Reviews
After one listen to "Meloneras Blues" I thought: "What a fine album.
However, indicated that there are similar references to artists such as Tony Joe White and Joe Cocker………the first because of the swampy blues arrangements and the second because of the highly Cocker-like voice of Gerry Lane.
Because Tony Joe White and to a lesser extent Joe Cocker belong to my favorites, I also love the music of this artist who lives in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria (the vacation island) since 1993.
The reason that his music, which has elements of the Chicago blues, blues rock and soul, touched me through its accessibility.
Another argument is that the music has been played very well on
this album and Lane's own production is crystal clear.
Thumbs up for men like Joe Vitale who plays beautiful pieces on his Hammond B3 in songs like "Hip Grinding Blues" and "Want to Make Love to Ya Baby".
Also worth to mention is the tight drum work of Frank Basile and the assistance of the guitarists Paul Black, Eric Larmier, Paul Jermyn and Michael Dowdle.
The main course of this album is the fantastic guitar licks of Lane.
Therefore, I gave "Meloneras Blues" by Gerry Lane a chance.
Listen, for example, to the title track…”Meloneras Blues” and also "Let It Go" and "Para Ti"......
all three songs have the beautiful backing of the Memphis Horns.
"Wasted Years" has Paul Black on his slide guitar, or listen to the slow blues of "Dangerous Times" and "That's Why It's Called the Blues" and you will perceive the same empathy for the West Cork Irish born musician.
Blues lovers will certainly appreciate this album, however, to the general public; Gerry Lane is unfortunately relatively unknown.
So plan for this year a holiday to Gran Canaria, go enjoy music in The 19th Hole Bar, the place to be in Meloneras, because insiders say Lane's shows are worth going to see.
ROOTSTIME
c/o Wanted Productions
Freddy Celis
Gen. de Wittestraat 11
3545 Halen
Belgium
Tuesday, December 09, 2008
The 'Blues' meets the 'Island Beat'
Artist: Gerry Lane (http://www.myspace.com/gerrylane)
Album: Meloneras Blues
Review by: H.A. Gustar, Toronto Canada (http://www.myspace.com/hgustar)
The “BLUES” meets the “ISLAND BEAT”
Gerry Lane is singer/songwriter/performer extraordinaire. Gerry lives and plays in
Gran Canaria, Spain but he grew up in Ireland, in County Cork. With influences like
Rory Gallagher and Noel Redding no wonder he’s turned out to be an excellent blues musician and performer. And this is no less evident than in his latest work, “Meloneras Blues”.
The title track, “Meloneras Blues” evokes a visit to the beautiful Canary Islands. But it also gives an overpowering feeling of fantasy…a little piece of paradise we all would like to have. An homage to this is Poppa E’s (http://www.myspace.com/blackowlmusicmiami) acoustic rendition. It becomes a magical piece.
This is a blues album but Gerry walks you through a couple of genres that only go to show his vast knowledge of music. He brings to the table a variety that keeps the listener very much interested right through to the final track “Para Ti” loosely translated, (For You) which is an instrumental with a very ‘island’ feel. You can hear the Spanish sound in this song just like you can see the Spanish influence in Key West, Florida and throughout the Caribbean,
The next three songs are more blues originals. However, “Wasted Years” has a real jazzy feel with the horns that he has added (but if I know Gerry he’d probably not like that reference). Eventually however, the bluesy beat comes through, but hey, we’ve got piano and horn again and I love “All That Jazz”. Ha ha.
The bluesiest number of them all is “Hip Grinding Blues” with an excellent slide performance by Eric Larmier (http://www.myspace.com/ericslide). And for sure you are riding a Harley (I’m riding behind Peter Fonda in “Easy Rider”) on the open road. Your next stop is a roadhouse where you bust through the canteen doors and tear up the joint with your dancing…that’s for sure.
He heads off in another direction with the elegiac “Dangerous Times”. Carlos Nebot (http://www.myspace.com/carlosnebot) provides the soothing background vocals. This is a commentary on our lives today in the current climate of the world. And no matter what we are going through this song will always be relevant, from 9/11 to the economic crisis of late.
He reminds us and he is right…we need to reach out and touch someone.
This is a very intimate album. “Livin’ On The Line” certainly must be a testament to his own experiences. It’s positioned mid-way through the list and clearly it is the highlight. The lyrics ask a question we have all asked ourselves; can we really let go of the past? Paul Jermyn (http://www.myspace.com/pauljermyn36) is the talent behind the excellent guitar work. The melody and guitar play lighten the lyrics with a gitty-up feel. You are riding a horse on a sun dappled trail with a piece of straw between your teeth and not a care in the world and dreaming of your past and hopefully your future.
“A Man Without The Blues Is A Man Without Soul” has a persistent beat that ultimately makes your foot tap and head bob. It’s a very infectious melody that when played you’ll need to pump up the volume to really get that bass pounding through your body. If you didn’t have soul before you hear this song you will after you hear it.
Listening to each track I’ve come to understand the talent of this man. He laid down every track and created every song from start to finish on his own. But just like Joe Cocker he got a little help from his friends. And lets not forget the lyrics he wrote which are beautiful and poignant commentaries on life and it’s experiences.
This is a blues album but if you find yourself in Meloneras watching Gerry Lane perform at
The 19th Hole you won’t be singing the blues anymore. Your soul will be transported whether you are in the Canary Islands or at your local pub down the street. It’s not the place but it’s the vibe you feel inside. When you listen to this album you will be in a good place.
It’s more than a feeling, it’s a fact, this will be a very successful track.
November 17, 2008
H.A. Gustar
(http://www.myspace.com/hgustar)
(http://www.myspace.com/hag_mouse_art)
Hi Gerry,
A very kind man (also called Gerry!) presented your CD “Meloneras Blues” to me. Every time I am listening to all the songs I prefer another one. I can’t say which I like most. So I come to the conclusion all of them touch my soul!
The sound of the music, especially the guitar, your voice and the lyrics go perfectly together. It’s an album for dreaming, reflecting and being able to find something of my own life.
Thank you very much for this wonderful music. I think:
Everybody can feel the blues!!
I’m already looking forward keenly to your next album. I’m sure I will love it as well!
You are simply the best!!
Take care and best wishes
Elke
(From Germany)
7/25/2009
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