Altered Five Blues Band

Cryin’ Mercy
Self Produced

9135936Milwaukee-based blues and R&B band Altered Five Blues Band recently took home The Blues Foundation’s recognition for Best Self-Produced CD at the 105 International Blues Challenge for their disc Cryin’ Mercy. This original music is handed to you through the strong vocals of Jeff “JT” Taylor, the terrific guitar playing of Jeff Schroedl, fat-sounding keyboard work by Raymond Tevich, and snap-it-on-home rhythms from bassist Mark Solveson and drummer Scott Schroedl. Cryin’ Mercy was produced by the extraordinary Tom Hambridge (who hasn’t this guy produced the past few years?).

This is a band that should clearly satisfy just about all blues lovers, no matter what definition they have on the genre. The band comes out punching with the opening track “Demon Woman,” with a sizzling guitar taking command alongside a pulsing organ. On “Find My Wings” they have also found their soul. It is a R&B number that again showcases Schroedl’s nice and smooth guitar action. “I’m In Deep” has a bit of a jumping West Coast guitar groove going on.

Two favorites on this disc full of great songs have go to be “Counterfeit Lover” with its story of how he bought all the lines and sweet talk from his lover, only to have her leave with another; and “Urgent Care” where our hero has taken so much abuse from his partner, from being bruised and burned, a knife in the back, pain in the neck and crawling under his skin, that he is now in need of emergent relief.

This is contemporary blues that shows its roots in fatback soul. Deep and refreshing sounds that will make you want to dance and make you smile. Isn’t that exactly what good music should do? It’s moving and highly enjoyable. Good blues music done right. Nothing more needs to be said.

Total Time: 43:31

Demon Woman / I’m In Deep / Find My Wings / Stay Out Of My Business / Counterfeit Lover / I Got You / Who’s Your Lover? / Move House / Here’s Your Hat, What’s Your Hurry / Urgent Care / Back Button