2007-12-03
Richard Ray Farrell and Italian harmonica virtuoso Marco Pandolfi keep it pure in this long overdue acoustic blues extravaganza. The duo have been playing together on and off for the past decade and this features shows the depth that a phenomenally tight partnership can produce. Drawing from many of the early blues, this self-produced album features a wide variety of tracks from some of blues most prestigious founders. Showcasing his wide vocal musings, the duo stands at the crossroads in Robert Johnson's "Phonograph Blues." "Honey Babe" shows off Pandolfi's talent in this first-take of the 1948 John Davis recording. Three Farrell originals cap things off in this long anticipated feature. If you love the simplicity of blues roots, this album of the 21st centuries new fathers blazes refreshing ground on some old-time standards. - Daniel J. GraeberThe opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.