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ROD
PIAZZA "FOR THE CHOSEN WHO"
Source: Phoenix Blues Society
Date: 12/2005
Writer: K. Deibler |
Wonderfully
conceived, beautifully executed, For the Chosen Who
is easily one of the top ten blues albums you’ll
hear this year. Influenced by producer Randy Chortkoff’s
desire to explore Rod Piazza’s blues roots, For
the Chosen Who takesyou all the way back to the 60’s
to Rods days in the band, Bacon Fat, with his mentor,
George “Harmonica” Smith to the Chicago
Flying Saucer Band era where Rod first met Honey and
bassist Bill Stuve to the present day. This Delta Groove
production also includes a session DVD filming the recording
process to round out what will surely be a seminal work
in the proud history of Rod and the Flyers.
Opening
with the Jimmy Reed song, I’m a Love You, Rod
begins his journey back to his roots. His harmonica
playing shines from the first note and the energy
from I’m a Love You segues into the wonder gospel
feel of You Can Make It If You Try, the classic Ted
Jarrett tune. Rod’s vocals are the focal point
of the song and he’s ably supported by the background
vocals of Amy Keys, Cynthia Manley, Jessica Williams
and Robbyn Kirmsee. Broken Hearted Blues is the first
of two songs inspired by Rod’s time spent with
Muddy Waters guitarist Jimmy Rodgers and along with
Trace of You pays homage to the mid 80's when Rod,
Honey and Bill Stuve were the band backing Jimmy.
Flyers
guitarist Henry Carvahal’s leads are simply
scintillating on the Ike Turner Tune, She Makes My
Blood Run Cold and leads into two classic harmonica
performances by Rod. Shoestring is an instrumental
by Rod and segues into an acoustic version of the
Sonny Boy Williamson tune Ground Hound Blues that
is featured on the DVD.
“Description
of a Fool” is the first Piazza original on the
disc and features
inspired harp playing by Rod coupled with it’s
straight to the point message,
“a man ain’t been born yet who knows what
a woman will and will not do”. Coupled with
some very hot guitar licks by Phil Guy, Rod ensures
that all men should know better.
Honey’s
Blues is just that. A wonderfully expressive instrumental
that allows Honey to shine, it’s a very beautiful
piece. Phil Guy’s inspired guitar leads support
Honey’s efforts and gives Rod a chance to just
let his harp do the talking.
Got
to Find My Baby finds Johnny Dyer sitting in with
Rod and allows these two Blues legends to play off
each other’s energy as they search to find their
baby. Their interaction is a feature on the DVD and
a wonderful piece of blues give and take.
Producer
Chortkoff contributes the next song to the project,
Call Me Dangerous and plays harp on the cut as well.
Highlighted by Phil Guy’s leads Rod portrays
himself as a dangerous man out on the town. This inspired
cut segues into the final Piazza original, Blues Player,
Rod’s anthem telling the world “I play
the blues because my heart’s beating with a
soulful mellow tone!” The hearts of all the
Flyers beat with the same mellow tone and For the
Chosen Who shares with us a band whose collective
heart is bigger than the sum of its’ parts.
The true blues fans will consider themselves amongst
the Chosen Who. After hearing this album you can’t
help but have the ears to hear the music and the soul
to appreciate its worth.
And next time you see Rod, Honey & the Flyers
“tell them you’re amongst
The Chosen Who, it’s a distinction of honor
for everyone who hears this wonderful album. |
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