Dave Thomas - One More Mile

Dave Thomas - One More Mile - Blonde on Blonde Direct

With a music career going back to 1969, Welsh-born singer-songwriter- guitarist-harmonicist Dave Thomas brings over a half-century to this new release centered around the blues. There are three different sessions represented, including one in Cleveland with Travis Haddix's horn section. Another session from Ireland where that session's producer, Declan Sinnott, plays all the instruments except the harmonica. The final session was in Bristol with Ken Pustelnick's Groundhogs. 

With Tom Arnold on the organ and Terry Popple on drums, the album opens with a marvelous cover of B.B. King's "It's My Own Fault." Thomas comes across as a top-notch, soulful singer with an unforced vocal delivery with strong horn-driven urban blues backing. His own "I Like My Chicken Fried" showcases some solid interplay between Thomas and Arnold, while Thomas' down-home harmonica is showcased behind somewhat laid-back singing on James Cotton's "One More Mile." There is a three-song acoustic set with Declan Sinnott providing the backing for Thomas' warm, sober singing. "I Want the Blues," where Thomas sings about finding comfort in the blues from everyday troubles. In contrast, He shows a reflective side in the folk-ballad "You Danced in My Kitchen."

The final trio of songs has him backed by the Groundhogs in a blues-rock vein. The last three songs are by Tony McPhee, who led this pioneering British blues band in the 1960s, where they backed touring acts, including John Lee Hooker. There is a late 60s' psychedelic feel with whining slim guitar against a trebly bass riff on the environmental anthem "Garden." Then there is the hard rock-inspired "Eccentric Man" that comes off as heavy-handed. Thomas only adds his vocals here, but these were the least appealing to this listener. 

It would be easy to recommend a full album of Dave Thomas in the urban blues vein of the first four selections, or one with a few acoustic selections mixed in. He is a very talented singer but does get a bit overwhelmed (for my taste) by the rave-ups of the final three songs. Despite my reservations, I enjoyed this album.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is the title track.