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CD41
RADIOTONES
GRAVEL ROAD
Buzz Records
British blues is alive and well. Radiotones a three piece outfit of Scottish highlanders have their feet planted in the 21st century, while their hearts are in 20th century delta blues. Their plan is to bring acoustic based blues to a new generation with a new look, attitude and sound they call acoustic garage blues. They are led by Dave Arcari on vocals and who plays a National guitar (a Style `O' and a Polychrome Tricone). Dave is joined by Jim Harcus on blues harp and Adrian Paterson who keeps a steady beat on bass. Dave Arcari's vocals are reminiscent of Tom Waits' and his guitar playing and slashing slide are what drives this band along.
The music on their debut album Gravel Road is raw and gritty and projects an enormous amount of energy.
The self-produced album has ten songs in all, four covers that include Johnson's Come On In My Kitchen, Hooker's This Is Hip and Bukka White's Jitterbug Swing. The six original songs wouldn't be out of place if they had been written in the 30s or 40s. Standout tracks are Gravel Road, Journeytime Is Over and Good Friend Blues. A highlight on the album is the harp solo on Paul Lamb's Where Were You?, that really shows off the harp playing of Jim Harcus.
You can find out more about the Radiotones and order a copy of their CD Gravel Road from their website at http://www.radiotones.com or listen to some sound samples.
Eric Black
Blue Country 101FM
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