Eddie Martin's Big Red Radio: Live in Tuscany (2015)
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- Synopsis:
A unique fusion of country blues and classy, soulful pop. Add to this, sassy song-writing, catchy hooks, strong vocals and the drama of Rock and you begin to get a flavour of Eddie Martin's new band, Big Red Radio. Formed from top names in the Blues/Jazz/Pop/Rock worlds of the UK and Italy, their debut, sell-out show was recorded for this DVD and CD release. The genesis of the project is explained by Eddie:'After revisiting electric guitar pioneers on my last studio album I have been working up earlier acoustic blues styles giving me some new inspiration to my song-writing. But I wanted to take these styles on to a new sound - a big dramatic sound - which has the dynamic extremes of rock music but works with acoustic and natural sounding instruments. This puts a lot on the musicianship of the players, and it took 2 years to find the right people. Some other of my songs, old and new, were also brought in, not strictly blues, but with the same scope for dynamic arrangements. Working with great musicians has made the ideas come alive in a more exciting and fulfilling way than I could have imagined'. Retaining Nigerian-born percussionist Olalekan Babalola (David Byrne, Damon Allbarn, Cassandra Wilson) from the UK trials, the superb Livorno Jubilee Gospel choir were also brought in. From the first morning of rehearsals, it was clear something special had been born. The buzz got out around town and locals gate-crashed for a sneak preview. A high-energy, emotional roller-coaster of a show was the result, with these top-drawer musicians forming a perfect meeting of minds and spirits with Eddie. The soundscape reflects Eddie s identity as the serious student of Afro-American music growing up in the Classic Brit Rock and Blues era. Often Eddie starts by picking his National Resophonic like Fred McDowell (as in 'How Can This Be') or Robert Balfour (on 'Throw Me A Line') or Blind Willie Johnson (on 'Five Things') as if alone on a porch in Mississippi. But then, with hook lines, crescendos and cathartic highs and lows the band come in and the sound morphs to the dynamism of a rock concert. The lyrics cover topics from social justice to love, loss and the thrill of sexual attraction. Drawing in musicians from around the world Martin is consciously representing the case for social harmony and tolerance as brothers and sisters of a common humanity. 'Live in Tuscany' is an exciting new musical departure for this tireless Bluesman. It also pushes the accepted style envelope for mature blues performers, raising the question 'Has anybody ever created this sort of sound from the blues?'. This is what you can decide as you hear the album or watch the video. Tracklisting: 1. Blues Took Me By The Hand / 2. Throw Me A Line / 3. How Can This Be? / 4. Five Things / 5. Ingolstadt / 6. Something About You Baby / 7. Watching The Weather / 8.Intermezzo / 9. Month Of Mondays / 10. Flowers To The Desert / 11. Love And Understanding / 12. Steam Train Bonus DVD tracks 13. The Devil's Joker / 14. Kind Lady Moon / 15. Queen Of Spades - Studio:
- Plastic Head
- Genres:
- Documentary, Music & Musicals, Performing Arts, Special Interest