BREEZY RODIO

So Close To It

Windchill Records

15 tracks/66:40

By Mark Thompson

Chicago is often referred to as the blues capitol of the world. One fact that bolsters that statement is the number of players from around the globe who have settled in Chicago to further their musical education and to develop their place on the local scene. Guitarist Guy King (originally from Israel) has established his career over the last eleven years while Scotland’s Brian Carpy worked as a volunteer just to get close to the blues clubs. Another guitarist, Fabrizio “Breezy” Rodio, left Italy and New York City behind in a bold move to determine if he could measure up to the challenges of creating his own identity amidst the large blues community.

Fortunately Rodio received mentoring from King, who certainly understands the process, before getting hired by veteran bluesman Linsey Alexander. The noted guitarist and singer saw something in Rodio and decided to hire him. Working for Alexander was no picnic as he can be a stern taskmaster with high expectations. But Rodio persevered and thrived, eventually earning the designation of bandleader and appearing on three of Alexander’s recordings.  Rodio’s first project, Playing My Game Too, was released three years ago. The following year brought another release that celebrated Rodio’s passion for reggae music.

Now back firmly rooted in the blues, Rodio has assembled a richly detailed portrait of the various aspects of the modern Chicago scene with assistance from noted guests including Billy Branch, Lurrie Bell, and Carl Weathersby. The core backing band is comprised of “Ariyo” Sumito Ariyoshi on piano, Light Palone on bass, Lorenzo Francocci on drums, stellar organist Chris Foreman, and Bill Overton on saxophone.

Branch’s upper-register harp wails introduce “Walking With My Baby,” a sturdy shuffle that is one of eight original songs written by the leader. The title track features equally fine harmonica from Quique Gomez (a native of Spain). “Time To Come Back Home” finds guest Doug Scharf on trumpet joining Overton to form a riffing horn section behind Rodio’s clean guitar picking. The song shifts into a lively instrumental jam at the end with Foreman adding gospel overtones on the organ.

Rodio really shines on “Sneakin’ Around,” turning in one of his strongest vocal performances on the simmering tale of the cheating side of love. The horns are back on another B.B. King staple, “Please Accept My Love,” this time with the veteran Art Davis on trumpet. Foreman’s stately organ playing serves as a counterpoint to the leader’s spirited singing. The opener, “When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer,” allows Rodio plenty of room for his variations on the vaunted King style. He more than holds his own trading guitar licks with Bell on downhearted “I Win Some More” while “Mary” illustrates a sharper, biting edge to his playing.  Another highlight is the original ”How Much Can a Poor Man Take,” crackling with brooding intensity behind Rodio’s woeful description of a man whose world is disintegrating around him.

Tracks like “I Can’t Get Enough Of You” and a cover of “One Broken Heart For Sale” underscore some of Rodio’s vocal limitations. The singer struggles to navigate the swinging rhythm on the first tune before recapturing your interest with an engrossing, melodic solo. The latter cut falls well-short of the Elvis version, although Foreman once again impresses with some dazzling playing. Joe Barr and Carl Weathersby inject plenty of grit to “The Day I Met You,” their singing setting a mark for Rodio to strive for. But when Rodio cuts loose on guitar, he leaves no doubt that he is a player well-versed in the traditions.

The final track is a bonus live recording of “Evil Hearted Woman” with Rich King on drums, Brian Burke on upright bass and Luca Chiellini on drums. Once again Rodio sounds quite comfortable at the slower pace. His guitar solo momentarily kicks the band into a higher gear before finishing off the track on a more solemn note.

It is always great to come across a disc with musicians capable of playing blues the way it is supposed to be played. Breezy Rodio obviously has learned a lot of valuable lessons in a few short years.  Listeners who revel in Chicago’s electric styles will find plenty to their liking on this fine package.

For info or to buy the CD, visit: www.breezyrodio.com

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