Damn Right I’ve Got The Blues – GT’s Boos Band vs. Randy Scott vs. Jon Zeeman

Damn Right I’ve Got The Blues – GT’s Boos Band vs. Randy Scott vs. Jon Zeeman

GT’S BOOS BAND
Steak House
self released

Some Scotch blues from GT (Greig Taylor) and Boos (John Boos) from up there in Stirlingshire. I first heard of them when one of these songs – ‘What I’m Wishing’ – appeared on Volume III of the Scottish blues compilation series, “Jocks Juke Joint”. In fact the whole album has been produced by JJJ mastermind Lewis Hamilton.

They’re firmly on the rock side of blues rock, even if the opening track is their tribute to Howlin’ Wolf. Eight of the ten tracks are originals with a visit to ‘Death Letter’ by Son House and a rendition of the Motorhead (yes, Motorhead) gem ‘Whorehouse Blues’ for good measure.

And it’s a good album for those of who like their guitars cranked up. However, when they put their minds to it, they can throw in a slow blues as good as ‘Lonely Roads’ just to mix things up a bit. But it’s ditties like the title track that are going to get folks in a tizz and guarantee them gigs on the blues circuit. A good job.

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RANDY SCOTT
Out Of The Blue
Favored Nation

Detroit, Michigan guitarist, Randy Scott is the star of an American reality TV show called “Chasing The Dream”. I say star but as it’s broadcast on something called MAVTV Cable Network, this may be stretching the definition of the word a bit. Luckily for all concerned, though, he’s a seasoned blues performer,who knows his way round a guitar.

Albert Lee rates him, and even turns up to play on a couple of the songs on this all original set. He’s also got Travis Carlton from Robben Ford’s band on bass and Jeff Babko from Larry Carlton’s group on keyboards, so it’s no surprise that it sounds good. There are plenty of good tunes on offer, with the instrumental ‘Talkin’ My Baby Down’ a real highlight.

He can sing as well, and seems equally comfortable on rockers and ballads alike. My favourites at the moment are ‘Ramblin’ Man Blues’ and ‘Whiskey From the Bottle’ but you could put the needle in any groove and be guaranteed an enjoyable time.

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JON ZEEMAN
Down On My Luck
Membrane Records

If you live over in the former colonies you might be familiar with the name of Jon Zeeman, seeing as how he has toured, recorded and performed with the Allman Brothers Band and Susan Tedeschi. But he’s been doing his own thing since the nineties, with his debut album, “Still Life” appearing ten years back.

This album sees him performing ten original numbers alongside a cover of the Johnny Winter tune ‘I Love Everybody’ and is sure to appeal to those who like their blues rock filtered through the stylistic twiddlings of Jimi Hendrix. With a side order of Clapton. There are some nice numbers of offer, with the Haynes era Allman Brothers sounding ‘Hangman’s Bridge’ and ‘Waitin For the Storm’, the best of the bunch.

There are nods to SRV on the likes of ‘So Bad’ and all in all, it’s an electric blues offering worth a listen.

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