The Work In Progress
Band
"Out Of The
Blues"
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © May
2009
The
Work in Progress Band has been playing the blues together for over ten
years now, and "Out Of The Blues" is the second release for this
Atlanta based Blues, Funk & Soul Band. Their members include: John
Marshall on Guitar, Nashid Abdul on Bass, Pete Peterson on Vocals, Ben
Irvin on Drums & Background Vocals, and Royal Joiner on
Keyboard. Other contributors on this project are Steve Cohen on Drums,
Billy Wallace on Piano, Carl Culpepper on Guitar, and Shirley Diamond and
Falencia Harris on Background Vocals.
Although it
sounds like something that would make most of us happy, Pete seems down when as
he sings the words "I Have Blues In My House". It's
quite apparent that he's singing about an ornery women and not about a music
genre. This track features some hot guitar licks from John, great piano
solos by Billy and outstanding vocals from Pete - who's voice was made
for singing the blues.
There's no
doubting him when Pete says "I'm A Bluesman". Hearing him sing
this track validates that statement.
"Out Of
the Blues" is a fast paced instrumental that's pretty much all about
John and his guitar. With the rhythm guys providing some heat,
John just smokes it from beginning to end. Great
stuff!
There's no
better way to get rid of them than to "Dance The Blues
Away". And on this one, the rhythm that Nashid and Ben are
providing will make you want to do just that. They're at discs best
here.
With the
emotion that Pete puts into his vocals, you can almost feel what he's
feeling for this "Dark Eyed Cajun
Women". Highlights on this one are strong keyboard
work by Royal, funky bass from Nashid and absolutely perfect vocals from
Pete. One of the discs best.
Other
tracks on "Out Of The Blues", of which eight are originals,
include: "Dimebag Of Your Love", "She's A Work In Progress", "One
Woman", "When The Blues Come Knockin", and "Young Bob Blues".
Before
closing, here's an anecdote I'd like to share with you. When I first
looked at the picture of the band on the CD cover, it reminded me
of my days in the hood. I found myself thinking that it
wouldn't be fun to run into these guys down a dark alley . That
would be a mess in progress. Having grown up in a "wise guy" riddled
area of Brooklyn, NY, I thought I recognized these thugs. Then, at
the bands web site, there was same picture with the caption "What
A Motley Crew". Amen! When they make "The Sopranos" movie,
these guys need to be in it. If you want a better look, go to www.theworkinprogressband.com. Since you're there, pick up the disc and tell the guys the
Blewzzman says hello......SIRS!
Peter "Blewzzman"
Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com