This is a follow-up to "Live at Knuckleheads," and features one of the members of the family band, Trampled Under Foot, leading a trio with Cliff Moore on bass, and Adam Hagerman on drums (I am taking this information of Nick's website as no other her personnel is given on the CD cover), although some tracks like the closing "Conformity Blues," sounds like additional musicians are present. Moore was on that earlier album which also featured Heather Newman. From the credits, most of the songs may have originally been by Trampled Under Foot with a few interesting covers.
Musically, this recording comes across as blues-rock. He is a limited singer who certainly invests his vocals with heart, although with a small range. He is quite a guitarist, combining technique, tone and imagination in the power blues-rock trio format heard here. Taken in small doses, tracks like the opening "Fool," with its field holler opening transitioning to a driving blues-rock, the cover of "Herbert Harper's Free Press News" (from the infamous "Electric Mud" album), and the sparkling slide guitar he plays "Bad Woman Blues" set to the Bo Diddley groove, certainly stand-out. There is more slide on a hyper-kinetic cover of Johnny Winter's "Mean Town Blues," and then the Z.Z. Top sounding boogie "Johnny Cheat." However, "Bad Disposition" comes off musically as a bit over the top. The closing "Conformity Blues," is musically the most interesting track with superb guitar and a feel in the manner of the Allman Brothers
Those coming to hear Nick Schnebelen's impressive blues-rock guitar playing will not be disappointed, although some, like this listener, will enjoy the music here is a few songs at a time.
I received my review copy from VizzTone. Here is Nick performing "Bad Woman Blues" and "Mean Town Blues."
Nick Schnebelen Band Live at Knuckleheads Vol. 1 VizzTone
Part of the International Blues Challenge winning sibling band, Trampled Under Foot (and selected for the Albert King Guitar Award at the time), Nick Schnebelen now leads his own band and VizzTone has issued their debut album, "Live at Knuckleheads Vol. 1," recorded at the famed Kansas City club. The singer and guitarist is joined by Heather Newman on guitar and vocals, Cliff Moore on bass and Joe Voye on drums for a hard rocking collection of blues and blues-infused roots rock.
Schnebelen and Newman share vocals with Newman being the more engaging singer, while Schnebelen is uneven. He comes across well on the rockabilly tinged opening track "I'm Goin'" but his heavier approach on the blues-rock Muddy Waters' influenced "Break of Day" (akin to "Walking Blues") is not as natural sounding. There may be a touch of country in Newman's vocals and there are times I wish Newman would tone her singing down at spots, but this is a quibble as her phrasing and pitch is spot on her performances, and this is also a recording of a live performance.
Schnebelen's guitar is quite fiery and inventive. He might rock a bit for my taste, but when he picks up the slide and quotes Muddy's "I Be's Troubled" backing Heather on "Tailgate Swing," his considerable technical skills and musical sense is quite evident. he is quite a player and he ably takes the heat down on the low-key "Who Will Comfort Me." Perhaps he bellows his vocal a bit on his forceful, and fresh, rendition of "Spoonful," with Heather adding vocal backing. Then he picks up the steel guitar for a nice cover of the Santo and Johnny's hit "Sleep Walk."
A terrific cover of Dolly Parton's "Jolene" further illustrates the band's virtuosity followed by an high-energy rendition of the Gary US Bonds hit "New Orleans" with Hound Dog Yaylor meets George Thorogood slide backing the husky vocal that ends this animated and highly engaging live blues and roots set that will have many wanting more.
I received a review copy from VizzTone. Here is a video of them in performance.
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