THE NEW GROOVE – Quit Bitchin’ – CD review

THE NEW GROOVE
Quit Bitchin’
self released

Well that’s just lovely that is. I mean how are you supposed to be mean spirited and bitchin’ about something, when you find out that the band and this record only exist because three days before Christmas 2011, Ben Curtis (lead vocals and harmonica) was sitting in front of a urologist hearing the words “I’m sorry to tell you Mr Curtis but you have prostate cancer”, which turned out to be advanced, aggressive and inoperable, with the chances of a cure next to nil. I mean talk about bloody emotional blackmail.

A couple of months later, he got together with an old writing and gigging buddy Steve French (lead and rhythm guitars) and they started recording some songs, about life and good times, about our mortality and loss. With the cancer slowed down due to radiotherapy treatment, they both decided that they wanted to record the songs, and got together with Steve ‘Rodders’ Rodford (drums and percussion), Henrik Irgens (bass) and Carrie Haber (keys and backing vocals) to make this record.

Fortunately for all concerned it’s a mighty fine record. I love harmonica driven blues, and when The New Groove are in full flow, they’re very reminiscent of Dr Feelgood. Which is, officially, a good thing. The whole thing sounds great, probably due in no small measure to Grammy award-winning sound engineer Steve Orchard and Rockfield Studios, but it would be nothing without the songs and the performances, which are, generally, sparkling. Ben Curtis has a raw and gritty voice which suits the material perfectly, and when all the stars align, as they do on the title track, ‘If I Have To Leave’ and ‘Give It Time’, it’s a righteous noise.

Granted, not all the songs are out of the top drawer, but if you’re looking for an album of raucous, seventies, harmonica driven British blues, then this is the one for you.

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