Fields; Dave: Detonation

There's no denying that I'm a sucker for an uptempo, kickin' slice of the blues and there's no denying that Detonation from Dave Fields is an uptempo kickin' blues album. One with enough sass, class and hip shakin' ass to stand out from the crowd.

Fields himself is a mighty fine guitarist, with two previous solo efforts to his name, and while bandying names around like Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix places him in exalted company, these are the names that spring to mind more often than not when the likes of "The Alter" and "Prophet In Disguise" fire out of the speakers, all riffs blazing. However when you consider that Fields has worked with the likes of John Mayall, then it would be more of a surprise if he wasn't a talented fret caresser. Vocally however the feel is a little more commercial, with Fields' gritty edged voice coming across like a bourbon soaked Don Henley, or even Richard Marx. This allows the album to straddle the middle ground between catchy, accessible and rip snortin' blues and it is a place that Detonation is more than happy and capable of thriving in. "Same Old Me" could be a slow bluesy hit single, with a deft Gary Moore like solo, while "Lydia" is one of those songs where every ounce of emotion is wrung from the guitar, leaving you exhausted, yet satisfied by the slow, easy, yet passionate atmosphere. Personally I could live without the reggae vibe of "Bad Hair Day", but then that's more to do with my lack of enthusiasm for that genre than any inability of Fields and his band to pull it off. Although the scat vocals are just plain annoying.

Speaking of his band, Field has assembled a group of musicians with the ability to take his ideas and transform them into living breathing characters with stories to tell and lives to live. Andy Hueneberg positively throbs on bass, Kenny Soule grooves with soul and poise behind the kit, while Vladimir Barsky brings a huge amount to colour to the album through his keyboard work. They all add a pop sheen to album closer "You Will Remember Me", with the tear shedding vocals hitting home in convincing style. Although it really is the groovin' juggernauts like "Dr. Ron" that capture this captivating cast at their undoubted best.

On May 20th this year Dave Fields was inducted into the NY Blues Hall Of Fame. On the strength of Detonation, it is easy to hear why.

Track Listing
1. Addicted To Your Fire
2. In The Night
3. Doin' Hard Time
4. Prophet In Disguise
5. Bad Hair Day
6 .The Altar
7 . Better Be Good
8. Same Old Me
9. Pocket Full Of Dust
10. Dr Ron
11. Lydia
12. You Will Remember Me

Added: November 2nd 2012
Reviewer: Steven Reid
Score:
Related Link: Dave Fields online
Hits: 1795
Language: english

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