The Sean Carney Band
Life Of Ease
Nite Owlz Records
2006
(68'59")

Despite quick appearances in France last July, first as a guest with trombonist Sarah Morrow at the Parc Floral, then at the One Way Cafe in St Ouen where he first performed solo, then with Jersey Julie's band (ex-Mudcat, the Vagabonds), then again with Julie at the Martin Pecheur in the Paris suburbs a couple of days later, Sean Carney is totally unknown our neck of the woods. That's a shame that must be repared as soon as possible according not only to these very few performances, but also to this dazzling CD.
Second effort by this young man under his own name (he also lead Teeny Tucker's band on the road as well as on the lady's most recent recordings), this is an accomplishment, a true masterpiece of finesse, concision, vocal and guitar perfection, construction, arrangements, everything ! Clearly ingfluenced by the great T-Bone Walker and his almuni Duke Robillard (he has the balls to admit he's a fan of the Bostonian guitarist when the fashion these days seems to be taking down this genius) Sean delivers an album that, if it unfolds but a few aspects of his multiple musical talents (you must hear him play country blues ! He got it perfectly figured out !) will fulfill any normal modern blues amateur's expectation. His shuffles are of the "in your face" quality, his sophisticated blues à la Charles Brown will make you melt, his slow blues will tear you up moaning with pleasure. And don't go thinking for a minute this just another review in which the writer pleases himself by adding as many superlatives as he can in some sort of a litteral onanism .No, this album truly is of exceptionnal quality. Everything in it is excellent, from recording to mix to every musician talent, from tightness to expression, not to forget great guests such as the late Joe Weaver (these probably were his last recordings) whom Carney was a sideman too, Willie Pooch, and Teeny Tucker, just to name the vocalists only, when Sean is an accomplished singer himsel. It's the perfect album any band with a little talent dreams of producing one day. No need to say this CD is highly recommended. Now we can only hope to see the Sean Carney band booked on a french stage soon, if possible on a big festival one. And not 10 years from now !

René Malines