Ballantine, Charlie: Providence

Here is another guitar blues/jazz album, this one titled Providence, the sophomore effort from Indianapolis based guitarist Charlie Ballantine. Rounding out the rest of the band are Amanda Gardier (alto saxophone), Josh Espinoza (organ), Conner Green (bass) and Josh Roberts (drums).

The band has the ability to hit on some excellent blues stylings as in the slow burning guitar dominated "Conundrum" and the organic sounding "Old Hammer", a fine way to begin the album. The hard hitting "Roads" also demonstrates this five piece's penchant for rougher edges although some softer moments do well to smooth out the sound. The organ in particular is used quite prominently. Ballantine's guitar tone soars with a ferocious bite that will surely satisfy the grittiest of blues fans. On the pretty "Hallelujah" and the serene "Gentle Lena Clare" the guitarist shows his softer side, very melodic and just a little sorrowful with a hint of wistfulness amongst his easy flowing notes. The sax solo on "Hallelujah" is absolutely gorgeous.

Ballantine and his band have made a real nice instrumental jazz/blues album that is just plain good for the soul. Hopefully he and his band will gain more recognition as they are very talented players and more importantly have written some fine tunes. Please, do yourself a favour and give this one a listen. Independent artists such as Ballantine deserve your support.

Track Listing:
1. Old Hammer
2. Providence
3. Eyes Closed
4. Gentle Lena Clare
5. Hallelujah
6. Roads
7. Temptation
8. Conundrum
9. Hopeful Mind

Added: August 4th 2016
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 1622
Language: english

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