FREE Subscription - For more information  CLICK HERE

 

 

Back To Reviews page

Matti Norlin - LIVE - Blues 3 Trappor Upp

Independent Release

http://mattinorlin.com

This is the latest album from Sweden's Matti Norlin. It's his 4th blues CD and his first since 2002. The album was recorded live at Blues 3 Trappor Upp (3 Stairs Up) in Tranemo Sweden and features a number of Matti Norlin originals with a smattering of blues classics from the likes of Robert Johnson and Charlie Patton.

A couple of things stand out on this CD. The first is the camaraderie between Matti and his audience. Although the dialogue is in Swedish, there is obvious humour apparent and the participation between artist and fan is quite extraordinary. The second is Matti's astonishing guitar playing. As well as his picking, he also plays quite a mean slide. His forays into rag time are also quite sensational.

The set kicks off at a brisk pace. Two Norlin originals, "Mind Your Own Business" and "Mainstream Blues" split by Robert Johnson's "Up Jumped The Devil" and by now the audience are really lapping this up.

A change in tempo, any one for ragtime?. I've found another way to live and "Airy Man Blues" are brilliantly played. The Big Bill Broonzy number "How You Want It Done: is the albums highlight. Controlled tension at it's very best. A trio of Norlin originals are next up. "Biscuits" (I've never heard a blues number with references to baking powder before), "Not Allowed" and "Groovin" are real rootsy, gutsy numbers before we return to some more rag time in the shape of "Milkcow Blues Boogie" and "Piccolo Rag". Two Charlie Patton numbers, "Shake It and Break It" and "Bird Nest Bound" follow before Matti is joined by Fredrik Haake on assorted kitchen utensils (baking trays, saucepan lids and cymbal) The disc closes with a rabble rousing "Emigration Blues".

This has to be one of he best solo live albums I have ever heard. Those who were present witnessed something quite special. The rest of us will have to hear the CD, It's indispensable..

Reviewer Mike Lightfoot is House DJ at the New Crawdaddy Blues Club, Billericay, Essex UK, www.newcrawdaddyclub.co.uk and is also a contributor to Blues in Britain magazine www.bluesinbritain.org.

 To submit a review or interview please contact:

For more information please contact:

(Formerly IllinoisBlues.com)

Home  |  Contact  |  Submit Your Blues News - Advertise with Blues Blast Magazine
 
 Copyright - Blues Blast Magazine
2010    Design by: Moxi Dawg Design