Known around the North East of Scotland as a prolific bluesman, Gerry Jablonski is back, and this time he’s brought with him some extraordinarily talented musicians. Packing killer riffs and striking solos, Jablonski and co have crafted a rocking debut that pushes all the right buttons.It is important to note that this is not merely a Gerry Jablonski project – the name is incidental – and this is most definitely a collaborative effort. Written as a group, the songs contained here are sublime nuggets of blues rock. Backed up by an impressive rhythm section featuring Dave Innes on drums and Grigor Leslie on bass, Jablonski and Polish blues harp sensation Peter Narojcyk complete the stellar line-up.
Opener Breaking the Stones begins as if heard over a crackling old radio but soon bursts forth with energy, and that power is carried on throughout the album. Other standout moments include Two Time Lover, which features some impressive guitar work; Love, a blues classic in the making if ever there was; and slower track Cold Outside, a heartfelt blues ballad of epic proportions. With an emotional guitar solo and a warm harp tone, the track is quite simply stunning, and oozes passion.
Elsewhere, penultimate track Undercover is perhaps one of the best on the album, blending a memorable sing-along riff with some spectacular harp-work from Narojcyk. With an opening drum beat not dissimilar to that of The Sweet’s Ballroom Blitz; throw in a sublime, warm guitar solo and guitar vs harp ‘battle of the virtuosos’ and the result is near perfection.
Let’s set the record straight: there’s nothing breathtakingly original about this album. What there is, however, is a masterful understanding of what makes the blues so magical; and excellent musicianship throughout. There really isn’t a dull track on the album. Rammed full of as much enthusiasm and skill as can fit onto a compact disc, the record is sure to make the hairs stand up on the back of your neck. Having already taken the Edinburgh Blues & Jazz Festival, and Wizard Festival, by storm, the outlook is good for The Electric Band. The future’s bright… the future’s blues.
Gerry Jablonski and The Electric Band’s self-titled debut is available in various record shops and online now, via Fat Hippy Records. Catch them gigging in and around the North East of Scotland for the rest of the year – details on their MySpace.
For more information, check out www.myspace.com/thegerryjablonski
ES
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