Sideman, TheWhen The Sun Goes Down1994Dark Light Music Ltd

Sideman, The - When The Sun Goes Down - 1994 - Dark Light Music Ltd

Written by Warren Dallin

Seeing that Paul Reddick and the Sidemen have just won the 2002 W.C. Handy Award for "Best New Artist Debut Album" for their 4th album actually, I felt it worthwhile to go back in history to review their 2nd indie released CD which proves they are not a one-time wonder.

This album is a solid blues recording that displays the band's talent for combining funky backbeats on half the tracks and reverberating slide on others, pushed by a driving drum beat on all. The album is produced by Joe Louis Walker, which in itself lends credibility to the professional nature of this album. Also, this album was nominated for a Juno for "Best Blues/Gospel Album". As if that wasn't enough, it features local blues veteran (especially to all the Guelph/K-W bluesfans) Mel Brown on piano displaying that he can hit the keys just as good as he plays his Gibson guitar.

But beyond just name dropping this album endures because of the style of blues this tight knit group kick out. It is the type of album that you just can't stop in the middle of playing. I think the secret of their success is twofold. They mix plenty of harp and guitar solos within a song and mix up the traditional verse, chorus, and solo pattern. Solos kick in early and keep the listener enjoying some great guitar and blues harp work throughout a song. Secondly, even though each song keeps you energized by the driving drum and bass combo, the guitar and harp solos don't come off rushed and sort of work in a slightly behind-the-beat delay that keep you anticipating the next riff.

Finally, the album was sponsored by Communications Canada and it's good to see my taxpayer dollar invested wisely.

Copyright 2002. Review by Warren Dallin.

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