Review: Eric Sardinas and Big Motor - Sticks and Stones

I first heard of Eric Sardinas in 2006. He appeared on  Steve Vai’s Live at the Astoria London DVD. I knew he was a great guitarist, but seeing him playing “The Attitude Song” was my only exposure to him. He was a talented guitarist. I filed him away in my head under ‘slide guitar shredder’ and that was my entire experience with Mr. Sardinas.

I have spent quite a few years thinking that the blues were stagnant and the only new blues act selling albums was John Mayer.

When the Eric Sardinas and Big Motor, Sticks and Stones CD crossed my desk I swear the jewel case was convulsing. I loaded it up to give it a listen and to my surprise, the thing I noticed wasn’t the shredding I expected. What I noticed first was a great rockin’, almost rockabilly song,  “Cherry Wine” with a deep and gruff rock ` n’ roll voice. I was instantly curious as to whether Mr. Sardinas was also the singer. Yep, Eric Sardinas (guitar, vocals), Levell Price (bass) and Chris Frazier (drums).

I listened to the whole CD and what I found was a great collection of songs that range anywhere from the  Delta blues of “Ratchet Blues” all the way to a frenzied full out assault of “Behind the 8”.

Sticks and Stones is a collection of songs that are fun and clever. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. There is a lot of flashy playing on the album. That’s probably what you would be expecting to get if you bought this CD. To my surprise what you would end up with is an album that is entertaining and still enjoyable even after the flash has worn off. 

The lesson I learned is, “Don’t believe everything you see on TV.” There are still exciting things happening in blues. After my re-introduction to Eric Sardinas and Big Motor I recommend Sticks and Stones to anyone who loves blues or rock.

4.5/5 Stars

Key Tracks: Ratchet Blues, Behind the 8, Country Line

Kirk Bullough

Tracks: 1.    Cherry Wine 2.    Road To Ruin 3.    Full Tilt Mama 4.    County Line 5.    Through The Thorns 6.    Burnin’ Sugar 7.    Ratchet Blues 8.    Behind The 8 9.    Goodness 10.   Make It Shine 11.   Too Many Ghosts

Artist:  Eric Sardinas and Big Motor

Title:  Sticks and Stones

Genre:  Blues

Release Date:  September 13, 2011

Label: Mascot Records

Website:  http://www.ericsardinas.co.uk/

Review: Roy Roberts - Strange Love

Is it possible to call an album the blues when it makes me feel good? If this is what Strange Love feels like I could easily become and addict.
Blues Legend Roy Roberts has one of those voices that feels like an old friend. I liked it from the first listen. It’s the perfect courier to carry Roy’s thought provoking lyrics over a sea of tasty guitar licks.
This album starts strong with a funky little blues number called “My Love Bone”. It has a nice groove and the keyboard part takes me back to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”, which seems fitting since Roy has played with Stevie.
Listening to “I Truly Love You” I kept trying to nail down what it reminded me of. After listening to it for a couple of days I realize that it had the same feel as “This Old Heart of Mine” by the Isley Brothers. I think you can hear B.B. King’s influence in “Hey Baby” and “I Can’t Wait” sounds like a cross between Chuck Berry and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
My favorite track on the album is “A Woman Needs Love”. If Plato were alive today Roy would give him a run for his money when it comes to philosophy. Here is a man that has lived and is willing to pass on some of his wisdom. I’ll take it!
The arrangements on Strange Love are just right. Every note seems to be completely thought out. There isn’t a stray note anywhere.

4/5 Stars

Key Tracks: A Woman Needs Love, The Next Time, I Truly Love You

Kirk Bullough

Tracks: 1.   My Love Bone 2.   I truly Love You 3.   Hey Baby 4.   Strange Love 5.   I'm Never Gonna Stop 6.   Wait For Me 7.   A Woman Needs Love 8.   We Still Together 9.  The Next Time 10. I Can't Wait

Artist: Roy Roberts

Title: Strange Love

Genre: Blues

Label: Ocean Beach Records

Website: http://www.royrobertsblues.com/