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| In 2002, it was our great pleasure to review Paul Reddick's "Rattlebag," which garnered a Handy
nomination and worldwide acclaim. Again teamed with musician\producer extraordinaire Colin Linden, "Villanelle" is another strong set
of fifteen original songs from one of the best torch-bearers of pre-WWII blues on the scene today. Paul handles vocals and harp, and Colin Linden accompanies on the strings. Together, they penned all the cuts on the set, with a more acoustic approach on this one than on the aforementioned "Rattlebag." The title of the CD is drawn from a centuries-old version of a field work song, but is presented herein as a love song, with mellow backing violin courtesy of Kathleen Edwards. Paul's music has been influenced by bluesmen of the past such as Mississippi Fred McDowell and Sleepy John Estes. In fact, while listening to the lyrics about the troubled individual who is the subject of "My Hook's In The Water, but I can't find my line," it reminded us of Sleepy John's haunting "Floating Bridge." We had two favorites, tho. Richard Bell's piano serves as the perfect complement to Paul's harp and gravelly delivery on "Six Was The Six." And, the slow-burn of "Dog Catcher" again features some fine harp and an eerie vocal turn. Paul Reddick is one of the most inventive and passionate bluesmen working today. His uncanny ability to bring the feel of the pre-war masters to life and transplant them into a contemporary setting guarantees he'll be a force in the blues nation for years to come. Check out "Villanelle" and get acquainted with Paul Reddick, truly a Renaissance man of the blues!! |
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