Other than a few personnel coming and going, BLUEBONE hasn't changed much since I reviewed their last CD back in `05.  As I recall, inventiveness was one of the things that impressed me most about this band back then, and that trait is once again quite evident on "DEVIL KEEP CHEWIN".  The band calls this, their fourth disc, "a compilation of the struggles of life - the good, the bad, the temptation, the triumph and of course, the humor." 

 

    The heart and soul of BLUEBONE are JAY BETHEL on guitars, lead vocals, background vocals, & Hammond organ and VAN BURRISS on bass, lead vocals, background vocals & percussion.  Together, they are also the authors of the discs eleven original tracks.  Also featured are THOMAS "TEE-JAY" JEFFERSON, ED ZATZARINY & PAT MARTUCCI, all on drums, THE KETEL ONE SINGERS, on background vocals & handclaps, and special guest GEORGE MESTERHAZY on piano. 

 

    The disc opens with the title track, "DEVIL KEEP CHEWIN".  This fast paced swinger - similar to a term made popular by a very famous horse race - was the fastest three minutes in music.  After several listens, I still found myself shaking my head at the end.  Reason being, I wanted so much more I thought I missed some.  The guitar work is amazing, and the rhythm - with PAT leading the way on this one - is scorching.  You'll be pressed to believe you were only listening to three pieces.

 

    This track could easily describe an era from my past life - "40 YEARS IN BARS".  Man, time does fly when you're having a good time.  It's a cleverly written track about JAYS longevity as a member of a working bar band.  As the lyrics state, "I've seen everything that there is to see, 40 years in bars has been good to me."  Sounds to me like a book or a movie could be next.  Where do I go for casting?  Great vocal harmony, piano playing and a tight groove led by "TEE-JAY" highlight another excellent track.  You'll be wanting to sing-a-long with this one. 

 

    Musically, the best track on the disc may very well be the only cover - a Sonny Boy Williamson song called "EARLY IN THE MORNING".  It's a slow bluesy number with VAN and ED in a slow, smooth groove on rhythm and a mind blowing 2 minute guitar lead by JAY. 

 

    "HAPPY DAMN BIRTHDAY" is another clever and very humorous  track that will also have you wanting to sing-a-long.  However, when you do, you may just be tempted to sing it as "Happy Damn Birthday, Yee Haw".  This is good ol' honky tonk blues right here.

 

    Listening to this song will make you one "HAPPY CAT".  It's another fast and furious smoker that will get you rockin' & rollin'.  This time it's ED on drums and he VAN provide some of the discs best rhythm.  Definitely one for the replay button.

 

    If you're looking to "PARTY TONIGHT", or any other night for that matter, put this track on, turn up the volume and watch the dance floor fill up. This is the kind of stuff that "DEVIL KEEP CHEWIN" is all about.  It's been stifling trying not to sound redundant, but on most of these tracks, BLUEBONE is a power trio and that means constant serious rhythm, hot guitar licks and good vocals.  What ya hear is what ya get.

 

    Other tracks on "DEVIL KEEP CHEWIN" include: "SOME BUDDY LIKE YOU", "KIDDIEVILLE", "DROWNIN", "357", "NO IS THE ANSWER" and "SWEET BLUE LADY". 

 

    If you've got any blues in your bones - and I know you do, click on over to www.bluebone.net and check out BLUEBONE.  Please make sure to tell them Blewzzman sent you, and his regards.

 

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com