"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.
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."
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Jim Santella has been contributing CD reviews, concert reviews and DVD reviews to AAJ since 1997. His work has also appeared in Southland Blues,The L.A. Jazz Scene, and Cadence Magazine.