The Paul de Lay band - Heavy Rotation

The Paul de Lay band
Heavy Rotation
Evidence ECD 26115-2
2001
(56 : 51)

A new Paul de Lay's album is always an event in itself. Because the man is an artist of rare quality. Forgive the bad game of words, but his qualities are everything but rare. Not only he's a very fine singer and an exceptionnal harmonicist, but he also has developped a songwriting talent that puts him in the blues writing "Panthéon" with the likes of such greats as Larry Garner or Mighty Mo Rodgers. Maybe not for the strength of his lyrics, though these are far from any lack of interest, but his musical writing is certainly one of the most originals of the moment. Yet, Paul de Lay plays the blues. But here, the question of the matter has nothing to do with any kind of so-called attempt to "make the blues evolve" into something that would end up so different from its source it would have lost its meaning, not to mention its essence. No, de Lay knows his business, he payed his dues to the devil's music as well as his dept to society. Yes, the guy has done time, for possession of cocaine. But when such experiences have broken so many lives, de Lay emerges bigger (another bad joke : the guy is a giant !) Today he's clean, and after a few remarkable albums, Big Paul is back with a CD of exception. In his blues, he put mambo, calypso, jazz, swing, soul, rhythm & blues, but mostly, let's say it again, some enormous talent. As in his previous records, the Paul de Lay band totally commits itself in the interpretation of the songs : passionate singing, economic but sharp guitar – special mention to Peter Dammann who sometimes reminds of Jimmie Vaughan – perfect rhythm section, but most of all, a harmonica that de Lay accomplishes a tour de force with, playing it with virtuosity without ever overplaying it, remaining, again, original throughout the record. As his diatonic harp playing is more than fine, his chromatic parts are such a treat that it would be foolish to go on unaware of such a musician ! With all this, it is difficult to highlight one song rather than any other, the whole thing being of such a high level. The originality of Over Money, So Near, Givin' Up The Body, Remember Me, It Isn't Easy Being Big, In The Pocket and Cat's Away could be mentionned, as well as the pleasure provided by Love Grown Cold, Rainy Mary or Bess & Ernie's Rib Joint, or the impossibility to resist Wealthy Man, I'll Quit You Tomorrow, Jimmy Jones and Ain't Feeling That Love No More, but one would only realize they have just told about every 14 songs in this magnificent album. So just remember that not only this is an essential CD in the already superb Paul de Lay's discography, but it is also fundamental to any blues lover's record collection. You probably got the picture by now : acquisition warmly recommanded.

René Malines