“Authentic,” that is the first word that comes to mind upon hearing the new release Washington Blues, from The Wired Band.
The ten song set recorded live in two sessions at Butter Sound studios, is real unadulterated blues at its best. This veteran trio has since gone on to capture the crown at the 2012 international Blues Challenge, and this disc is proof positive why they deserve the honor.
The nine original tunes written by front man extraordinaire Kevin Sutton and Wired, sound like choice gems from the annals of rhythm and blues history. These fellas are carrying the torch for Muddy, Wolf, Hooker, T Bone and King into the next millennium.
Each tune has an immediate familiar flair, delivered with sincere homage but without sentimentality. Beginning with the classic twelve bar title track that should be candidate for the new Washington state song, then on to the Rollin’ n tumblin remake” I’m a Train,” Sutton delivers authentic growling slide and convincing vocals, that invite all to sing along on “Woe is Me.” The bitter sweet “Still Aint Got The Blues,” stings as it hits close to home, and the band show they aren’t afraid to speak their mind delivered with some clever swing of the “Politician’s Song.” The sweet boogaloo hook of “Loser,” is an immediately infectious groove that no doubt fills dance floors everywhere. On “Find the Blues in You,” Sutton challenges all of us to look inside ourselves, find some perspective and maybe, just maybe through the blues, achieve some peace and understanding.
That brings to mind the second word, “Brave.” The Wired band are absolutely just that, brave , to put out and album that presents themselves raw and uncut, live and unbridled , exactly how the blues is meant to be played, and just how champions should be.
Rick J Bowen
www.wiredbandinfo.com
http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/WIRED1
