Schmidt, Peter & Scott, ShaneBlues Approved2003Stone Pillar ProductionsSPP00006

Schmidt, Peter & Scott, Shane - Blues Approved - 2003 - Stone Pillar Productions - SPP00006

Written by John Taylor

As a musical genre with fixed parameters and a rich legacy of tradition to draw upon, blues seems ideally suited to accommodate guest artists. Yet the apparent simplicity of the form is deceptive, and the chemistry required to pull it off convincingly can be elusive no matter how accomplished the talent involved.

Peter Schmidt and Shane Scott are both consummate sidemen, the former as a guitarist, and the latter on bass. Both have played with virtually everyone on Toronto's blues scene. For their eagerly anticipated debut, they've elected to call on a vast array of friends for what, in lesser hands, might have been a mismatched mess. Yet together the two have delivered what may well be the best disc to come out of Canada this year.

Schmidt and Scott took the unusual approach of creating a musical foundation, then calling upon their guests to write the lyrics for the tunes each would sing. The benefits are twofold; the music itself has a consistency and cohesion often lacking in multi-artist celebrations, and it allows the guests to participate at a deeper, and arguably, a more personal level.

And what a guest list it is! Vocalists include Downchild's Chuck Jackson as well as Ricky Day (whose jaw-dropping performance on Back On Top is a veritable lesson in the effective delivery of a song). Doubling on vocals and harmonica are Little Bobby, David Rotundo, Mark "Bird" Stafford, and Jerome Godboo.

Piano comes courtesy of both Mel Brown and Julian Fauth. The inimitable Jack de Keyzer contributes slide guitar on a cut; his drummer, Tony Ajo, is there as well. Another Downchild veteran, Gary Kendall, contributes bass to a pair of tunes. And that's just the beginning! Suffice to say that all remaining participants, simply too numerous to mention, are of the same caliber and deliver equally sterling performances throughout.

Schmidt and Scott (who also handles vocals on three songs in a thoroughly credible manner) are both serious students of the blues. That they've done their homework is amply evident in the depth of the grooves they've created here. With material ranging from tough Texas shuffles to gritty Chicago grinders to West Coast swing, they provide solid, unobtrusive support throughout. When Schmidt steps out, he displays an unerring mastery of tone and taste, his leads invariably clean, economical, and expressive.

While most projects feature a highlight or two that stand out, Blues Approved is consistently strong from start to finish. From the opening T-Bone style instrumental to the closer, a two-harmonica workout featuring Dr. Nick and Rotundo, the generous 15-track play list could well be a primer in modern blues.

There's not a weak track in the bunch, and moments of brilliance abound. While all the harmonicists rate among Canada's finest, Godboo virtually redefines the instrument's tonal palette on his own song entitled Jesse. Mel Brown is a marvel on organ, and Bob Vespaziani, who handles the bulk of the drum chores, lays down a classic shuffle beat that just never stops swinging.

Given the number of guests, it's obvious the sessions were conducted according to availability. Again, to the project's advantage, all took place at Scott's own Bassline Studios, and his consistent hand at the controls ensures a satisfying coherence. Sound is just fine, neither too muddy nor too bright, with a distinct "live in the studio" feel.

As a debut recording, Blues Approved is a staggering accomplishment, its assurance and maturity a beacon of hope for the continued vitality and validity of the blues.

This one gets my very highest recommendation!

Copyright 2004. Review by John Taylor.

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