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CD08
THE BACKSLIDERS
POVERTY DELUXE
SHOCK
Until relatively recently, The Backsliders were best known for their energetic renditions of early, acoustic blues numbers. With the advent of Wide Open that all changed, with the album boasting sixteen tracks, ten of which were original. Poverty Deluxe sees The Backsliders further mining that vein with just two covers, both penned by US songster, Roy Bookbinder one of which features the master storyteller himself.
Comprised of Dom Turner (vocals and guitars), Jim Conway (harmonica) and Pete Burgess (percussion), The Backsliders' considerable talents are further augmented by Kara Grainger (vocals), Don Walker (piano) and George Butrumlis (accordion) amongst others.
Though blues is very much still a part of the story, it's ceased to be whole deal. On Poverty Deluxe, The Backsliders stretch the boundaries of their sound to encompass folk, rock and even jazz. The resultant gumbo will have a broader appeal but hopefully without alienating their blues fans. I loved Dom's solo effort, the very moving Bound To Love Me Some and Emily, which sees Pete tackle the vocal duties. I hope we hear more from him in the future. Also the instrumental Tonal Dilemma has a groovin', aural appeal.
As great as this album is, be sure not to miss The Backsliders live. You'd be hard-pressed to find a better live band anywhere. The Backsliders will be performing at the Woodford Folk Festival at the Blues Venue on Tuesday, 28 December.
Helen Farley
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