Big thanks to Uncle Rob of the fox for his review of our new album Resurrection. Just click on this link right HERE to read the actual post. text is below…
From Uncle Rob at 105.3 fm The Fox in Fredericton.
“Am I a blues fan? Sure, I love the blues. Am I what you would call a purist? Not by a longshot. What I love about the blues, can translate to just about any genre…I simply have to ‘believe in it’, and that goes for everything from country music to garage punk, and all points in between. When it comes to Ross Neilsen’s latest disc Resurrection…I can honestly say, “I’m a believer”.
That being said, I think thats what I like the most about Ross’ new disc, its easily his greatest departure from a straight-up blues record, which is ironic considering the Fredericton based unit went deep into the bayous of Louisinana to record this latest effort which was produced by blues mover-and-shaker Anders Osbourne. Sure theres still Ross’ superb slide work that elevates material like Walk On By and and the slinky grooves which make up the backbone of When My Touble’s Gone and Devil’s Wife, but Resurrection also boasts a Steve Earle-ish stomper like Ain’t Like That, an epic dirge titled Juanita, and easily Ross’ clearest attempt at writing a straight up single for rock audiences, Need You More. For my money, the focus track is found in the chicken-pickin’ shuffle that transports Heartbreak Apart into a playful ZZ Top styled romp…easily my favorite track on the disc.
With the departure of Shaun Worden, it appears that Ross is cleaning the slate somewhat, right on down to the name itself. The ‘Sufferin’ Bastards’ are no more…this is The Ross Neilsen Band, featuring the long serving precision of Karl Gans on sticks, and new enlistee Jamie Guitar on the fat strings, which just happens to be his most solid configuration of his backing band to date. But fans of Ross’ can take solice in the fact that his smooth singing and deft fretwork remain very much intact on Resurrection.
In my opinion, Resurrection is the Ross Neilsen record that I knew he’s had in him all along. I’m not going to call it his masterpiece, because that one hasn’t come out yet, but it is his first truly great LP from start to finish. But you’d be mistaken if you called this a pure blues outing. My advice, go see a live show, and judge for yourself.
Ross Neilsen Band-Resurrection is in stores (providing you can find a store) on May 21st.
U-R”