Otis Grand Grand Union CD

 A Grand Union indeed
A Grand Union indeed. Three great guitarists in their own right playing together.Debbie Davies on the left channel, Anson Funderburgh on the right channel and Otis Grand on the center channel. You can identify each guitarist clearly with the great separation and clear recording. Only Debbie normaly sings, but on this release the vocals are handled in the main by one of the best – Sugar Ray Norcia (ex Roomful of Blues). Tony Coleman and Brother Roy Oakley sing on a couple of tracks as well. All are great singers and enhance the music greatly. As if that wasn’t enough the pianist (and Hammond B3) on most tracks is the great Anthony Geraci. Ike Turner guests on piano on a couple of tracks and sounds terrific. The rhythm section is as tight as a drum. Also added on most tracks are lots of horns (including Sax Gordon Beadle). This release has everything going for it.
The guitarists play as a team. They don’t get in each other’s way as can sometimes can happen with these super type sessions. What’s more all show that they are not only great soloists but can play terrific rhythm as well. There is a great mixture of original material and covers. There are many many highlights throughtout. In fact one highlight after another. Not only do you get quality, but quantity (68 minutes).
This has to be one of the best blues releases of recent times. Guitar freaks will have a ball checking out who’s doing what when. As with truly well crafted sessions, this one bears repeated listenings, with something fresh to be heard with each listening.
Do yourself a favour grab this one right away. Each artist is a favourite. To get all three on one album is pure heaven.

Submitted by a reviewer (Birkdale, Qld, Australia)
Was This Review Helpful? Yes No  1 of 1 found this helpful.

Have you heard this album?