COREY STEVENS
Bring on The Blues (Fuel 2000/Universal)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Corey Stevens Fuel 2000 debut will be released later this month, and after kicking around on a few smaller, independent labels with a few solid blues records, he's finally getting some well-deserved national attention and distribution from Universal. Bring on the Blues is his follow-up to 1999's Blue Drops of Rain, and it's every bit as good as that indie release. Corey's playing has been compared to the late Stevie Ray Vaughan or a young Eric Clapton, but Corey's just as strong as those guitar giants, particularly on softer ballads. Stevens' electric attack on "Lonesome Road Blues" burns with some first-class leads, and "My Blues Are Turning Red" is an eight-minute scorcher that gives Corey an opportunity to showcase his considerable chops. On the quieter side, "Real Love" and "You're Gonna Miss Me" balance out the disc nicely. Fuel 2000 labelmates Canned Heat sit in on "Getaway," a straightahead rocker that should land on rock radio playlists. Bring on the Blues is a strong blues record.

Track List:

Lonesome Road Blues * Hang On * Real Love * You're So Evil * Crazy and Blue * My Love for You Has Died * Triple Jack * My Blues are Turning Red * Something I Can't Do * You're Gonna Miss Me * Getaway (featuring Canned Heat)

© 2003 - Eric Steiner