CD Reviews "OUT OF THE BLUES"

New CD Review

My Rating: Five Star

The Work In Progress Band's "Out Of The Blues" CD is so exhilarating to a blues lover. The music and vocals are energizing blues, be it the raunchy down home "chittlin circuit", type played by Muddy Waters or the Jazzy form. The styles on the CD takes you from the "Delta Blues" of Muddy Waters and John Lee Hooker to the "Chicago club type blues" of Ma Rainey, and Lady Day. They were even able to incorporate their own essence of funk into the music.

"Work In Progress" is one band that will be capturing audiences for a long time. Their CD is a essential for any 'blues lover's'. Seeing a live performance would only be the icing on the cake...Watch for the band's CD's and live performances in your area.

Harold, Music director Muzictalk Radio

The Work In Progress Band
"Out Of The Blues"

    The Work in Progress Band has been playing the blues together for over ten years now, and "Out Of The Blues" is the second release for this Atlanta based Blues, Funk & Soul Band. Their members include: John Marshall on Guitar, Nashid Abdul on Bass, Pete Peterson on Vocals, Ben Irvin on Drums & Background Vocals, and Royal Joiner on Keyboard. Other contributors on this project are Steve Cohen on Drums, Billy Wallace on Piano, Carl Culpepper on Guitar, and Shirley Diamond and Falencia Harris on Background Vocals.

    Although it sounds like something that would make most of us happy, Pete seems down when as he sings the words "I Have Blues In My House". It's quite apparent that he's singing about an ornery women and not about a music genre. This track features some hot guitar licks from John, great piano solos by Billy and outstanding vocals from Pete - who's voice was made for singing the blues.

    There's no doubting him when Pete says "I'm A Bluesman". Hearing him sing this track validates that statement.

    "Out Of the Blues" is a fast paced instrumental that's pretty much all about John and his guitar. With the rhythm guys providing some heat, John just smokes it from beginning to end. Great stuff!

    There's no better way to get rid of them than to "Dance The Blues Away". And on this one, the rhythm that Nashid and Ben are providing will make you want to do just that. They're at discs best here.

    With the emotion that Pete puts into his vocals, you can almost feel what he's feeling for this "Dark Eyed Cajun Women". Highlights on this one are strong keyboard work by Royal, funky bass from Nashid and absolutely perfect vocals from Pete. One of the discs best.

    Other tracks on "Out Of The Blues", of which eight are originals, include: "Dimebag Of Your Love", "She's A Work In Progress", "One Woman", "When The Blues Come Knockin", and "Young Bob Blues".

    Before closing, here's an anecdote I'd like to share with you. When I first looked at the picture of the band on the CD cover, it reminded me of my days in the hood. I found myself thinking that it wouldn't be fun to run into these guys down a dark alley . That would be a mess in progress. Having grown up in a "wise guy" riddled area of Brooklyn, NY, I thought I recognized these thugs. Then, at the bands web site, there was same picture with the caption "What A Motley Crew". Amen!   When they make "The Sopranos" movie, these guys need to be in it. If you want a better look, go to www.theworkinprogressband.com. Since you're there, pick up the disc and tell the guys the Blewzzman says hello......SIRS!

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com