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Oreo Blue is an extremely talented
blues/rock/soul band hailing from Arkansas. For their third live recording they
have chosen to offer a CD/DVD set in which they pay tribute to Jimi Hendrix. As
part of this tribute, a slight name change was in order: they became the Oreo
Blue Experience.
I originally learned about Oreo Blue and became an avid fan when I came across
and purchased their previous recording called “Ten Down-Live at the ByPass.”
When I first saw that they had a new Hendrix tribute available, I couldn't quite
see, based on “Ten Down”, where the Hendrix influence came in. This just
goes to show that you can't judge a band by its previous CD. I have never seen
them live, but I came to learn that they had been including Hendrix material in
their set for years. I also had a few reservations about how a saxophone would
fit in a Hendrix tribute. Wrong again. Brian Crowne, the sax player, enhances
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the music. He plays a growling, wailing, raging,
yet melodic sax that has made me completely change my mind about the
“appropriateness” of sax in a blues/rock framework. After 40 years of
listening to blues/rock music and narrow-mindedly believing that a harmonica was
the perfect foil for electric guitar, I am now convinced, thanks to Mr. Crowne,
that a sax is the way to go. His performance is that good.
I know that most visitors to the Bluesrockers
web site are guitar afficianados. Rest assured that the guitar playing is
tremendous. Gary Hutchison, one of those players who deserves guitar-god status
in my opinion, has the knack for capturing Hendrix's style of playing while
avoiding any attempt to copy him note-for-note. Hutchison also has one major
skill in common with Stevie Ray Vaughan (whose version of Voodoo Chile serves as
perhaps the best known of Hendrix tributes): the ability to construct a solo
that flows in such a way that he never runs out of ideas on what note to play
next. It also doesn't hurt that he really knows his way around a wah-wah pedal.
If you enjoy this effect, be pleased that you will find it in abundance. I love
this guitar effect and Hutchison's tone and talent in using it is indeed
impressive.
The rhythm section, consisting of Rod
Williamson on bass and Stephen Boudreaux on drums, is tight, the recording
quality excellent, and the choice of covers right up my alley (versions of
Voodoo Chile, Hey Joe, Red House, and All along the Watchtower that are around
10 minutes each). Chris Payton, former vocalist with Oreo Blue, puts in a guest
appearance on Little Wing. Her soaring, soul-influenced vocals, made me want to
listen to the earlier Oreo Blue releases. She has a majestic voice with both
range and intensity.
The DVD that is part of the set is a
particularly welcomed treat. The tracks are the same as those on the CD with one
exception: the addition of Star Spangled Banner to end the concert. Being able
to watch the performance allows you to see exactly how much the band enjoys
playing. Witness the Hendrix-style dramatics that Hutchison displays on Hey Joe,
including flips, playing with his teeth, controlled feedback, and smashing his
guitar.
This set is one of the best purchases I have
made in many months (and I make a lot, just ask my wife). The CD has remained in
my car's player for over two weeks now. This is a new personal record for me. I
cannot give a higher recommendation.
Al Kaplan
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