Still At LargeIndependent - Canadian Blues

Still At Large - Independent

Written by John Taylor

Blues may well be a near-perfect art form. From the harrowing intensity of Robert Johnson to the majestic dignity inherent in every note Muddy ever played (except, of course, for Electric Mud. But that's a whole 'nother subject.) to the spare and simple elegance of B. B. King, it's a genre rich with defining moments.

And as with any arena of human endeavour, there are those content to repeat what's been done before, while others prefer the past merely provide the building blocks for further exploration.

No one's likely to call Windsor, Ontario-based Still At Large traditionalists. Characterized by ferociously snarling guitars courtesy of brothers Mike and James Bruce, their music is definitely contemporary, informed as much by rock and funk as it is by blues. Purists may cringe, but there's simply too much good music here to allow dictionary definitions to get in the way of a good time.

Things kick off with Aardvark Blues Café, probably the bluesiest track here. Lyrically it's a throwaway, but there's no shortage of similar works out there - songs honouring musicians' favourite hangouts - and it's well done, providing a fitting party-like atmosphere for what comes next.

And what comes next is Bits And Pieces, a funked-out rave-up with some tricky changes the band negotiates with ease. I Can't Lose When I Choose The Blues is a curious tune - think of it as "blues for slackers," the disaffected delivery perfectly in keeping with the song's vaguely ironic tone.

Both Loved You Like A Fool and You Never Can Tell are medium-tempo rockers, neither terribly memorable. But anyone whose tastes run to the likes of Gary Moore or the younger generation of guitar slingers will love Whoa Is Me, with it's piercing, melodic leads. The energy level rises several notches for Oh Well, with incendiary fretwork buoyed up by fine Hammond organ courtesy of guest Larry Thompson.

Question Of The Blues brings us back to minor-key moodiness, again reminiscent of Brit string-bender Gary Moore; Black Jack Ruby Jones is a mostly-successful attempt to marry hard rock with hill-country blues, falling somewhere in between Buddy Guy's "Sweet Tea" project and ZZ Top. Slide On In, though, is an unqualified success, its funk tempered by an irresistibly catchy riff. And Tired Of This Town is an out-and-out romp, a seamless mix of jazz, blues, and boogie that gives everyone a chance to strut their stuff. It's a great way to end a fine outing.

Performances throughout are above average; both Bruce brothers are exceptional guitarists, and the rhythm section including bassist Tom MacGuigan and drummer Jack Lehoux, manage to remain supple while laying down tough, muscular grooves. All are credited with vocals (without any specifics provided) and while for the most part they're adequate, there's an occasional tendency to the overwrought that, fortunately, never gets too distracting. Production is excellent, with lots of presence and clarity; the only thing missing is that certain "oomph" that seems to come only with big-label budgets.

Again, this isn't a blues disc. But blues is definitely the foundation for everything here. Whether it's to your tastes will depend largely on how elastic your definition of the genre is, and/or on just how much rock you're willing to allow in.

Copyright 2004. Review by John Taylor.

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