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Tupelo Blue: Tupelo Blue

Item: Tupelo Blue
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Author: Jim Santella

By Jim Santella
April 1, 2000
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"You play the blues, ya pay your dues, you’re gonna play the blues for less." So go the lyrics. Loving what you do and knowing that you’ve got to support yourself somehow, you make do with what you’ve got. Your employer could fill that club with techno-dancers or a reggae party crowd every night if you didn’t want to work. So you’ll work for less. It builds character, right? That’s what makes Tupelo Blue’s original songs so interesting. Their debut album combines down home tradition with 1950s rock & roll, timeless boogie-woogie, and emotional ballads. These are songs to which we can all relate easily through our everyday experiences. Samples of their album are available at the band’s website .

The album’s highlight, "I Believe It’s True," contains dramatic power and a driving rhythm. Sheldon contributes a stellar Wes Montgomery interlude, Lesher’s harmonica solo lights creative fires, and their lyrics provide lessons in daily living. We go to work every day and we know why things work the way they do. We know right from wrong, but we have to deal with the world around us just the same. It ain’t easy. The blues helps to focus those thoughts, and Tupelo Blue stands out as a convincing messenger.

Track Listing

Combination; Blues For Less; Sawdustin

Personnel

Tupelo Blue

Bob Lesher- harmonica, vocals; Ken Sheldon- guitars, backing vocals; Mary Ann Jensen- bass, vocal on "Gold To Blue" and "Blue Cat;" Scott Van Dusen- drums, percussion; Steve Omalev- piano on "Whiskey and Moonlight," "Serious Business" and "Ten Tears."

Album information

Title: Tupelo Blue | Year Released: 2000

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