman hienouksia. Laulajana hän ei valloita maailmaa.
The Chicago Kingsnakesin tuorein levy on mannaa niille, joille instrumenttiakrobatia ja pitkälle tuotetut teokset eivät maistu. Kappaleet (kaikki
Andersonin originaaleja, bravo!) on äänitetty autenttisen tuntuisella olohuonesoundilla. Soittajat eivät rehentele, vaan soittavat konstailematta omalla
tavallaan. Yllätyksettömyys vaivaa paikoittain, joten aivan nimen mukaista mosaiikkia albumi ei sentään ole. Kappaleissa on kuitenkin jokseenkin riittävästi kirjoa. Mukava kokonaisuus rehellisen Chicago-tyypin bluesin ystäville.
PASI TUOMINEN Blues-Finland.com
.
The Chicago Kingsnakesin kymmenes levy "Blue Mosaic" ei ole aivan napakymppi, mutta melko lähelle taulun keskustaa Tuulisen kaupungin harmoniset matelijat tähtäävät.
The Chicago Kingsnakes on orkesteri, joka vannoo kotikaupungilleen ominaisen bluesin nimeen. Bändi, jonka aikajana venyy pian 30 vuoteen, pullautti ulos omalla Music King Records -levymerkillään kiekon "Blue Mosaic" viime syksynä. Pitkäsoitto on Kuningaskäärmeiden kymmenes.
Mies The Chicago Kingsnakesin takana on James Anderson. Anderson (tunnetaan lempinimillä "Jim" ja "Ang") muistaa lämmöllä pienen Suomenkin. Hän soitti Järvenpäässä Byther Smithin joukoissa kesällä 1992. "Esiintyminen Puistobluesissa on yksi musiikkiurani kohokohdista", Anderson kertoo
Blues-Finland.comille.
Andersonilla on vahva blues-miehen tausta, onhan hän Chicagon rajuna tunnetun South Siden kasvatti. Kotinurkillaan hän oli tekemisissä Chicagon isojen nimien kanssa ja päätyi ennen pitkää legendaarisen Little Miltonin bändiin. The Chicago Kingsnakes ja Byther Smith löysivät toisensa 90-luvun alussa; heidän yhteislevytyksistään merkittävin on "I'm a Mad Man" (1993). Monet pitävät albumia Smithin uran parhaana.
Kukaan on tuskin puulla päähän lyöty, kun selviää, että The Chicago Kingsnakesin "Blue Mosaic" -levyllä pääosassa on perustavanlaatuinen Chicago-blues. Mukaan on toki haettu monipuolisuuttakin. "Musiikki kuvastaa paitsi bluesin juuria myös vaikutteita rhythm 'n bluesista. Koko nykykokoonpano on kasvanut bluesin tahdissa, mutta olemme aina kuunnelleet myös Curtis Mayfieldin ja James Brownin kaltaisia artisteja", Anderson huomauttaa.
Mies puhuu asiaa. Kahdentoista kappaleen levy olisikin ollut hölmö rakentaa pelkästään perusbluesin varaan. Soul-ainesta on tarjolla "Tell the Truth"
-kappaleella. "Blues Gone Uptown" puolestaan edustaa bluesin jump-osastoa. Ero jazziin on yhtä olematon kuin merkityksetönkin. Anderson laulaa: "Well, they call it jazz, sure as you're born"! "Hip the Gip" -instrumentaali vastaa levyn funkaavimmasta menosta.
Laulutyöskentely erottaa The Chicago Kingsnakesin useimmista muista saman tyylin bändeistä. Kaikki levyllä esiintyvät viisi muusikkoa ovat äänessä. Solistina toimii Anderson, ja muu nelikko hoitaa harmoniat. Parhaimmillaan kokonaisuus on raikkaalla avausbiisillä "Take Your Time" ja hölkällä "Stop, Drop and Roll".
Perusblueseista parhaiten toimivat "Take Your Time", tukevasti polkeva "Sick and Tired" ja hienon, tremolosoundilla äänitetyn kitaran komistama "Come Back Home".
"Lefty" on levyn 'pakollinen' Elmore James -tyylin ränttätänttä. "You Don't Want My Lovin'" taas on ties-kuinka-mones kopio Otis Rushin kuolemattomasta
kappaleesta "All Your Love (I Miss Loving)".
"Blue Mosaic" -levylle on keksitty jännittävä lopetus. Kuullaan kappale "Mary Jane" ensin akustisena pohdiskeluna ja heti perään sähköisenä revittelynä. Biisipari toimii oivasti, varsinkin kun Andersonin laulusoundi on purkitettu sähköversiolle albumin muita kappaleita raaempana.
Yhtyeen koko nelikko (entinen vakiobasisti Ron Berry on nyt vierailevassa roolissa) esittäytyy vankkana. Komppiosasto – basisti Mike Bailey ja rumpali Gus Gotsis – ei jätä mitään sattuman varaan. Nelson Keatonin huuliharppu on alati läsnä, mutta osaa ottaa tarpeen mukaan myös sivuroolin. Andersonin kitara soi verevästi, ilman hienouksia. Laulajana hän ei valloita maailmaa.
The Chicago Kingsnakesin tuorein levy on mannaa niille, joille instrumenttiakrobatia ja pitkälle tuotetut teokset eivät maistu. Kappaleet (kaikki
Andersonin originaaleja, bravo!) on äänitetty autenttisen tuntuisella olohuonesoundilla. Soittajat eivät rehentele, vaan soittavat konstailematta omalla
tavallaan. Yllätyksettömyys vaivaa paikoittain, joten aivan nimen mukaista mosaiikkia albumi ei sentään ole. Kappaleissa on kuitenkin jokseenkin riittävästi kirjoa. Mukava kokonaisuus rehellisen Chicago-tyypin bluesin ystäville.
PASI TUOMINEN Blues-Finland.com
.
The Chicago Kingsnakes - "Blue Mosaic" SoundGuardian.com - Croatia
Autor/ica: Mladen Lončar - Mike, dana 29-01-2012 09:10 Author / ica: Mladen Loncar - Mike on 01/29/2012 09:10
Ocjena: Rating: *****
1. First rujna 2011. September 2011. godine, preko izdavačke kuće MusicKing Records pušten je u slobodnu prodaju album Blue Mosaic odličnog blues benda The Chicago Kingsnakes . year, through the publishing house MusicKing Records released the album Blue free sale Mosaic great blues band, The Chicago Kingsnakes. Zahvaljujući alfi i omegi benda, Jamesu 'Ang' Andersonu i njegovom interesu za ovo što radim, imamo prigodu svi zajedno doznati nešto više o bendu koji stvara i radi već više od 28 godina, a ovaj novi album ima, ili nosi, redni broj 10. Thanks alfi and omega band, James "Ang" Anderson and his interest in what I do, all together we have an opportunity to learn more about the band that creates and operates more than 28 years, and this new album there, or carry, No. 10 .
Uvijek s velikim entuzijazmom promoviram ovako već izgrađene i velike bendove, koji iza sebe imaju već zapaženu karijeru, koji iza sebe imaju sjajne albume, bezbrojne koncerte, odrađene festivale, ali i male klupske svirke, jer tu se zapravo teše i brusi zanat. Always with great enthusiasm that promote this already built and the great bands who have been behind a remarkable artistic, who are behind great albums, countless concerts, festivals were done, and small club gigs, because there are actually more difficult and abrasive craft. Za one koji ne znaju, The Chicago Kingsnakes čine: For those who do not know, The Chicago Kingsnakes are:
James' Ang' Anderson- gitara & vokal James 'Ang' Anderson-guitar & vocals
Nelson Keaton – harp & vokal Keaton Nelson - harp & vocals
Gus Gotsis – bubnjevi & vokal Gus Gotsis - drums & vocals
Mike Bailey – bas & vokal Mike Bailey - bass & vocals
uz with
Ron Berry – bas & vokal ( 1,4,5,7,8,9 & 10) Ron Berry - Bass & Vocals (1,4,5,7,8,9 & 10)
Od osnutka benda 1983. Since the foundation of the band's 1983rd do 2011. to 2011. godine, i zadnjeg studijskog albuma Blue Mosaic bilo je uglavnom razvojne konstante uz iznimno male turbulencije i zastoje, što je zapravo rijetkost kod ovako dugovječnih bendova. year, and last studio album, Blue Mosaic was largely constant development with very little turbulence and delays, which is a rarity for such a long-lasting bands. No, zahvaljujući Jamesu 'Ang' Andersonu, The Chicago Kingsnakes imali su svoj izraziti razvojni put, svirajući s doista velikim glazbenicima, od legendarnih Juniora Wellsa i Jimmya Witherspoona do sjajnog Bythera Smitha. However, thanks to James "Ang" Anderson, The Chicago Kingsnakes had expressed their development path, playing with really great musicians, the legendary Junior Wells and Jimmy Witherspoon to glossy Bythera Smith. To sve jasno ukazuje da bend teži onom glazbenom izričaju kojeg mnogi vole titulirati kao "blues 21.stoljeća". All this clearly indicates that the band tends to that of musical expression which many prefer the title "21st century blues." No, taj i takav blues, odnosno glazbeni izričaj, sastavni je dio onoga što je blues bio, što je i što će svakako biti. However, the blues and such, or musical expression is an integral part of what the blues was, is and will certainly be. Takva formulacija glazbenog izričaja nepobitno određuje svu izražajnu snagu tog i takvog bluesa, on jednostavno samo izvire i preplavljuje vaše biće. Such a formulation of musical expression conclusively determines all the expressive power of the blues and such, it simply comes and overwhelms your being.
Vođeni tom idejom The Chicago Kingsnakes su za vlastitu izdavačku kuću MusicKing Records snimili deset albuma i, naravno, nisu se morali nikom dodvoravati ili pak raditi kompromise koje možda ne bi htjeli. Guided by this idea, The Chicago Kingsnakes for their label MusicKing Records recorded ten albums and, of course, they had to wheedle anyone or make compromises that would not have wanted. To je skuplje, to je kompliciranije, ali tu ste svoji, tu snimate onako kako to vi čujete i kako vi samo želite da to zvuči. It's expensive, it's complicated, but there you are your own person, the record as to how you hear and you just want to make it sound. To je velika prednost, to je doista velika stvar, na taj način ostajete duboko svoji i predani onome što volite. This is a great advantage, it is really a great thing, therefore, is deeply committed to their own and what you love. No, da ne duljim, evo kako je to ispalo. No, not longer, here's how it turned out. Blues The Chicago Kingsnakesa je izraziti, tipični i iznenađujući Chicago blues. The Chicago Blues Kingsnakesa to express, typical, and the surprising Chicago blues. Njega čujemo i polaganim, ali i brzim i žestokim temama od otvarajuće Take Your Time , preko razigrane Blues Gone Uptown, Lefty do smirujuće So Cold in Chicago . Him and hear the slow, but quick and fierce from the opening theme, Take Your Time, through playful Uptown Blues Gone, Lefty and soothing So Cold in Chicago. No, da se razumijemo ni ostale pjesme na albumu nisu nimalo lošije ili manje atraktivne, dapače. Hip The Gip, Mary Jane (acoustic & electric), Come Back Home, Sick And Tired Tell The Truth, Stop Drop and Roll (My Baby - Little Waltera) te You Don't Want My Lovin' vrijedne su naše pozornosti. However, to understand any other song on the album are by no means inferior or less attractive, indeed. The Hip Gip, Mary Jane (acoustic & electric), Come Back Home, Sick And Tired Tell The Truth, Stop Drop and Roll (My Baby - Little Walter) and You Do not Want My Lovin 'worth of our attention.
Na kraju krajeva to se i očekuje od ovakvog benda koji je svirao s velikom većinom svima nama poznatih i legendarnih blues glazbenika, od Buddya Guyja i Alberta Kinga do Sona Sealsa, Jamesa Cottona i Koko Taylor. Ultimately it is expected from this band that played with the vast majority of us all famous and legendary blues musicians, from Buddy Guy and Albert King to Sona Seals, James Cotton, and Koko Taylor.
Zaista nemam previše informacija koliko su Hrvatskoj ljudi upoznati s radom i djelovanjem ovog benda, osobno sam preslušao nekoliko pjesama do ovog albuma koji je, moram to priznati i napisati, otvorio jednu novu stranicu u mom odnosu spram bluesa. I really do not have too much information to Croatia people familiar with the work and activities of this band, I personally listened to several songs from this album that I have to admit it and write, has opened a new page in my relationship to the blues. Ono što je bitno je da nikada ne možete čuti sve, niti imati sve. What is important is that you can never hear anything or have it all. Možete možda imati samo jedan mali dijelić i tek kada počnete sakupljati male i nove frgmente za vaš mozaik, svaki novi dan otvaraju vam se novi i novi komadići koji će vaš mozaik činiti još boljim, još zvučnijim i raskošnijim. You may have only a small fraction, and only when you start to collect small and new frgmente for your mosaic, every day you open up new and new pieces that will make your mosaic to do even better, sounding more and more luxurious. Eto, u tome je poanta cijele priče. Well, that's the crux of the story.
PREPORUKA: RECOMMENDATION:
Dragi moji 'bluzoljupci' - 'blues lovers' svaki novi dan je bogatstvo, svaki novi dan donosi jedan novi fragment, donosi jedan potpuno novi, sjajniji i ljepši komadić koji samo čeka da ga položimo u taj čudesni mozaik blues glazbe. Dear ones 'bluzoljupci' - 'blues lovers' every day is a treasure, every new day brings a new fragment, brings an entirely new, brighter and more beautiful piece that is just waiting to be laid out in this wonderful mosaic of blues music. To je ono što se ne može kupiti, to je zapravo onaj čudesni dar koji dobivamo albumima, odnosno materijalima poput ovog albuma Blue Mosaic odličnih The Chicago Kingsnakes . This is what can not be bought, it is actually the miraculous gift that we get the albums, or materials such as this excellent album Blue Mosaic The Chicago Kingsnakes. ODLIČNO!! EXCELLENT!
Ocjena: Rating: *****
1. First rujna 2011. September 2011. godine, preko izdavačke kuće MusicKing Records pušten je u slobodnu prodaju album Blue Mosaic odličnog blues benda The Chicago Kingsnakes . year, through the publishing house MusicKing Records released the album Blue free sale Mosaic great blues band, The Chicago Kingsnakes. Zahvaljujući alfi i omegi benda, Jamesu 'Ang' Andersonu i njegovom interesu za ovo što radim, imamo prigodu svi zajedno doznati nešto više o bendu koji stvara i radi već više od 28 godina, a ovaj novi album ima, ili nosi, redni broj 10. Thanks alfi and omega band, James "Ang" Anderson and his interest in what I do, all together we have an opportunity to learn more about the band that creates and operates more than 28 years, and this new album there, or carry, No. 10 .
Uvijek s velikim entuzijazmom promoviram ovako već izgrađene i velike bendove, koji iza sebe imaju već zapaženu karijeru, koji iza sebe imaju sjajne albume, bezbrojne koncerte, odrađene festivale, ali i male klupske svirke, jer tu se zapravo teše i brusi zanat. Always with great enthusiasm that promote this already built and the great bands who have been behind a remarkable artistic, who are behind great albums, countless concerts, festivals were done, and small club gigs, because there are actually more difficult and abrasive craft. Za one koji ne znaju, The Chicago Kingsnakes čine: For those who do not know, The Chicago Kingsnakes are:
James' Ang' Anderson- gitara & vokal James 'Ang' Anderson-guitar & vocals
Nelson Keaton – harp & vokal Keaton Nelson - harp & vocals
Gus Gotsis – bubnjevi & vokal Gus Gotsis - drums & vocals
Mike Bailey – bas & vokal Mike Bailey - bass & vocals
uz with
Ron Berry – bas & vokal ( 1,4,5,7,8,9 & 10) Ron Berry - Bass & Vocals (1,4,5,7,8,9 & 10)
Od osnutka benda 1983. Since the foundation of the band's 1983rd do 2011. to 2011. godine, i zadnjeg studijskog albuma Blue Mosaic bilo je uglavnom razvojne konstante uz iznimno male turbulencije i zastoje, što je zapravo rijetkost kod ovako dugovječnih bendova. year, and last studio album, Blue Mosaic was largely constant development with very little turbulence and delays, which is a rarity for such a long-lasting bands. No, zahvaljujući Jamesu 'Ang' Andersonu, The Chicago Kingsnakes imali su svoj izraziti razvojni put, svirajući s doista velikim glazbenicima, od legendarnih Juniora Wellsa i Jimmya Witherspoona do sjajnog Bythera Smitha. However, thanks to James "Ang" Anderson, The Chicago Kingsnakes had expressed their development path, playing with really great musicians, the legendary Junior Wells and Jimmy Witherspoon to glossy Bythera Smith. To sve jasno ukazuje da bend teži onom glazbenom izričaju kojeg mnogi vole titulirati kao "blues 21.stoljeća". All this clearly indicates that the band tends to that of musical expression which many prefer the title "21st century blues." No, taj i takav blues, odnosno glazbeni izričaj, sastavni je dio onoga što je blues bio, što je i što će svakako biti. However, the blues and such, or musical expression is an integral part of what the blues was, is and will certainly be. Takva formulacija glazbenog izričaja nepobitno određuje svu izražajnu snagu tog i takvog bluesa, on jednostavno samo izvire i preplavljuje vaše biće. Such a formulation of musical expression conclusively determines all the expressive power of the blues and such, it simply comes and overwhelms your being.
Vođeni tom idejom The Chicago Kingsnakes su za vlastitu izdavačku kuću MusicKing Records snimili deset albuma i, naravno, nisu se morali nikom dodvoravati ili pak raditi kompromise koje možda ne bi htjeli. Guided by this idea, The Chicago Kingsnakes for their label MusicKing Records recorded ten albums and, of course, they had to wheedle anyone or make compromises that would not have wanted. To je skuplje, to je kompliciranije, ali tu ste svoji, tu snimate onako kako to vi čujete i kako vi samo želite da to zvuči. It's expensive, it's complicated, but there you are your own person, the record as to how you hear and you just want to make it sound. To je velika prednost, to je doista velika stvar, na taj način ostajete duboko svoji i predani onome što volite. This is a great advantage, it is really a great thing, therefore, is deeply committed to their own and what you love. No, da ne duljim, evo kako je to ispalo. No, not longer, here's how it turned out. Blues The Chicago Kingsnakesa je izraziti, tipični i iznenađujući Chicago blues. The Chicago Blues Kingsnakesa to express, typical, and the surprising Chicago blues. Njega čujemo i polaganim, ali i brzim i žestokim temama od otvarajuće Take Your Time , preko razigrane Blues Gone Uptown, Lefty do smirujuće So Cold in Chicago . Him and hear the slow, but quick and fierce from the opening theme, Take Your Time, through playful Uptown Blues Gone, Lefty and soothing So Cold in Chicago. No, da se razumijemo ni ostale pjesme na albumu nisu nimalo lošije ili manje atraktivne, dapače. Hip The Gip, Mary Jane (acoustic & electric), Come Back Home, Sick And Tired Tell The Truth, Stop Drop and Roll (My Baby - Little Waltera) te You Don't Want My Lovin' vrijedne su naše pozornosti. However, to understand any other song on the album are by no means inferior or less attractive, indeed. The Hip Gip, Mary Jane (acoustic & electric), Come Back Home, Sick And Tired Tell The Truth, Stop Drop and Roll (My Baby - Little Walter) and You Do not Want My Lovin 'worth of our attention.
Na kraju krajeva to se i očekuje od ovakvog benda koji je svirao s velikom većinom svima nama poznatih i legendarnih blues glazbenika, od Buddya Guyja i Alberta Kinga do Sona Sealsa, Jamesa Cottona i Koko Taylor. Ultimately it is expected from this band that played with the vast majority of us all famous and legendary blues musicians, from Buddy Guy and Albert King to Sona Seals, James Cotton, and Koko Taylor.
Zaista nemam previše informacija koliko su Hrvatskoj ljudi upoznati s radom i djelovanjem ovog benda, osobno sam preslušao nekoliko pjesama do ovog albuma koji je, moram to priznati i napisati, otvorio jednu novu stranicu u mom odnosu spram bluesa. I really do not have too much information to Croatia people familiar with the work and activities of this band, I personally listened to several songs from this album that I have to admit it and write, has opened a new page in my relationship to the blues. Ono što je bitno je da nikada ne možete čuti sve, niti imati sve. What is important is that you can never hear anything or have it all. Možete možda imati samo jedan mali dijelić i tek kada počnete sakupljati male i nove frgmente za vaš mozaik, svaki novi dan otvaraju vam se novi i novi komadići koji će vaš mozaik činiti još boljim, još zvučnijim i raskošnijim. You may have only a small fraction, and only when you start to collect small and new frgmente for your mosaic, every day you open up new and new pieces that will make your mosaic to do even better, sounding more and more luxurious. Eto, u tome je poanta cijele priče. Well, that's the crux of the story.
PREPORUKA: RECOMMENDATION:
Dragi moji 'bluzoljupci' - 'blues lovers' svaki novi dan je bogatstvo, svaki novi dan donosi jedan novi fragment, donosi jedan potpuno novi, sjajniji i ljepši komadić koji samo čeka da ga položimo u taj čudesni mozaik blues glazbe. Dear ones 'bluzoljupci' - 'blues lovers' every day is a treasure, every new day brings a new fragment, brings an entirely new, brighter and more beautiful piece that is just waiting to be laid out in this wonderful mosaic of blues music. To je ono što se ne može kupiti, to je zapravo onaj čudesni dar koji dobivamo albumima, odnosno materijalima poput ovog albuma Blue Mosaic odličnih The Chicago Kingsnakes . This is what can not be bought, it is actually the miraculous gift that we get the albums, or materials such as this excellent album Blue Mosaic The Chicago Kingsnakes. ODLIČNO!! EXCELLENT!
A Blues Album That Won't Let You Down - By Kevin Bligh, Epinions.com
Feb 10 '12 Pros:A testament to what good blues music is all about.Cons:Need to be willing to give it a shot.The Bottom Line: The Chicago Kingsnakes have shown that blues music can be exciting and invigorating to listen to and more and more people should dive into the genre.
Back in the day, rapper Warren G. had a moving statement that went, “The blues have always been American, as American as apple pie, but the question is why. Why are the blues so at home right here? The answer is America provided the atmosphere.” And perhaps behind what might be deemed a simple rap lyric there is actually something quite powerful. Blues music is really a powerful American genre of music that is dynamic, powerful and beautiful when it is performed well.
The Chicago Kingsnakes have been putting out amazing blues music for nearly the past 30 years and their latest release entitled Blue Mosaic is no different.
The Kingsnakes describe that the intent of their new release is to both pay homage to the blues of the past and also show that blues is not a dying breed of music and that it is sure to carry on into the future. The album is a well rounded and expertly performed album that emphasizes what good blues music is all about and leaves the listener with nothing short of a sheer appreciation for blues music.
The Chicago Kingsnakes are comprised of James “Ang” Anderson (guitar and vocals), Nelson Keaton (harmonica and vocals), Gus Gotsis (drums and vocals) and Mike Bailey (bass and vocals).
The album starts off with a rather smooth track entitled Take Your Time which is appropriately named since the slower pace really allows for the music of The Chicago Kingsnakes to work its way into your musical ear. There is an initial glimpse into the vocals of the band however shortly thereafter there is a really impressive glimpse into the instrumental sounds that the band can put out. The instrumentation is a pleasant musical glue that holds together the track well and from a performance perspective is performed with precision, clarity and unique sounds that are inventive and developed nicely.
The best track on the album is So Cold in Chicago. Having been to The Windy City and since this band hails from Chicago, it seems as though this track would be the ideal song to warm up inside a cozy little pub with a pint of Goose Island beer in hand. With the lyrics singing about the cold winter air wrapping itself around Chicago, if you called Chicago home this would be the quintessential song to have playing around the house as a snow storm entered the city and the cold winter winds were whipping off of Lake Michigan. There is a nice hometown feel to the track and The Chicago Kingsnakes prove on this track why they are consistently dubbed one of Chicago’s top blues bands.
Lefty is another great track that really focuses on those rich blues sounds that make blues music what it is. With some repetitive lyrics paired up side by side to guitar sounds that are wide ranging and descend and ascend just about as quickly as one can imagine there is a real symbiotic sound at work on this track. The foot-tapping and head-bobbing effect that blues music should have upon a listener comes out strongly on this track and there is a remarkable guitar rift at the end that really shakes things up nicely.
Track Listing:
Take Your Time
Come Back Home
Blues Gone Uptown
Tell the Truth
Sick and Tired
So Cold in Chicago
Hip the Gip
Stop Drop and Roll
Lefty
You Don’t Want My Lovin’
Mary Jane- Acoustic
Mary Jane- Electric
The Chicago Kingsnakes have been a fixture upon the Chicago music scene for nearly three decades and their most recent release Blue Mosaic is a testament to why they have stayed musically relevant for so long. Blues music is often times not the most popular genre of music out there but this is likely due in large to the fact that people are hesitant to give it a shot. With an album like Blue Mosaic, The Chicago Kingsnakes have shown that blues music can be exciting and invigorating to listen to and more and more people should dive into the genre.
Blue Mosaic is on the MusicKing Records label. The album was produced by James P. Anderson and was recorded at The Spot Studio.
For more information about The Chicago Kingsnakes, check out their website at http://www.chicagokingsnakes.com/.
Recommended: Yes
Back in the day, rapper Warren G. had a moving statement that went, “The blues have always been American, as American as apple pie, but the question is why. Why are the blues so at home right here? The answer is America provided the atmosphere.” And perhaps behind what might be deemed a simple rap lyric there is actually something quite powerful. Blues music is really a powerful American genre of music that is dynamic, powerful and beautiful when it is performed well.
The Chicago Kingsnakes have been putting out amazing blues music for nearly the past 30 years and their latest release entitled Blue Mosaic is no different.
The Kingsnakes describe that the intent of their new release is to both pay homage to the blues of the past and also show that blues is not a dying breed of music and that it is sure to carry on into the future. The album is a well rounded and expertly performed album that emphasizes what good blues music is all about and leaves the listener with nothing short of a sheer appreciation for blues music.
The Chicago Kingsnakes are comprised of James “Ang” Anderson (guitar and vocals), Nelson Keaton (harmonica and vocals), Gus Gotsis (drums and vocals) and Mike Bailey (bass and vocals).
The album starts off with a rather smooth track entitled Take Your Time which is appropriately named since the slower pace really allows for the music of The Chicago Kingsnakes to work its way into your musical ear. There is an initial glimpse into the vocals of the band however shortly thereafter there is a really impressive glimpse into the instrumental sounds that the band can put out. The instrumentation is a pleasant musical glue that holds together the track well and from a performance perspective is performed with precision, clarity and unique sounds that are inventive and developed nicely.
The best track on the album is So Cold in Chicago. Having been to The Windy City and since this band hails from Chicago, it seems as though this track would be the ideal song to warm up inside a cozy little pub with a pint of Goose Island beer in hand. With the lyrics singing about the cold winter air wrapping itself around Chicago, if you called Chicago home this would be the quintessential song to have playing around the house as a snow storm entered the city and the cold winter winds were whipping off of Lake Michigan. There is a nice hometown feel to the track and The Chicago Kingsnakes prove on this track why they are consistently dubbed one of Chicago’s top blues bands.
Lefty is another great track that really focuses on those rich blues sounds that make blues music what it is. With some repetitive lyrics paired up side by side to guitar sounds that are wide ranging and descend and ascend just about as quickly as one can imagine there is a real symbiotic sound at work on this track. The foot-tapping and head-bobbing effect that blues music should have upon a listener comes out strongly on this track and there is a remarkable guitar rift at the end that really shakes things up nicely.
Track Listing:
Take Your Time
Come Back Home
Blues Gone Uptown
Tell the Truth
Sick and Tired
So Cold in Chicago
Hip the Gip
Stop Drop and Roll
Lefty
You Don’t Want My Lovin’
Mary Jane- Acoustic
Mary Jane- Electric
The Chicago Kingsnakes have been a fixture upon the Chicago music scene for nearly three decades and their most recent release Blue Mosaic is a testament to why they have stayed musically relevant for so long. Blues music is often times not the most popular genre of music out there but this is likely due in large to the fact that people are hesitant to give it a shot. With an album like Blue Mosaic, The Chicago Kingsnakes have shown that blues music can be exciting and invigorating to listen to and more and more people should dive into the genre.
Blue Mosaic is on the MusicKing Records label. The album was produced by James P. Anderson and was recorded at The Spot Studio.
For more information about The Chicago Kingsnakes, check out their website at http://www.chicagokingsnakes.com/.
Recommended: Yes