Namedroppers – Blue Diamonds
Horizon Music Group
10 tracks – 36 minutes
In the vibrant realm where blues meets rock, and soulful storytelling intertwines with musical mastery, The Namedroppers present their latest gem, "Blue Diamonds." Hailing from Connecticut, this quartet, born from the ashes of harp player Charlie Karp's backing band, crafts a 10-track, 36-minute masterpiece that navigates the diverse waters of blues, rock, and everything in between.
Rafe Klein, Bobby T Torello, Scott Spray, and Ron Rifkin comprise The Namedroppers, a lineup that boasts an impressive musical lineage. Spray and Torello's past with Johnny Winter and Klein and Rifkin's longstanding collaboration with Charlie Karp create a potent fusion of experience and talent.
The album opens with the title track, "Blue Diamonds," where Klein's vocals, accompanied by the gospel-like backing from Heather Joseph, dive into the haunting realities of drug abuse. Ron Rifkin takes the lead for much of the song, with Al Ferrante's guest guitar adding an extra layer of depth.
"Hollywood" follows, a rocking number featuring Torello's raspy vocals and a dazzling organ run, perfectly complemented by stellar guitar work. The captivating saxophone of Bill Holloman elevates the track, urging someone to head to Hollywood for a transformative journey.
"Just Come Home" sees Klein taking the vocal reins again in an R&B plea, accompanied by Holloman's soulful sax additions. The band then takes on the blues classic "Further on up the Road," infusing it with their signature blues-rock flavor. Jay Willie's slide guitar shines on "Back to Chicago," a rhythm-driven declaration of a desire to return to the Windy City.
The mood shifts with the ballad "New York," reflecting on the highs and lows of city life. A hidden treasure emerges in the form of a cover of Jimi Hendrix's "Red House," featuring the late Charlie Karp on guitar and Mark Naftalin on piano from a 2018 studio session.
In response to the media-covered strife in Ukraine, The Namedroppers craft "Ukraine We Stand," a military-sounding blues anthem where Torello's snare drum beats weave through Jay Willie's poignant slide guitar.
"Are You Lonely" explores themes of love and commitment, backed by Carol Sylvan's soulful vocals. The album concludes with the Chuck Berry-inspired "Blue Guitar," injecting Jerry Lee Lewis piano riffs and surf-style drum rhythms into the mix, showcasing Torello's dynamic drumming.
The Namedroppers effortlessly traverse musical boundaries, creating a sound that transcends genres. "Blue Diamonds" is not just an album; it's a musical journey that sparkles with brilliance, proving that The Namedroppers are masters of their craft. With each track, they continue to redefine the intersection of blues, rock, and beyond, leaving audiences craving more from this talented quartet.
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