Down Under & Blues
B-Side Band
2010
Review contributed by Mike Jensen
B-Side Band is a Tauranga-based three-piece playing an intriguing mix of rockabilly, rhythm & blues and country.
Their recently released CD, Down Under & Blues, the band's second album, is a good sampling of their versatility and talent.
B-Side Band comprises Paul Parkhouse (vocals, harmonicas), Simon Elton (vocals, guitars), and Carl Winter on drums, and the album features a number of additional musicians contributing keyboards, slide guitar, and mandolin and banjo on some tracks.
Unusually, there is no bass player on the album.
The original lyrics are entertaining, often funny, and refreshingly clear in an excellent mix.
Some very tidy harmonies completed the vocal offering nicely.
The varied instrumentation gives the album a rich sonic diversity.
The kazoo solo in All My Inlaws Are Outlaws was definitely a highlight.
I was fascinated by the harmonica instrumental track Return of Clint, which really highlights the instrument's versatility (and the player's talent).
At times I felt the band was holding back just a little: I think the same set on a live stage would have a smidge more drive, and it would be an entertaining, high-energy show.
The album has a strong Kiwi theme, particularly Land of the Long White Cloud, dedicated to ex-pat Kiwis around the world.
The cover art reinforces this with an image of a Kiwi beach in a postage stamp.
I wouldn't consider B-Side Band to be a "blues" band - a term that possibly defies definition anyway - but several of the tracks are definitely blues-inspired and will appeal to club members.
Grab a copy and keep it in the rack with all your blues standards for those times you want to listen to something just a little different.
Tracks from the album have been played on National Radio and Kiwi FM and is available HERE on line at Marbecks.
For more details, please visit the band’s web site: www.bsidebandnz.com
Mike is a current Auckland Blues Club member and is the keyboard player for Riverhead Slide.
