GRAND MARQUIS

Blues and Trouble

2013-11-16

Blues and Trouble is the fifth studio album of Grand Marquis, a Kansas City based band. Bryan Redmond's sax dominates the album, especially on Bed of Nails. Along with Redmond Chad Boydston plays trumpet, Ryan Wurtz on guitar, Ben Ruth on the upright bass and sousaphone, with Lisa McKenzie as percussionist. The trio of tunes 3-4-5 are the best on the CD: "Reputation," "Empire of Dirt" (the horn is a treat) and title track with its hooky beat. "Ironclad Alibi" starts out so cool with bass--gets a little muddled in the middle--and returns to that vibe near the end while maintaining background melody. You'll hear strains of God Bless America in "You're Still My Baby" with Dixieland-style sousaphone. "Two by Two" is all about swing dancin' and is the most upbeat song on the disk. At 7 minutes, "Easy to Be the Devil" is in no hurry to get the point across. A nice laid back, slow burn. Blues and Trouble blends old school blues, prohibition-era jazz and swing influences while letting each musician shine. Can't pass on Jason Bays' design of the album cover and liner notes--superb graphic arts. Reviewed by Pam VandeKerkhoff

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Blues

  • reviewed 03/2009

    THE NIGHTHAWKS
    AMERICAN LANDSCAPE

  • reviewed 07/2011

    LAURIE MORVAN BAND
    BREATHE DEEP

  • reviewed 10/2008

    JACKIE PAYNE/STEVE EDMONSON BAND
    OVERNIGHT SENSATION

  • reviewed 08/2011

    ERIC LINDELL
    WEST COAST DRIFTER

  • reviewed 09/2017

    Scott Ramminger
    Alive And Ornery

  • reviewed 06/2008

    THE MYSTIX
    BLUE MORNING

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.