Chris Daniels And The Kings, with Freddi Gowdy
40: Blues With Horns Volume II
Moon Voyage Records
Publicity: Blind Raccoon
By Peter “Blewzzman” Lauro © Aug 2024
When your band is together for forty years, changes are expected – as a matter of fact, I’ve noticed some since I last reviewed Blues With Horns – Volume 1 back in 2017. What’s not expected is making those changes without really changing. That’s exactly what Chris Daniels and the Kings with Freddi Gowdy have done. The release of their twentieth album – 40: Blues With Horns Volume II – in celebration of their fortieth anniversary, features them doing the same old dynamite thing – keeping the sounds of the big-band era alive.
For this extravaganza, along with Chris Daniels on vocals & electric, slide and acoustic guitars, the Kings are: Freddi Gowdy on vocals; Steve Ivey on drums; John Thornburg on bass and vocals; Colin “Bones” James on guitars; Bob Rebholz on alto sax, flute and horn arrangements; Darryl “Doody” Abrahamson on trumpet and vocals; Darren Kramer on trombone and horn arrangements. Special guest Kings include: Sam Bush on fiddle and mandolin; Sonny Landreth on slide guitar; Tom Capek on B3 organ and keyboards; Christian Teele on percussion; Steve Conn on accordion and B3; Hazel Miller, Mark Oblinger, Linda Lawson, Robert Johnson and Kenny Andrus on vocals. 40: Blues With Horns Volume II contains ten tracks of which half are originals.
Starting off with John’s thumpin’ bass lines and the blaring horns of Bob, Darryl and Darren, it didn’t take more than the intro on “Jump (When My Baby Says)” (D. Steen) for the Kings to jump right into what they specialize at. This is dance floor filling swing music at its finest. Between this track’s ferocious rhythm and the high energy vocals of Chris, Freddi and a bunch of backups singing “How high, high, high?” when their baby says “Jump, jump, jump!”; I’m thinking it’s the dancers doing all that high jumpin’.
Referring to ‘What’s inside, what you can share”, this uplifting original features Chris and Freddi claiming that “Everybody’s A Millionaire”. As warm and fuzzy as that sounds, I’m sure there will be a lot of listeners wishing they meant that monetarily instead of philosophically. Like pretty much every other track, I could go down the line on this one and mention everyone I mentioned in the paragraph above. Energy wise, the meter is always at high; the vocals (with and without backup) are always powerful. The guitar work – lead, rhythm, acoustic or slide – always smokes. Rhythmically – whether it’s driven by the bass, the drums, the percussion, the horns, or the keyboards – it’s always full-tilt. Because the Kings never do anything half fast, the pace is always in-your-face fast.
It’s not like the title of this original isn’t enough to induce you, but should you need some extra incentive, the music will surely encourage you. To paraphrase a line in the song, when you hear that rock and soul music, you’ll want to “Dance, Dance, Dance”. Although “I Like Funky Music” (F. Gowdy, L Wilkins) was the title of the second track, if you like funky music you just might not find any funkier than this one. On this rhythm fueled smoker with crazy good horn, organ, drum, bass and guitar leads, Christian Teele takes it over the top with his monster percussion work.
So as “Dance, Dance, Dance” comes to an end, don’t even think of sitting down just yet. Instead, just head right over to “Congo Square” and keep your booty shakin’. As you might expect on a song that he co-wrote, in the midst of more monster rhythm and percussion – special guest Sonny Landreth shines on slide guitar.
Okay, now you can take a breather. After the thunderous, rambunctious and ferocious musical presentations I’ve heard thus far, I had no idea this group could chill as good as they do. On a very laid-back song titled “Stealin’ Candy” (S. McCormick, J. Vester), the band showcases their impressive versatility. Featuring a soft rhythm, subtle horn leads and soothing acoustic guitar work, Chris, Freddi and Hazel put on a stunning vocal presentation.
Although it’s a cover, probably because they’re cool, the band sounds like they own this one. It’s a song about never worrying about an encounter with a storm because “When You’re Cool (The Sun Shines All The Time)” (DeVito, Nicholson, Welch). Heading up this one’s fabulous horn blowing, Darryl totally kicks it with his smoking trumpet leads.
Like I said when I reviewed Blues With Horns – Volume 1 back in November of 2017, 40: Blues With Horns Volume II will be a strong candidate for nominations in the soul blues categories of the upcoming awards ceremonies. Other tracks on this most excellent release include: “I Need Some Good Luck Bad” (D. Steen); “I Like Your Shoes” (F. Gowdy, L Wilkins); and “Under Pressure” (F. Gowdy, L Wilkins).
Should like to find out more about Chris Daniels And The Kings With Freddi Gowdy, just go to their website – www.chrisdaniels.com. Remember, wherever you go and whomever you speak with, please tell them their 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
