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Blues Beat

Bees Deluxe Takes Listeners on a Sonic Journey with "Don’t Touch That Dial! Live at WUML"


Boston-based quartet Bees Deluxe is far from your conventional blues band, and they've made it their mission to blend the vibes of 1960s Chicago blues and New Orleans funk with the vintage sounds of Blue Note jazz, all amped up for the 21st century. Their latest release, "Don’t Touch That Dial! Live at WUML," captures their unique musical fusion in a live recording from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell radio studio. Clocking in at 56 minutes, this album is a testament to Bees Deluxe's commitment to pushing the boundaries of blues.


Led by British-born guitarist Conrad Warre and multi-instrumentalist Carol Band, the band brings together a diverse range of influences and experiences. Warre's background includes contributions to the U.K. ska/punk movement with bands like The Specials and The Selector, while Band, a Connecticut native, draws from her roots in folk and rock. Together with bassist Adam Sankowski and percussionist Paul Giovine, they form a rhythm section that complements the band's unconventional blues approach.


The recording captures a live broadcast from the "Blues Deluxe" radio show, hosted by John Guregian on WUML-FM since 1979. The vintage analog equipment used in the recording adds a warm, authentic quality to the performance. The album opens with a unique rendition of Michael Burks’ “I Smell Smoke,” showcasing Warre's vocal and guitar skills.


Original composition "Beer" follows, featuring Band on harmonica in a medium-tempo shuffle that humorously explores the desire for a simple brew despite relationship complexities. The percussive ballad "That’s What I’m Living For" provides a rhythmic backdrop, and the enigmatic "Queen Midas" showcases Warre's extended guitar solo.


The band's interpretation of Aretha Franklin’s “Chain of Fools” transforms the iconic track into a dark, blues-infused experience with trading guitar leads. "Letter from Jail" maintains a quiet, contemplative atmosphere as it narrates a day behind bars. Bees Deluxe then pays homage to Chicago blues with Fenton Robinson’s “Somebody Loan Me a Dime” and Otis Rush’s “Homework,” each offering a distinctive take on the classics.


Two original compositions, the instrumental "Imaginary Conversation Between Björk & Buddy Guy" and the bluesy-psychedelic "Flat Earth Conspiracy," precede the band's sweeping reinterpretation of Bobby “Blue” Bland’s “I Wouldn’t Treat a Dog (The Way You Treated Me)” to close the album.


While "Don’t Touch That Dial!" may not fit the traditional blues mold, Bees Deluxe succeeds in delivering a captivating and genre-defying live performance. The band's commitment to their mission shines through, making this album a worthwhile addition to any blues enthusiast's collection.


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