Tony Wessels and the Revolvers
Reloaded
Self Released
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © August 2023
Reloaded is the second release from the Atlanta, Ga, based Tony Wessels and the Revolvers. As Tony tells it, the name of the band was derived from so many talented musicians rotating in and out of his various projects, that they actually became Revolvers. This particular project features eighteen of them. That said, those Revolvers joining lead vocalist and bassist Tony Wessels on Reloaded include: Stevie Vegas on drums, percussion, vibe and mojo; Daniel “Mudcat” Dudeck, Richie Mays and Jody Worrell on guitar; Stephe “Hobo” Reid and Kathorah Wylie on harmonica; Steve Cunningham on guitar and lapsteel; Mat Abercrombie on guitar, backing vocals and ‘creativity’; Robert Meadows on keyboards; Rick Gilbert and Art McNaughton on drums; Danny Bermel on violin; Clark Hunt on trumpet; Ethan Levitt on saxophone; and Alex Wessels, Ry Wessels, Cindy Mills and Michael Ray on backing vocals. Of the disc’s eleven tracks, five are originals of Tony’s.
If there were ever a way to use music as a definition of a word or term, this disc’s opening track would definitely define the true meaning of “making it your own”. It’s a cover of Brownie McGhee’s “Move Across The River”, and I honestly think that if the late bluesman were around today and heard this rendition, he might actually say “That’s not my song”. The track features the smokin’ rhythm and percussion coming from the hands of Tony and Stevie being elevated by the hands of Robert’s fabulous piano and organ leads; scorching lead and slide guitar runs by Richie; and the exceptional lead and harmony vocals by Tony, Cindy and Michael, give the song it’s uplifting Gospel vibe. If what’s on the other side is anything as good as this song sounds, I’d also like to move across the river. This is how you open an album!
The first of Tony’s originals is an instrumental titled “Walking With Jody”. It’s a short two-and-a-half minute long number that sounds like something that came out of two musicians fooling around in a studio. Since it involves Jody Worrell’s only appearance on the disc, I actually believe that’s what may have happened. If it indeed is, I applaud their decision to record and go with it. The track features Jody masterfully maneuvering around his guitar and Tony laying down a fabulous walking bass line.
Another of Tony’s originals is a song titled “Broken Man”. It’s a very laid back, unadorned effort by three outstanding musicians – Tony (bass), Rick (drums) and Richie (guitar) – creating outstanding music. It’s also a a great track for Tony to showcase his completely unique and dynamite vocal style, which is puzzling for me to describe. No matter how hard I try, I keep coming up with think Ricky Nelson sings the blues. It works!
Just like my take on the Brownie McGhee’s cover, this is not your Muddy Waters “Got My Mojo Working” (Preston Foster). With the help of seriously smokin’ keyboard work from Robert; fiery sax and trumpet leads from Ethan and Clark; thunderous rhythm from himself and Stevie on the bass and drums; and strong vocal support from some of his kin – Alex and Ry Wessels; this crew does indeed have their own mojo working.
Speaking of Muddy, while, keeping it close to it’s original adaptation, the Revolvers definitely do justice to his “Blow Wind Blow”. Although Tony doesn’t have Bob Margolin or Jerry Portnoy by his side, he does have Danny nailing the slide guitar leads and Stephe blowin’ the hell out of the harp.
On another original track, “Moving On”, the two Revolvers who appear for the first and only time do indeed make their presence known. As a matter of fact, I’m just gonna give it to them – putting on the disc’s most impressive drum performance, and giving the track it’s pop with his killer fiddle presentation – Art and Danny stole the show.
Other tracks on Reloaded, which could be the vehicle that puts Tony Wessels and the Revolvers on the radar, are: “Key To The Highway” (B. Bronzy and C.Segar); “Sweet Home Blues” (W. Bunch); two more of Tony’s originals, “Smiling Woman” and “Changed”; and “Cotton (S. Hopkins).
Should you like to find out more about Tony Wessels and the Revolvers, check their Facebook Page. Remember, when you contact Tony, please tell him his friend the Blewzzman, sent you.
“The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy”
Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com
2011 “Keeping The Blues Alive” Award Recipient
