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ROD
PIAZZA "FOR THE CHOSEN WHO"
Source: Blues Revue
Date: 8/2005
Writer: Art Tipaldi |
Even
after more than 40 years, Rod Piazza moves deeper into
the blues with each record he makes. In addition to
his long-established Mighty Flyer band - Honey Piazza,
Bill Stuve, Henry Carvajal, and Paul Fasulo - he and
Randy Chortkoff pushed the boundaries of the comfort
zone on For the Chosen Who, punctuating certain songs
with horns and a gospel-like chorus. They also called
in some veteran bluesmen to give the music a gritty,
full-bodied seasoning: West Coast legends Finis Tasby
and Johnny Dyer, Chicago guitarist Phil Guy, and traditional
blues drummer James Gadson lock in the groove on four
songs.
The disc opens with Kid Ramos’ shivery guitar
vibrato on Jimmy Rogers’ “Left Me With a
Broken Heart,” before moving to Piazza’s
call and response with the chorus on Jimmy Reed’s
”I’m a Love You.” Most daring is Piazza’s
tender ballad “You Can Make It If You Try,”
where stylish vocals expose a new side of Piazza: Lights
low and sax growling, he flaunts a crooner’s elegant
sincerity as the backup singers escort him into sanctified
contemporary soul.
“Honey’s Blues” weaves Honey’s
roller-coaster treble rolls with Rod’s low-end
draws and Guy’s guitar. Piazza and Dyer go way
back on the Little Walter classic “I Got To Find
My Baby.” Rod and Honey even turn off the electricity
on a cover of John Lee Williamson’s “Ground
Hog Blues.” For the Chosen Who has all the reed-bending,
harmonica wails, and soft piano spirit of a late-night
club set. There’s enough deep blues to thrill
any lover of the genre, but there are also soulful ballads,
lively R&B, and even hints of gospel. The artistic
spontaneity and exquisite song selection have produced
one Piazza’s finest records.
In addition to the music, a bonus DVD showcases “You
Can Make It If You Try” and “Ground Hog
Blues, two of the disc’s best songs, as they were
recorded in the studio, and offers conversations about
the blues by the participating musicians. This first-class
film puts the viewer by Piazza’s side. |
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