Blues singer-songwriter extraordinaire George Gritzbach released a new album a short time ago, entitled Full Circle.
Talking about Full Circle, George comments, “I have one basic creative rule of thumb or creative imperative if you will, simply go where the muse leads you. Sometimes this is more difficult than it sounds, it requires one to let go, to step aside, and trust the process. Personally, it takes emotional work to stay right-sized, which for me fosters the zone for creativity.”
Appearing with George Gritzbach (vocals, guitar) on the album: Scott Lariviere (bass), Christian McCarthy (drums, percussion), Johnny Menezes (keyboards), Peter Murry (saxophone), Jerry Portnoy (harmonica), who played with the Muddy Waters Band and toured with Eric Clapton, Steve Ahern (trumpet), Dan Anthony (trombone), and Gabby Rossen (vocals).
Made up of 10-tracks, Full Circle starts off with “All About Now,” opening on thick, swaggering layers of R&B energy, featuring dazzling horns, full-bodied vocals attended by radiant harmonies, and a buoyant beat vaguely reminiscent of Blues Traveler.
Highlights include “Sweet Misery,” which rolls out on oozing blues colors recalling Robert Cray. George’s luscious voice imbues the lyrics with nasty blues savors as he narrates his heartache. A Carlos Santana-flavored guitar injects the tune with wicked hints of Latin blues.
A personal favorite, “Never Far Away” exudes delicious flows of smooth sounds conjuring up memories of the cashmere blues savors of Brook Benton. “Black Rose” drips with dark, swampy textures capped by half-whispered, dangerous vocals conveying portentous hues. A weeping drawling guitar infuses the harmonics with malevolent oily incandescence.
The boogie-woogie groove of “Roots Rhythm and Blues,” showcasing the bawl of Portnoy’s harmonica, grabs your hips and makes them twitch. The final track, “Better Than Gold” blends rollicking blues with tinges of country flavors, as well as gospel-like vocals. Bright brass accents lace the tune with brilliant coloration, giving the song a delicious carefree momentum.
Full Circle brims with tasty blues redolence, the kind of saturating blues that worms under your skin, leaving you shuddering with bewitching sensations.
Follow George Gritzbach Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify
