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Leo Hull & The Texas Blues Machine "In The Pocket"
"In The Pocket" is a condensed version of Leo's philosophy to "KEEP THE WHEELS ON THE ROAD, THE BEER COLD, THE MUSIC HOT AND THE BLUES LIVE", and keeping the blues alive is well presented in this CD. Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine is one of the hardest working blues bands in Texas and their latest CD "In The Pocket," is due for release, on November 01, 2009. All songs except "Harley Davidson" were written by Leo and musical arrangements are by Leo and guitar man, Jimmy Jewell 11. The Texas Blues Machine is composed of Leo Hull on vocals and guitar, Craig Valez on bass, David Pence on drums and Jimmy Jewell on guitar. Special guest are Jeff Stone on harmonica and Charlie Lowe on key boards.
Leo states that the inspiration for several of the songs on this CD came from his stage observations of the fans. That is probably true, but it also appears that Leo's appreciation and insight of the blues forefathers has given him the gift to write an authentic blues anthem, and "Birth of the Blues" is just that - a National Anthem for the Blues. Leo has virtually put us on a -freight train, overloaded and running late- as we travel from the cotton fields of Mississippi to Beale Street to modern day Austin, Texas. This is a classic song, and it will be a Blues anthem someday. Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine walk us through the heritage of the Blues from rock -n- roll to country to modern day Texas Blues. We are surrounded by the haunting spirits of Robert Johnson, Hank Williams and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The visual lyrics and the slide guitar work of Jimmy Jewel will make this song a classic- a Blues Anthem!
"Blues Dancin' Queen" is another one of those observations of the band as they see the fans dancing to their tunes. "Hey long tall lean, you look like a dancing queen." As the band travels up and down the road (over 200 gigs a year), they get to see it all, and "Blues Dancin' Queen" is another lady that knows how to shake that thing. This song has great breaks for dancing, very interesting drum licks and outstanding key board by Charlie Lowe. Woo! Hey ladies you know it's important to be seen, especially if you're a Blues Dancin' Queen. "Now ladies you got our permission to shake us up all night, but when you leave don't turn on the lights". Wow, the beer's cold and the dance floor's right and the ladies are hot! And so is this song.
"I'm Confused" is an observation of the social, political and religious issues of today. It is an interesting synopsis of Washington politics, local religion, marriage counselors and love themes. Life is constantly changing and social, political, economic and militant issues are changing too. This could be a hackneyed over-worn theme, but Leo puts it all into proper prospective and "I'm Confused" is a dynamic social observation. "Life ain't easy living in this constant turmoil world, now they tell me that love ain't necessarily between a boy and a girl. I'm confused." Great observations and well versed into lyrics and melody.
"Down and Out" you know what I'm talking about. Everyone can identify with this song. You thought you had two incomes, but you don't know where it spent. "If the dollar cost a quarter and a quarter cost a dime, woo, my pockets would be empty most of the time." I know you've been there, and so have I. This song clocks in about 72 bpm and is a great slow dancing blues tune. Jeff Stone does a good job on the harmonica and Jimmy Jewell's slide guitar work is awesome.
"Party 'bout to Happen" is just that. Get ready for a good time. Down in Texas we like to have some fun, bring your friends and come with me. Yes, there's a party 'bout to happen, y'all better come with me. Turn down the lights, turn up the AC, ice down the beer and get up and dance. More outstanding guitar licks by JJ. Get up out of that chair baby, there's a party 'bout to happen.
"Who's got the Blues?" This is another great dancing tune as it clocks in about 126 bpm. "When you get up in the morning, brush your hair, put on your shoes, look in the mirror honey, tell me who's got the blues." This is a new twist to the old he's cheating on her theme. Yep, she's been messing around on him for years and now it's his time to return the "favor." So, now honey, who's got the blues?
"Harley Davidson" was written by Leo's good friend Doug Lynch. This is a story of Harley, David's son, who lived his dream and died by the gun. Ride Harley ride! "He was born to live on the run," but met his fate down at a little bar on the interstate. This tune was originally written as a ballad, but you can tell that Leo has taken lots of liberties and rearranged it to fit the Texas Blues Machine's Texas Roadhouse Blues style. Harley has very interesting lyrics and is a great roadhouse blues song.
"Pay Your Dues" tells the story of how we all pay our dues. Leo's Mother is 93 and he asked her how you get there, what's the roots of your soul? She tells him, well that's a story must be told, you gotta pay your dues. A doctor, layer, a peddler and a pimp, no one is exempt. "If you roll the dice too many times, sometimes you gonna lose." You gonna pay your dues. We all know that's right!
"Roadhouse Rider" is the fastest song on this CD and it clocks in about 210 bpm. Charlie Lowe is working overtime on the organ on this one. This is an authentic rocker tune, it tells the story of a rider who is going to be there with his friends, party until the daylight ends, he loves his Harley and he's gonna cruise.
Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine has been playing Texas blues for over 10 years, and they have developed a strong following all over the state. The Texas Blues Machine can be reached at www.thetexasbluesmachine.com.
Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine's newest CD "In The Pocket" was reviewed by Ronnie W. Donald of Ronnie D's Record Review, darkhorse61@yahoo.com, Dallas, Texas. October 15, 2009