Rather than a Blues guitarist’s record, I like to think of
the album as of a musical journey that encompasses many of my influences.
These include Blues ranging from 50s style to a more modern, contemporary
sound, as well as rock’n’roll, soul, and a hint of Latin.
The CD reflects in many ways what I do on a live concert, as my goal on a
live gig has always been to explore different guitar and songwriting styles
and make them fit together in a way that is coherent and respectful of the
musical tradition. I decided to split the album between songs that feature
vocals, and a few instrumentals. I wanted the record to be about the music
and tasteful, rather than overloading it with my guitar playing.
Lynwood Slim is featured on the four songs that represent
the more “classic” side of the recording. However, I tried to push the
envelope, and have Lynwood sing in an environment that is more modern than
the Jump Blues style he is often associated with. The results are, in my
opinion, surprising. I think that this album offers a new outlook on
Lynwood’s far-reaching capabilities as a singer, and hearing him sing a
Chicago-style slow blues, or a Texas shuffle like “Call You No More” the way
he does on this CD, showing that he can shine even on a modern-sounding
record, is pure delight.
New Orleans Blues legend “Jumpin” Johnny Sansone is, first of all, a great
friend. I do back him up on his European tours, and the extensive time
we spend together gives me the chance to appreciate how excellent a person
he is. During the sessions for the CD he stayed at my home with his wife for
a week,
and it was simply a fantastic time!
I picked some of Italy’s finest Blues musicians, who are my good friends and
long-time partners in my live gigs. Alberto Marsico (Hammond) and Gio Rossi
(drums) are internationally known figures, having worked, toured and
recorded with the likes of Joey DeFrancesco, Sugar Ray Norcia, Mark
DuFresne, Finis Tasby, Alex Schultz. In addition I employed Luca Tonani
(electric bass), Walter Tosin (upright bass), Roberto Stefani (drums), Fabio
Buonarrota (trumpet), Walter Calafiore (tenor and baritone sax).
Two of Italy’s most known Blues guitarists, and great friends, Enrico
Crivellaro (who is signed by Electro-Fi Records of Toronto) and Umberto
Porcaro are welcome guests on “Let’s Hang Out”. ~AC
