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Oreo Blue is an extremely talented blues/rock/soul band
hailing from Arkansas. For their third live recording they have
chosen to offer a CD/DVD set in which they pay tribute to Jimi
Hendrix. As part of this tribute, a slight name change was in
order: they became the Oreo Blue Experience.
I originally learned about Oreo Blue and became an avid fan when I
came across and purchased their previous recording called
“Ten Down-Live at the ByPass.” When I first saw that
they had a new Hendrix tribute available, I couldn't quite see,
based on “Ten Down”, where the Hendrix influence came
in. This just goes to show that you can't judge a band by its
previous CD. I have never seen them live, but I came to learn that
they had been including Hendrix material in their set for years. I
also had a few reservations about how a saxophone would fit in a
Hendrix tribute. Wrong again. Brian Crowne, the sax player,
enhances rather than detracts from |
the music. He plays a growling, wailing, raging, yet
melodic sax that has made me completely change my mind about the
“appropriateness” of sax in a blues/rock framework.
After 40 years of listening to blues/rock music and narrow-mindedly
believing that a harmonica was the perfect foil for electric
guitar, I am now convinced, thanks to Mr. Crowne, that a sax is the
way to go. His performance is that good.
I know that most visitors to the Bluesrockers web site
are guitar afficianados. Rest assured that the guitar playing is
tremendous. Gary Hutchison, one of those players who deserves
guitar-god status in my opinion, has the knack for capturing
Hendrix's style of playing while avoiding any attempt to copy him
note-for-note. Hutchison also has one major skill in common with
Stevie Ray Vaughan (whose version of Voodoo Chile serves as perhaps
the best known of Hendrix tributes): the ability to construct a
solo that flows in such a way that he never runs out of ideas on
what note to play next. It also doesn't hurt that he really knows
his way around a wah-wah pedal. If you enjoy this effect, be
pleased that you will find it in abundance. I love this guitar
effect and Hutchison's tone and talent in using it is indeed
impressive.
The rhythm section, consisting of Rod Williamson on bass
and Stephen Boudreaux on drums, is tight, the recording quality
excellent, and the choice of covers right up my alley (versions of
Voodoo Chile, Hey Joe, Red House, and All along the Watchtower that
are around 10 minutes each). Chris Payton, former vocalist with
Oreo Blue, puts in a guest appearance on Little Wing. Her soaring,
soul-influenced vocals, made me want to listen to the earlier Oreo
Blue releases. She has a majestic voice with both range and
intensity.
The DVD that is part of the set is a particularly
welcomed treat. The tracks are the same as those on the CD with one
exception: the addition of Star Spangled Banner to end the concert.
Being able to watch the performance allows you to see exactly how
much the band enjoys playing. Witness the Hendrix-style dramatics
that Hutchison displays on Hey Joe, including flips, playing with
his teeth, controlled feedback, and smashing his
guitar.
This set is one of the best purchases I have made in
many months (and I make a lot, just ask my wife). The CD has
remained in my car's player for over two weeks now. This is a new
personal record for me. I cannot give a higher
recommendation.
Al Kaplan
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