专辑简介

The debut EP from the Jon Strahl Band is the first release from a blues band that formed in 2011 in Indianapolis, Indiana. This EP titled "Can't Look Back," is just scratching the surface of the depth of the band's blues repertoire as evidenced by their live performances at The Slippery Noodle Inn, one of the world's last truly great Blues venues. Comprised of five originals written by Jon and a cover of Willie Brown's "Ragged and Dirty," the EP, recorded in 2 breakneck sessions, is a snapshot of the nascent band and promise not just to keep the Blues form alive but to continue to explore the boundaries of the genre. The first track, "Ragged and Dirty," is a modernized version of the William Brown's version recorded by Alan Lomax in 1942, adding the bass and drums to classic if under-appreciated tune. The second track, "Right Here Waiting," is an original with a Junior Kimbrough/R.L. Burnside meets John Lee Hooker feel which pulses with the indignity of a man pining for a lover who left him. Track number three, "Can't Look Back," has a lighter soul-blues feel that features slide work reminiscent of Duane Allman, and is a track that encourages hope during life's dark times. The fourth track, "Bottom of the Well," is a jumping off point from the Gospel Blues song "Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning," which is teased at the beginning as an intro in the style of Mississippi Fred McDowell that begins in quite plea before eventually building into a crescendo of slide guitar desperation. The fifth tune is another Jon Strahl original, "Time Bending Blues," has a propelling riff that seems to be directly related to Robert Johnson's "If I Had Possession Over Judgement Day," and that has playful lyrics that describe the lengths to which a man will aspire to be with the one he wants. Rounding out the EP is "I Wanna Be Your Man," a funky blues that expresses hopeful emotion juxtaposed over a minor key dirge. Keep an eye on this band as they continue to form their sound and contribute their piece to the evolution of the Blues.