Been A Long Time Coming
I have been explaining to people for a long time that there is a great big world out there and everywhere you go you're going to find musicians that'll just knock you out. This is a specific case in point of a band that everybody should be aware of. At least fans of great Blues music should be. Root Doctor plays no nonsense Blues filled with catchy guitar lines, a fat B-3 sound and so much soul that you'd swear they emerged from somewhere within the deep South. Forget that notion right now. This extraordinary band hails from Lansing, Michigan and if this release garners the respect it should, you can expect to see these guys become regular participants in major festivals and events that will take them a long way from the Midwest.
This is one tight outfit. Centered by the rich caress of Freddie Cunningham's expressively soulful vocals; a talent that climbs to sensational heights on selections such as covers of "Last Two Dollars" and "Turning Point" or the tear-evoking original "Hold On." Guitarist Greg Nagy delivers chops that work appropriately, setting the tone for each number. And he also presents a fine example of Delta sounds with his solo piece "Mississippi Blues." Armed with just his acoustic, Nagy pulls off a track that would be more expected from an artist such as John Hammond or Paul Geremia. Personally I could listen to a whole album of just this form of music. But I would miss out on the treat of listening to this band work as a unit. Adding that extra pizzazz to the recording is the very tasteful Hammond B3 playing of Jim Alfredsen. It's an instrument that just doesn't get focused upon as much anymore and it's a fresh breath complimenting this group. Topped off by the steady rhythms of Matt Hayes (drums) and James Williams (bass), plus the added power of the Sofa King Horns that truly bring the soulful numbers to a climax.
"Been A Long Time Coming" is a CD that you may not find going to just any of your local music outlets. But it is very much worth your time to find it on-line (it is listed on CDBaby.com for example). This is a band destined for success and you couldn't ask for a better showcase than this exceptional recording. Highly recommended!!
Gregory Johnson, President, Cascade Blues Association
Portland, OR - Aug 2006
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