Chicago-born guitarist Jeff Dale gathered together over a dozen of his good friends from his home town and L.A., many of whom are veteran players from the bands of Buddy Guy, James Cotton, Magic Slim, and Otis Rush, to make what he calls Good Music. In fact, that became the title track for his new album, released July 2014. The twelve song collection is a home-spun set of tunes that does not take itself too seriously. As the title track says, “if you like good music let me hear ya holler — hey!”
Dale and his off-the-cuff, talk-singing, easy-going style is at the center of every one of the tunes. High on humor and low on bravado, Dale goes for the fun right off the bat with the saucy Chi Town-styled “Naked Women in My Bed,” then moves on to search for redemption, using the words of Dr. King, in “Letter from the Birmingham Jail.”
Dale stretches his vocal abilities alongside some blue, moaning cello from Dane Little (BB King, Hunter Hayes, LP) on “Final Destination.” He gets downright goofy for the little south side shuffle “She Love Me.” The slow-burning “Wagon Wheel,” is a tongue-in-cheek new take on a familiar blues theme. Dale mines more familiar blues territory while making social commentary on “Black and White” and retreads “Hoochie Coochie Man” for his own “The Devil I Know.” The playful swing of “Murder,” complete with oboe solo, is likely the most inventive and original tune in the set. Good Music closes with the full-tilt party song “My Brain Took the Whole Night Off,” with the band joining in on a shout-along chorus.
Jeff Dale and his friends may not win any awards for this album, but the last tracks show they certainly had a good time making their brand of “Good Music.”
Rick J Bowen
