PAUL De LAY BAND
Heavy Rotation (Evidence)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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I've been a big fan of the Paul de Lay Band for a long, long time. Way back before he was a customer of our justice system for a drug bust in the early 1990's, I used to see him electrify Pacific Northwest clubs with his harp and his first-class songwriting. In 1995, he paid his debt to society and re-emerged from a 41-month hiatus from the blues club scene as one of the preeminent blues harp players around. Since then, he's released a handful of memorable discs, including Ocean of Tears, Take It From the Turnaround, and DeLay Does Chicago. His latest Evidence CD, Heavy Rotation, is another example of Paul's considerable talent. Paul's back with long-time players Louis Pain on the Hammond B-3, Dan Fincher on tenor sax, and Peter Dammon on guitar. The B-3 takes the place of the bass, and that's just one of the unique risks that De Lay takes on this record. "I'll Quit You Tomorrow" and "In the Pocket" really got my attention, and I'm glad that Paul's been able to keep trouble at a distance, and get back to the blues.

Track List:

Over Money * So Near * Givin' Up the Body * Remember Me * Love Grown Cold * Wealthy Man * It Isn't Easy Being Big * I'll Quit You Tomorrow * Jimmy Jones * Ain't Feelin' That Love No More * Rainy Marie * Bess & Ernie's Rib Joint * In The Pocket * Cat's Away

© 2001 - Eric Steiner