Zee, Jimmy: Devil Take Me Down

Jimmy Zee is a Canadian blues guitarist hailing from Vancouver, British Columbia. His new album Devil Take Me Down is a roaring good time as all blues albums should be. Zee takes a modern approach to the blues adding underpinnings of funk and pure rock and roll. As with all good blues albums the guitar really shines on this disc. His funk laden grooves, ripping lead work and sweet acoustic melodies are what this album is all about. That said, there are twenty-seven other musicians adding to Zee's full band sound.

Besides guitar, Zee also sings and his deep throaty voice is ideally suited for this style of music. His emotionally charged vocals probably reminds me most of Joe Cocker and only add to the soul driven sound.

Songs like "Working Hard" and "Bad End Boys" have the band at their rocking best with crisp guitar, swirling Hammond and Zee's blue's inflected voice. In the title track Zee tones it down a notch as the riffs are more deliberate exuding a more sultry vibe. Blasts of harmonica and some ripping acoustic guitar work complete the picture. In the heartfelt ballad "Diamonds", a pretty acoustic melody is accentuated by slower electric riffs and Zee's soulful voice.

Perhaps the CD's biggest surprise is a reworking of the Nick Gilder classic "Roxy Roller" where classic rock and hard driving blues meet head on making for an all-around fun track.

This is a consistently good blues album and although it did feel a little long at times it is still a fine listen with excellent musicianship and soulful playing. Jimmy Zee's music comes straight from the heart and in this day and age of over produced pop sensations that seems like an increasingly rare thing indeed.

Track Listing:
1. Working Hard
2. Devil Take Me Down
3. Diamonds
4. Bad End Boys
5. Drinking All Night Long
6. All My Love
7. Boston City
8. Only A Fool
9. Roxy Roller
10. Santa Fe
11. For Your Love
12. Show Me
13. Parade Day

Added: April 18th 2011
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Artist's Official Site
Hits: 3342
Language: english

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