The Andy Poxon Band
"Red Roots"
Eller Soul Records
By Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © November 2011

One need not look past the CD jacket to figure out how this disc got it's name. Andy Poxon sports a bright red afro, that while not intended as statement making, it's certainly attention getting. As a matter of fact, the statement Andy officially makes about his do is that it's not for that purpose at all. It's indeed his natural growing style and his all natural "Red Roots". Speaking of natural, this sixteen year old is certainly one when it comes to writing, playing and singing the blues. This, his debut disc, contains thirteen all original, self produced and skillfully performed tracks.

The band consist of Andy Poxon on guitar and vocals, Russ Wasson on bass, and Mike O'Donnell on drums. Additionally, several tracks include Ray Tilkens on piano and backup vocals, Zack Sweeney on rhythm guitar, and Carol Ann Drescher on backup vocals.

The opening track makes a heck of a first impression. It's just Andy, Russ and Mike wailin' away on what could be one of the hottest tracks on the disc. Phenomenal rhythm and killer guitar leads accompany Andy's rockin' vocals as he sings about his baby being the "Hottest Thing In Town".

Andy's vocal versatility is quite apparent as he renders a very tender and soulfully smooth delivery of a beautiful love song titled "I Want You So Bad". Backed by hushed rhythm and backup vocals, Andy's singing and scorching guitar run away with this one.

"Stop" caused me to start having flashbacks of a young Springsteen and Mellencamp. It's not that Andy sounds like or is even attempting to copy their styles, it's more about his similarity to their strong and confident delivery styles of blues based rock songs. Great job on this one.

I find it to be a personal bonus when the longest track of a very good CD happens to be the best track as well. That's the case with "Is There Anything I Can Do". Inasmuch as I love the smokin' shuffles and the beautiful ballads - and this kid does them all with equal excellence - there's nothing like slow, scorching blues to light my blues fire. This one features over seven minutes of passion filled vocals and blistering blues guitar leads.

The disc closes in the same fashion as which it opened - with a fast paced smoker called "C'mon Pretty Baby". It features the disc's wildest and reckless rhythm and a sound that totally had me baffled. At first I thought it was Andy's guitar, then I thought it was an organ. I'm still not sure what the hell it was, but now I'm thinking it was Andy playing his guitar through a Leslie. One things for sure, this one kicked ass.

Other tracks included on "Red Roots" are: "No Love", "Quitters Never Lose", "I Need My Girl", "I'll Sing the Blues", "When", "Raining In", "Run Of Bad Luck", and "I Hate Being Alone".

With this being right around the time of the year when The Blues Foundation starts it's nominating process for the Blues Music Awards, there's a very good chance of this young man garnering himself a "Best New Artist Debut" nomination.....amongst other possible nods.

To learn more about this phenomenal young singer, songwriter, guitar player and preserver of the blues, just go to www.andypoxon.com and to pick up a copy of the disc just go to www.ellersoulrecords.com. While there, please tell him the Blewzzman said to c'mon down to Florida.