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Armand & Bluesology

“Everything I Need”

New Moon NMC 9718

Ugh, rough day at work. Get up from a nap, gotta write a review. Start the CD. Songs are good but no words are comin’ to me. Make up stuff, keep it goin’. Suddenly, I got energy, these guys are great! Now I remember why I bought this debut CD after a live show. Over half of these cuts are originals and another three were written by Armand Lenchek’s major influence, North Carolina’s Walter “Lightning Bug” Rhodes.

The cover song, Everything I Need, is a rocker. A great live act opener. Armand’s guitar phrases are teasers. The solos are rolling, insistent paragraphs. Tod Proctor’s drums maintain an equally insistent primitive beat. On Love Songs Are Lies Armand’s gruff voice compliments the clean, high, grab-for-my-soul guitar work. Mike Cowan is a former keyboardist for the Nighthawks and does some light and lovely stuff here. Ben Palmer on bass keeps a steady guide. A great piece of work.

Mike’s Mood probably refers to Mike Cowan again whose tinkly talents are shown well here. A smooth, jazzy instrumental, with an island beach feel. Kelly Pace on drums and Palmer’s bass keep a strong rhythm. Armand teases us again playing in and around the tune. Cold, Cold World is the first slow mellow number. add the cream to this coffee. JJ Cale’s After Midnight is done more raucously than the familiar Clapton version. Armand’s vocals are real similar but the guitar work is raunchy! A funky, soulful tone, particularly Mike’s piano takes on a lounge lizard tone while the guitar pleads for our attention. Armand’s full, raspy voice has a modern touch - a hint of Belushi/Blues Brothers. The old favorite, I’ll Play The Blues For You is done very cleanly. Armand is technically proficient without “too many notes”. When I watched them at the Lowcountry Blues Bash in Charleston last February (see the review in Mar/Apr issue of Twelve Bar Rag) I was struck by how comfortably he plays.

I finally came awake during Armand’s Attitude which had me up and dancing. This one reminds me of Ken, one of our fearless SBS leaders. A boppy instrumental, the keyboard stands out strong but that wailingguitar touches my innards. The soft steady rhythms of Pace and Palmer Cowan’s work on the ivories. Slow and methodical yet with lots of instrumental finesse. What’s Goin’ On showcases Armand’s layered guitar work and makes me think again of Clapton-like vocals.

Pickin’ Cotton is a slow boogie, with the most delta feel yet. Armand’s clear, loud vocals sound wonderful with the deep strong strumming. Something’s Fishy (Frut de la Mar) is a bouncy, jazzy tune. Cowan diddles some happy keys here. The guitar intersperses happy and mellow with heart piercing. This man demands attention, and he’s got mine. The driving, thumping pace of Dance Hobo, Dance kept me on my feet. To hell with analysis, I’m groovin’-a fabulous dance hall number. Makin’ Love is a loopy, lively change of pace. The musicians have changed as well with Ann Rabson’s piano an upbeat pleasure. Tad Walter's harp and Chuck Cotton’s drums add to the summery slide sound. These last two guys commonly play with Bob Margolin.

This CD highlights some fabulous artistry and a wonderful set of songs. Any chance someone out there can get these guys to play locally?

MER