Steve Bailey and The Blue Flames

New Way Of Workin’
Self Produced

There’s something that is just pleasing when it comes to blues done in the traditional format. No need for gimmicks or high-faluting gadgets to capture the true essence of the music. Seattle blues icon Steve Bailey has been thrilling Northwest audiences with his straight ahead blues approach for many years and along with his band, The Blue Flames, he has released a terrific new recording titled New Way Of Workin’. And despite the title, this is the same proven true method of music that Bailey is known for.

The album contains eleven tracks, eight are originals, and with the other three being tight covers of Brook Benton, Willie Dixon and Lowell Fulson. Sharp guitar work, roof-raising harmonica and true to the point rhythm prevail throughout this exceptional disc. This is definitely a veteran crew of musicians that have cut their teeth with some of the finest musicians on the West Coast. And musical tastes abound here with classic Texas and Chicago patterns done in the band’s own Northwest style, with the album closing with a little basic New Orleans rhumba feel on “Louisiana Woman.”

Damn fine blues that sounds like the way that those classical artists from the 50s/60s cultivated and refined the music. Steve Bailey And The Blue Flames take us back to those past masters and bring them right back front and center today.

Total Time: 39:10

Who / What’s The Use / Kiddeo / Big Man Plays The Blues / You’ll Be Mine / Said You’re Leavin’ Me / Braggin’ ‘Bout My Baby / Honey Hush / New Way Of Workin’ / I’m Back In Town / Louisiana Woman