Once every couple of years, someone comes along to give the blues just what it seems to need to insure it's very existence.  I'm not talking about the dozens, or more, of the flashes in the pan who arrive on the blues scene thinking that "RED HOUSE" is the greatest blues song of all time.  Or, the ones that have more foot petals in their equipment bag than they do chords in their repertoire.  I'm talking about someone that makes blues fanatics, such as myself, stop and say "Yes! Here's someone who is capable of carrying the blues into the next generation".  It doesn't happen often, but when it does it's truly a blessing. 

 

    About five years ago, I had this feeling about a young man by the name of Nick Moss.  In his first year out, Nick got nominated for what was then know as a W C HANDY AWARD for "BEST NEW ARTIST DEBUT" and since then his name has become synonymous with what are now called the BLUES MUSIC AWARDS.

 

    Well, it's been that long, but this year I once again have that very same feeling.  This time, it is for a young man named DAVE GROSS, who has also garnered his very first - and remember you heard it here, there will be many more - BLUES MUSIC AWARD nomination, which is also for "BEST NEW ARTIST DEBUT". 

 

    The product that's drawing DAVE GROSS all of this attention is his second release titled "TAKE THE GAMBLE".  On the disc, DAVE, on Vocals and Lead Guitar surrounds himself with a slew of recognizable and vastly talented musicians which include: DUKE ROBILLARD on Guitar; DOUG "MR. LOW" JAMES on Baritone and Tenor Sax; AL BASILE on Cornet; DENNIS GRUENLING on Harmonica; DONA OXFORD on Piano and Organ, ARTHUR NEILSON on Upright Bass and Guitar; A J HAGER on Fender Bass; MATT MOUSSEAU & MARK TEIXEIRA on Drums.  I'm tellin' ya, if this were a baseball team, talent like that would have you thinkin' 1961 Yankees.

 

    Now let me tell you about some of this outstanding music.  Nine of the thirteen tracks are DAVE GROSS originals and "MESS ON MY PLATE" is just one of the many I'll touch on.  On this N'awlins groove DAVE'S unique vocalization style, as it is on all the tracks, is just one of the many highlights.  DONA'S piano's in the right place and the horns are all blending in at a nice soft pace. 

 

    "I'M LEAVING BABY" is the first of three tracks that feature the phenomenal DUKE ROBILLARD.  Interestingly enough, had the disc not mentioned it, even the ear of a seasoned listener may not have known.  The similarities and level of talent between the DUKE and the DAVE are amazing. 

 

    "I'M SO HUNGRY BLUES" is one of the discs more down and dirty blues track, which almost always makes it one of my particular favorites.  I know I may say this more times than one review should allow, but once again, this young mans vocals and smooth guitar playing are once again a track highlight.  The horn guys get their licks in on this one as well, especially AL with that great muffled trumpet.

 

    If you're a bottom person, then "SWINGIN' ON ALL SIX" will get your bottom goin'.  This swing tune features the rhythm section on top of it's game.  "MR LOW" on baritone, MARK on drums and Arthur on the standup can't get much lower than this. 

 

    Country blues fans won't feel left out after listening to "YOU AIN'T PLAYIN' ME NO MORE".  With nicely done, very soft piano accompanied by equally nice and soft rhythm in the background, excellent lyrics - written by DAVE, delivered by way of excellent vocals - sung by DAVE are once again the highlight. 

 

    Being one of DAVE'S favorite songs - regardless of who does it - he had to choose "AFTER YOU'VE GONE" as one of his covers.  It's a 30's swing song that featured AL at his very best on trumpet.  This one's got the rhythm sections working double time and DAVE doin' some great pickin'.  A very hot number to say the least.

 

    "MAKE THINGS RIGHT" is just one of the many tracks that made this whole project right.  You can just feel DAVE'S emotion on this one......in his singing and in his guitar playing, which is undoubtedly some of the best on the disc.  On top of that, DONA'S organ will blow you away as well.  Let me tell you how to listen to this song - stop anything you're doing, put the headphones on, turn up the volume, set the replay button to 5 or 6 and give yourself a dose of therapy.    

 

    DUKE ROBILLARD says "DAVE GROSS is definitely a force to be reckoned with among contemporary roots and blues guitarists".

 

    HUBERT SUMLIN says ".......He can play man! I mean that boy can smoke.  I sure like to bring him out with me on the road one day".

 

    PETE THE BLEWZZMAN says "DAVE GROSS will help carry, if not lead, the blues into the next five or six decades.

 

    Stop by www.davegrossband.com and check out DAVE GROSS.  Of course ya know ya gotta tell him Blewzzman sent ya.  And, if you happen to be one the millions of people who live in the metropolitan NY/NJ area, definitely catch this act - please, not all at once though.