[Harp-L] Steve Guyger Radio Blues

[diachrome@xxxxxxxxxxx]

I'm surprised I haven't seen much harp cd reviews lately except for what RH posts. 

Steve Guyger's new cd seems to have slipped under the radar.  It came out a few months ago.
I received my copy yesterday after finding it by accident on Amazon.com. last weekend.

This isn't much of a review. Just a short note after listening to it this morning. 

Steve's sound is a little different on this outing. His last couple of recordings were more on the acoustic side.
This is a  5 piece electric band.  Unlike some current contemporaries Steve remains relaxed at all times. 

There is never a need for "in your face" blowing even on the upbeat songs.   There is a coolness in his playing and vocals that reminds me of Big Walter and LW.   Even when the band picks up tempo he doesn't get frantic with his soloing.  Every note is hits is with a relaxed stride, full tone, and beautiful technique. 

No wall of amps or carpet of effects but plenty of tone coloration by use of his hands throughout the cd by an expert
in the old school style. Severn Records did a great job in capturing the subtleties in his use of hand effects in the electric arena. 
 
This cd is a great example in all the things a blues harp player strives for because of the clarity in which the harmonica was recorded and the way the songs were approached.  It isn't a tribute to tired standards with note for note duplication. 

Great job by Steve, the musicians and folks at Severn.  

mike