Reviews

Bluezzman's
Blues CD Reviews 27

David Gogo
"Skeleton Key"

Cordova Bay Records
BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO, © MARCH, 2006

There is so much good blues music coming out of Canada these days that I'm hearing rumors that, as a tribute, the Minister of Canadian Waters is considering renaming some of the Country's most popular bodies of water. The info that's been leaked to the Blewzzman has the HUDSON BAY being changed to the HUDSON BAYOU and the SAINT JOHN RIVER will soon be called the DOCTOR JOHN RIVER. Remember, at this time, these are still unofficial rumors. OK, OK, enough with the merriment and on with the document.

Although a new comer to this writers ears, DAVID GOGO is certainly no newcomer to the blues scene. Just a few of the genres giants he's performed with include B. B. King, Albert Collins, Johnny Winter, Jimmy Vaughn and the Downchild Blues Band. In addition to being nominated for a Juno Award (Canada's Grammy), DAVID has been nominated for nine Maple Blues Awards (Canada's Handy) while winning for "Guitarist of the Year" and "Entertainer of the Year". Not a bad resume`.

"SKELETON KEY", his fifth release for Cordova Bay Records, features six originals and seven covers from the likes of Albert Collins, Otis Span, Willie Dixon, Stevie Wonder, Paul Butterfield/Mike Bloomfield/Nick Gravenites, and Curtis Mayfield. Names such as those can't help me from admiring his taste for music as well as his presentation of it.

While in the name frame of mind, this is a good spot to introduce the band. Accompanying DAVID GOGO on all Lead Vocals and all Guitars are: TODD SACERTY, Bass; BILLY HICKS, Drums and Percussion; BRENDAN HEDLEY, Piano and Organ; and RICK HOPKINS, Organ. Others making musical contributions are: GARY BARNUM, Harmonica & Groaning; MELISA DEVOST, Harmony Vocals; PIERRE KOMEN, Sax & Vocals; EARLE GIBSON, Trombone & Vocals; KYLE BURROWS, Rhodes; and TINA JONES, Trumpet & Percussion.

"SKELETON KEY" features a nicely balanced blend of Blues and Rock and the mix is sure to satisfy the taste of the blues rockers as well as purists such as myself. Before I get ready to mention a few of the tracks there is something I want to say now, and I'll just say it once, so that I won't have to repeat myself too many times during the rest of this review. This disc contains some of the best drum work I have ever heard in my life. On every track, BILLY HICKS is certainly one of the highlights.

Starting off my particular favorites was one of the originals, "I CAN STILL HEAR YOU CRYING". If there were ever a time in DAVID'S life where he needed to send a one track demo somewhere, this should be it. This track simultaneously exemplifies his strong and soulful vocals as well as his masterful guitar ability.

"SKELETON KEY" another original, and the all too short title track, is very well done. Compared to some of the other tracks it's one of the more subtle songs. It's one of those very catch sing-alongs that you may very well catch yourself singing later in the day.

"BACKSTROKE", the Albert Collins cover, smokes. I don't know where to start here - it's just a fiery jam with everyone fanning the flames - it gets hotter as it goes on. On this track the organ player is totally out of his mind, I can't say more than I already did about the drummer and as expected on an Albert Collins cut, it's an opportunity for a guitarist to showcase his talent, and DAVID does just that.

If there's a blues heaven, and Paul and Mike are up there listening, then "REAP WHAT YOU SOW" is surely putting a smile on their faces. This one is so well done it may very well be the best track of the lot. This one is all DAVID - his singing gave me goose bumps and his guitar playing sent chills through my body.

On "THINGS ARE ABOUT TO CHANGE", there is absolutely no mistaking Stevie Ray Vaughn's influence on DAVID. This is fast and hard playing and good old rocking blues at it's best.

Unfortunately, for now anyway, DAVID'S tour dates seem restricted to Canada and the surrounding area. Maybe next year, as the snow on the ground is higher in feet than the temperature on the thermometer is in degrees, David will consider doing a Florida tour. I sure hope so, this is one act I'd love to catch live.

© 2006. All Rights Reserved.