Eric Noden and Joe Filisko

On The Move / Solid Ground

Independent

By Greg Easterling

For many artists, it’s a major undertaking to record a single album every few years; these days fundraising is often required by indie artists to make it happen. That’s why it’s so amazing to receive two new albums at the same time from local bluesman, guitarist/singer/songwriter Eric Noden.  Along with his musical partner, harpist Joe Filisko, Noden has started off 2015 right with the release of two new compact discs, On The Move by Filisko & Noden plus Solid Ground by the Eric Noden Band. This comes just three years after 2012’s Missed Train Blues by Filisko and Noden.  They already celebrated the double release with a concert at Old Town School Of Folk Music recently.

Through hard work and talent, Noden has helped make himself a fixture on the Chicago music scene. Whether performing an acoustic set at Buddy Guy’s, appearing at the annual Chicago Blues Festival or playing at venues such as the Old Town School of Folk Music, Noden keeps active, to say the least. He’s also performed in Europe and down under in Australia as well as in cities around the United States. In addition, Germany and France are 2015 concert destinations for Filisko and Noden.

SOLID GROUND

Solid Ground by the Eric Noden Band is the first release by Noden to feature him on electric guitar. It’s a consistent, professional sounding effort containing twelve original songs; 11 were written by Noden and one by Filisko. Eric and Joe are ably supported by the veteran rhythm section of two sons of the blues: Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith on drums and E.G. McDaniel playing electric bass. The title cut kicks off the album, a position statement of sorts. “What I needed was what I found, standing next to you on solid ground.”

Noden and Filisko waste no time playing around with time signatures on cut two, “Second Day of June” which also features Eric’s slide guitar work with a notable harp solo by Joe. Lyrically, it’s a song about deferred expectations. “It’s the second day of June and I’m stuck inside this room/trying to remember what I forgot.”   Next, they slow it down on “Can’t Stand to Lose You” with Joe stating the theme on harp.  “Rhyme Or Reason” is funkier and even danceable with a fluid sounding guitar solo from Eric, who also engages in call and response with Joe on this one, jamming on his solo. Up next, Joe commands the spotlight on the instrumental workout he wrote, “Sikth Sense” (that is not a typo, BTW).

Solid Ground never strays too far from the blues even when it rocks with an occasional funk influence. On this full band effort, one can hear echoes of the Paul Butterfield Blues Band and Slim Harpo. It’s a lesser heard side of Noden and Filisko but undoubtedly a satisfying experience to color outside the lines a bit musically for them.  No Kickstarter campaign was required; the recording of Solid Ground was funded in part by a grant from the City Of Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.

ON THE MOVE

On The Move is more familiar musical turf for Filisko and Noden with its mix of acoustic vintage early Twentieth Century blues (1920-1940) reflecting the influence of Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee plus legendary Chicago performer Big Bill Broonzy.  Joe and Eric are joined by upright bassist Beau Sample (who heads the trad jazz band Fat Babies) for six of the album’s all original twelve tracks.  Lyrically the songs reflect more contemporary concerns with titles like “Kick Myself,” “Complicate” and “Worst Enemy”.  The album’s title track provides a peppy introduction to the CD. “On The Move” is all about “making tracks, so little to rest” no matter whether the direction is north, south, east or west! Joe and Eric complement each other instrumentally on the following track, “Mystery”. “I need you baby, it ain’t no mystery.”

Filisko sings more lead vocals for On The Move and one of his most distinctive vocal moments occurs on “Kick Myself,” a fast and funny jug band style blues romp, complete with kazoo solo, that really shows talent and a sense of humor. “I can’t believe what I did, I could just kick myself”. Later on the album, two songs from Solid Ground actually get more stripped down musical treatment for On The Move, an interesting consequence of recording two albums at the same time. Compare and contrast “Sonic Breakdown” and “I Like A Woman,” both of which appear on each compact disc.  “Sonic Breakdown” is one of the highlights of both albums and is not the instrumental you might expect from the title.  “Buckeye Rag” is purely instrumental with an old time feeling. “Worst Enemy” taps into Mississippi Fred McDowell territory with a classic groove reminiscent of “You Got To Move,” most famously covered by the Rolling Stones on their best-selling Sticky Fingers record.

Noden and Filisko have done several other albums together, most recently 2012’s Missed Train Blues. It’s great to have two more studio efforts from this obviously successful twosome, a real meeting of the minds musically. You can keep up with them online at:

www.RootsDuo.com  

  www.ericnoden.com

 www.facebook.com/rootsduo

  Greg Easterling holds down the 12 midnight – 5 a.m. shift on WDRV (97.1 FM) He also hosts American Backroads on WDCB (90.9 FM) Thursdays at 9 p.m.