Ernie Southern & the
Deltaholics
"Every Day Is A
Fight"
Florida's version of the Mississippi
River is the Intracoastal Waterway. Similar to that muddy river that runs
through the center of the country, the Intracoastal Waterway runs through many
states as well. Just as the state of Mississippi comes to mind
when you think of the mighty Mississippi, the state of Florida comes to
mind when you think of the relaxing Intracoastal.
Another similarity of sorts, is
that many of the cites that border the Mississippi - Clarksdale,
Tunica, Indianola, Vicksburg and Memphis, TN - just to name a few
- are all great cities famous for their juke joints and their great
delta blues men. On the other hand, cities along the
Intracoastal - such as Hollywood, Ft. Lauderdale, Jupiter, Stuart, Sebastian,
Melbourne and many more - all the way up to Jacksonville - are famous
for their tiki-bars and a great delta blues man as well - Ernie
Southern.
Ernie Southern and the Deltaholics are
the real deal when it comes to original and progressive delta blues. The
band consists of: Ernie Southern on vocals and National Reso-Phonics guitars;
Pompano Pete De Stefano on harp and backup vocals; Gary Jr. Waldo on
bass; Steve Thorpe on Dobro guitars; Bobby Day on bass, percussion and
backup vocals; Randy crouch on drums; Mike Della Cioppa on piano; and Tara
& Kiley Howe on backup vocals.
Ernie's latest release consists of
eleven original tracks that pretty much reflect his outlook - and
possibly that of many others, as well - on the struggles of modern day
life. The discs title - and opening track, "Every Day
Is A Fight", sums it up quite well.
Ernie makes no bones about voicing
his frustrations as he candidly proclaims "I Wanna Kill
Somebody". Of course he doesn't mean it, but the situations he sings
about can surely make someone want to think that way. This one's
good old down home Delta Blues at it's best. Vocally, Ernie's so intense
that you can't help but feel his sincerity, and musically it's an all out
jam. The rhythm is hot and tight, the harp playing is dynamic and the
connection between Ernie and Steve on the Resonator and Dobro is
profound. This could very well be the discs best track.
Although things slow down a bit on
"Goin' Insane", the only thing that really changes is the
beat. Ernie and Steve continue to display the musically creative bond
they have between them and there's lots of serious pickin' on this
one.
If you're a fan of "Red Hot Delta
Blues", then this one's for you. Although the Resonator and
Dobro get their share of pickin in, this one features Pete and Randy at
discs best. There are lots of very sharp harp leads and the drum work is
absolutely phenomenal throughout. Vocally, Ernie's right on as usual
while he sings about his experiences in one of those great Delta cities,
Memphis, TN.
Like a lot of other people, Ernie's
looking for "Someone With Brains". Well, not really Ernie,
because I'm sure he's singing this song about someone else. Ya see, I
know his wife Franni, and he's already found someone with
brains. Another cleverly written track which is highlighted
by harmonically sound background vocals and percussion.
On "Atheist Funeral", Ernie may rot in
hell for saying it, but that's apparently OK with him. You see, after her
departs from this life of sin and disgrace, he doesn't want to go
to heaven 'cause it sounds like hell. This one
features absolutely great guitar work - from Ernie on the resonator and
from Gary on the bass. This is another of the discs many
highlights.
Other tracks on this excellent disc
include: "Every Day Is A Fight", "Into The Wind",
"Island Earth", "Anytime Valentine", "Franni's Again", and "Blame it On
the Moon".
Hard core blues fans, especially those
of the Delta style, need to check out this disc. You can pick one up, and
read a lot about Ernie's very interesting and long spanning musical career by
visiting his web site -
www.erniesouthern.com. While
there, please let him know his buddy the Blewzzman sends his regards.
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
