Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro � July 2009 

    

 

    It's been twenty years since Jeff Dale's had anything to do with the music scene.  Coincidently.....or not, it's also been twenty years since he's done anything at all.  It seems that his disappearance, in 1988, still remains a mystery today.  From the looks of the photo inside the discs jacket, my guess is that he - to use a phrase from 'The Godfather' - "went to the mattresses".....capiche?  However, all that matters now is he's back.....man is he back!

 

    Similar to where most of the blues in his home city of Chicago come from, Jeff's blues also come from the south side.....the south side of his soul.  Hence, the disc, "Blues From The South Side of My Soul", featuring eleven Jeff Dale originals of which most are serious Chicago style blues with some not so serious lyrics.         

 

    The South Woodlawners are made up of: Jeff Dale on Guitars & Vocals; Rich "Darth" Hyland on Guitar, Organ & Percussion; Clark "Sparky" Pardee and Robert Von Goeben on Drums; Geoff "Jeff" Mohan and Jeff Stone on Harmonica; Mark "20 Mill" Brown and Derek Phillips on Piano; Georgic Avenesian, Lightnin' Dan Sonenfeld and Ron Hagadone on Guitar; Ken "Stormy" Monday on Bluesoon (a blues bassoon); Anitra Castleberry on Background Vocals; Jim Jedeikin on Saxophone; Peter Kashmer on Bass; Lee Loughnane on Trumpet.    

 

    Quite simply, the title track, "Blues From The South Side of My Soul", is an ass kicker.  Jeff Dales vocals are rough, tough and gruff and his guitar leads are ferocious.  Geoff's amazing yet eerie sounding harp leads sound like they're leading you down some dark alley where you'll get even more of an ass kickin' - from the rhythm section.  

 

    If you're lookin' for the hottest southern lovin' you need to get some "Alabama Lovin'".  That's where Jeff knows a hottie "who's body is a temple for five days a week, but on the weekend it becomes a fun house ride".  Every father's nightmare!  This whole track, highlighted by the fierce horn section and sharp background vocals, is like a fun house ride.

 

    If "You Don't Know Nothin' About Chicago", maybe you need to give this track a listen.  That's when you'll find out what really makes this famous city tick.  You'll also hear some great harp from Jeff Stone, great lead guitar from Dan Sonenfeld and absolutely beautiful background vocals from Anitra.

 

    I don't think I've heard of a better reason for using reverse psychology than the way it's used on this track.  It's Jeff's way of explaining why a pretty, young lady may not find him, the old man that he is, too appealing........she's just not ready for a "Grown Ass Man".  Good thinking Jeff.  On this one, the smoking guitar leads are courtesy of Rich.    

 

    It's been a real long time since I've had to use any pick up lines, but even if I had to, I don't think telling my prey that "I'd Hit It", would quite be the one I'd use.  I just can't see that one working.  What does work is the way Jeff gets nasty with his guitar and vocals on this, another down and dirty smoker.  Great Jimmy Reed type harp by Geoff also highlight this one.

 

    When you need servicing, there's nothing like having a big gas......big gas......  "Big Gas Station" up ahead.  However, it's not Jeff's car he's looking to get serviced and it's not gas he's looking to fill up on.  At two minutes long, this fast paced smoker is about 4 minutes too short.  This is rockin' blues at it's finest, featuring Mark and Jim tearing it up on piano and sax, with Peter and Clark ripping it up on rhythm.

 

    You can, and I recommend you do, check out the band by going to www.jeffdaleblues.com.  While you're there, you'll be able to purchase the disc, tell him the Blewzzman sends his regards and possibly figure out..........oh never mind, some thing are just better not knowing.

 

 Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro

Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com