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ROD
PIAZZA "FOR THE CHOSEN WHO"
Source: Southland Blues
Date: 07/2005
Writer: Jim Santella |
With
The Mighty Flyers and guests, Rod Piazza sings a program
from the blues mainstream and fills each piece with
his soulful harmonica. Titles such as “Broken
Hearted Blues,” “Ground Hog Blues,”
“Honey’s Blues” and “Blues Player”
offer a clue as to what moves and shakes this exciting
band. Tradition oozes forth in the form of boogie-woogie,
highly-charged romps, and lovelorn blues ballads. Piazza
sings convincingly with a laidback demeanor that puts
your mind at ease. As the session’s rhythmic vivacity
sinks in thoroughly, you can feel yourself being carried
away.
Piazza’s
guests add a significant spark to the session. David
Woodruff adds a powerful saxophone jive. Phil Guy,
Buddy’s brother, plays lead guitar on four tracks.
Kid Ramos sits in for two numbers, Johnny Dyer sings
a duet with Piazza on “Got to Find My Baby”
and Finis Tasby and James Gadson join the ensemble
for four songs. Delta Groove owner, producer and blues
harpist Randy Chortkoff sits in for “Call Me
Dangerous” with an emotional approach that scores
big.
Piazza’s
vocals take the album for a meaningful ride through
back country roads, slick urban streets and long,
winding highways that give us plenty of time for some
serious thinking. The album’s lone instrumental
number stands apart from its terrific soulful delivery
and traditional spirit. Featuring Honey Piazza’s
rollicking piano adventures, Phil Guy’s searing
guitar spotlight and Rod Piazza’s ever-present
harp conversation the piece knocks your socks off.
Providing
an extra measure of insight into the music and those
who create it, the package contains a separate DVD
that tells the story of this recording from start
to finish. Interviews and music combine for a detailed,
23-minute documentary that lets you in on the secrets
that make this session work so well. |
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