Eddie M & Blueshounds2003Barnyard Records BYR 749

Eddie M & Blueshounds - 2003 - Barnyard Records BYR 749

Written by John Taylor

Liner notes don't give much information about Eddie Mlynarski, other than that he's from Thunder Bay. This CD is his debut recording on which he fronts a trio including drummer Pat Phillips and bassist Jon Armstrong, who provide adequate backing throughout.

Eddie M wrote all but one of the tunes, the lone cover being a take on Muddy's Rollin' And Tumblin. It's evident, from the titles alone, that Eddie's interested in contemporary themes. Club Disco, Gambling Blues, and Computer Blues all use current touchstones to address timeless issues.

Elsewhere, there's the traditional-sounding Closing Time (With Eddie's stinging leads very effective), the slightly funked-up Thinking Of You, a grinding Don't Ever Leave, and the moody, minor-key Morning After. The lone cover, Muddy's Rolling And Tumbling (sic), gets a heavy dose of distortion, but Eddie's vocals don't carry quite the menace the tune requires.

Eddie's voice isn't particularly gruff or grizzled, but it is in keeping with the slightly jazzy sound he gets from his guitar. (Those familiar with American blues-rocker Smokin' Joe Kubek will notice a startling similarity at times with Joe's vocalist, B'Nois King). There's a lightness, almost a playfulness, to his phrasing that renders his approach unique enough to be appealing. He favours clean, uncluttered fretwork for the most part, though he exhibits plenty of crunching chording where appropriate.

Guests include Wally Hryb on harmonica - he's limited to a single solo on the opener, and I can't honestly say I was looking forward to hearing more - and Stuart Green, who subs on drums for a pair.

Production here is less than adequate (and that's being kind), which is a shame. The sound is simply too muddy, too muffled and condensed, to do Eddie justice; he seems a talented fretman, an innovative songwriter, and a better-than average vocalist, albeit one whose individual approach will appeal more to some than others. Were this disc better produced, it would be a winner. As it is, it doesn't really rise above demo status.

I look forward to a more suitable showcase for Eddie and friends.

Copyright 2003. Review by John Taylor.

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