JEFF DALE & THE SOUTH WOODLAWNERS

Blues Room

Pro Sho Bidness

By Larry Schara

“I think you will get a kick outta Jeff Dale's stuff. Take your time to listen and give it a spin, or two, or three. It's one of those CDs that kinda grows on you.” That’s what the note said that accompanied the new CD by Chicago native Jeff Dale and the South Woodlawners. The note turned out to be absolutely right.

But first let’s lay a little background for those of you unfamiliar with Mr. Dale, a songwriter and slide guitarist. Growing up on Chicago’s South Side he was exposed to the music and performances of Hound Dog Taylor, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf and a host of others. Jeff has backed up other noted artists such as Lowell Fulson, Etta James and Honeyboy Edwards, with whom he had established a deep friendship. Jeff joined the other musicians at a post funeral jam for Honeyboy last year and the man’s influence can still be heard in Jeff’s music. He relocated to southern California over three decades ago, but has never left Chicago and the blues behind. In fact, the CD takes its title and cover art from a long shuttered Windy City blues bar, the likes of which are becoming more endangered as time goes on.

            Woodlawner Greg Davidson’s spooky sounding guitar starts the CD on “This Time”, a haunting guitar riff and tone that weaves pleasantly throughout my favorite songs on the CD. With the guitar laying down a nice groove and Jeff’s slide work over the top, the rhythm section quickly follows as the song builds, and then the vocals come in. This was a bit of a shock and not quite what I expected.  With more of a talking, story-telling type voice, it sure seems Mr. Dale must have attended the Tom Waits’ School of Lyrical Delivery. But once you get into what he’s doing, and after a few listens, the CD of 11 original songs becomes truly enjoyable.

After the aforementioned few spins, I found myself immersed in Jeff’s story telling delivery over the solid blues musical base. While this CD may not be what you expect, it definitely grows on you and becomes a “fun” listen.

The stories on Blues Room “are personal this time” as the press release states. Jeff relates the story of his uncle, a Depression era gangster, in “They’ll Never Take Me Alive,” and speaks of today’s hard times during “Hanging by a Thread”. Of course he isn’t willing to expand on the true meaning of “She’s Mad,” but a listen or two should explain it all. “Hey Now Hey” is destined to be one of those sing along party songs which will prompt audience participation at any live performance. Like I said, this CD becomes very entertaining, after a few spins.

The production and musicianship are outstanding, especially the tracks that were cut in Chicago. Orlando Wright (bass) and Tim Austin (drums), both from Buddy Guy’s band, are joined by Greg Davidson (guitar) and Scott Kaufman on keys on some of the cuts. Boyhood friend and fellow blues artist Jeff Stone adds some great harp parts to the solid blues sound of the band on a few of the songs. That’s not to say that Jeff’s West Coast band members on the other tracks recorded in California are any less impressive.

But by far the best song on the CD is the title track “Blues Room”. Starting with that heavy reverb-laden and spooky guitar tone, it works perfectly with Jeff’s vocal delivery. The song then picks it up a pleasant notch or two when the band kicks in. Jeff’s haunting slide work fits perfectly over the top and leads the way back down to another eerie verse. You can really feel the blues in this song.

So while this CD may not be for everybody, it deserves a listen, or two, or three. It just may grow on you.

For info and to buy the CD, visit: www.jeffdaleblues.com