Blues
Local blues musician Geneva Red and her band The Roadsters have just released their third full-length album entitled "Gettin' Cocky." On this entertaining collection of rousing blues rave-ups, juke joint stompers and hypnotic hoodoo numbers, Red, along with musical partner-in-crime Jackie 5 & Dime Wolworth, has incorporated a taut no-nonsense band that pulls out the slack found in so many modern day blues acts today.
Recorded live in the studio in Palatine, IL at Soto Sound the results of this album will be warmly received from fans of the blues and particularly the style of post-war blues from harp masters such as Sonny Boy Williamson I & II, DeFord Bailey and Little Walter. Red's own rough-and-tumble harmonica style on "Who's That Lurkin'" pays homage to Sonny Boy Williamson II (Rice Miller), while she trades licks with Wolworth's harrowing guitar on an engaging cover of Howlin' Wolf's "Who's Been Talkin' (which was also earlier revisited by Robert Cray on his 1980 debut album of the same name.) While the band also delivers a soulful rendering of West Coast R&B musician Floyd Dixon's "Hard Livin' Alone," with Red offering up one of her most sexy and sultry vocal deliveries put to disc, it should be noted that these are the only two cover songs on the collection.
One of the strengths of this record, in fact, aside from the high caliber of musicianship throughout, is the songwriting. Of the eight numbers penned by Wolworth and two by Red (including the infectious "A Lil' Somethin,' again featuring an arousing vocal and haunting harp delivery) it's apparent that these two have tapped into to the true soul of the blues (not bad for a couple of white folks from Wisconsin). Building off the foundation of 1950s urban blues compositions, the pair unveils these new numbers that are both timeless and refreshingly invigorating for such an age-old genre.
The Roadsters are further fleshed out with the talents of Chicago blues guitarist Jimmy Johnson (Otis Rush, Freddie King, Magic Sam) who effectively trades off leads between Wolworth's own spirited guitar and Red's earthy harp and husky voice. The backbone of this band is supported by bassist Snapper Mitchum (Son Seals, Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor) and drummer David "Tu Sweet" Anderson.
Even with a revolving cast of talented musicians and blues legends from album to album, Jackie 5 & Dime and Geneva Red keep honing their blues style into something more engaging with every release. Hell, no wonder they're getting cocky.
By Tony Bonyata.
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Geneva Red & The Roadsters' new CD Gettin' Cocky featuring world acclaimed blues harp player/singer/songwriter Geneva Red and her band The Roadsters (guitarist Jackie "5 & Dime" Wolworth, Bassist "Snapper" Mitchum, Drummer David "Tu Sweet" Anderson) along with guest Chicago's legendary guitarist Jimmy Johnson joining the Roadsters throughout.
In this their third full-length CD, Geneva Red & The Roadsters perform 10 brand new songs plus 2 favorite classics. Geneva Red, known for her aggressive harmonica style, mixes her amplified sound with her acoustic sound for a balanced set that emphasizes her blues harp talents and highlights her full range vocals. Guitarist Jimmy Johnson contributes the straight ahead guitar style he is noted for. "5 & Dime" trades guitar roles back and forth with Johnson and together these two weave a tight and integrated musical fabric. Bassist Snapper Mitchum joined Geneva Red & The Roadsters in 2002 and drummer David Anderson in 2003 and once again supply that rhythmic foundation that has not been heard on record since their days with Son Seals (Chicago Fire, Blues Deluxe).
Leading her band of accomplished musicians, Geneva Red, a slim six-foot tall read-head, is known for her powerful harmonica playing and her strong heart-felt vocals. Living Blues Magazine wrote "...the sound is classic '50s blues, and Geneva Red plays with a driving style that touches all the ancestral bases." The American Harmonica News Magazine had this to say, "Some of the sweetest harp playing that I've ever heard. Her tone and phrasing brought to mind the great Chicago blues greats - Little Walter, Big Walter, SonnyBoy II, and Jimmy Reed." Red's interaction with the crowd is also an important part of her performance. "I like to let the audience know that they are part of the music we're making, part of the whole experience. Their participation makes all the difference" Red said.
Geneva Red has performed with renowned veteran blues artists, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Jimmy Johnson, Bob Margolin, Phil Guy, John Primer, Floyd Murphy, Sam Carr and fellow harmonica players, Billy Branch, Paul deLay, Studebaker John, and R.J. Mischo to name a few.
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"Blues fans who like harp, solid vocals, and an original playlist that spans the history of the form will enjoy Geneva Red & The Roadsters." - Living Blues Magazine.
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01. When Ya Do Me 4:19
02. Who's That Lurkin' 4:07
03. A Lil' Somethin' 6:25
04. Don't Let the Devil Catch You Nappin' 4:17
05. Small Minds, Big Heads 3:14
06. When I Wonder 7:18
07. Taxin' Me 4:27
08. Ain't No Big Thing 4:32
09. Who's Been Talkin' 3:48
10. Groove Verification Man 5:43
11. Hard Livin' Alone 4:22
12. Gettin' Cocky 2:27
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