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True blues stilll rocks.

A little blues never hurt anyone.  That’s what this album is all about:  blues.  If you like blues, you’re going to enjoy this album by Davis Coen.
Blues Lights for Yours and Mine is full of soul searching blues and has some gospel thrown in for good measure.  There’s “Mambo Jumbo,” and “Lordy Lord.”  He has a version of C.C. Rider that is different from what my generation heard on American Bandstand.

This album puts listeners into a nostalgic mood as the deep sounds bring forth images of Louisiana and the Bayous. I immediately recalled people sitting on their front porches, singing and playing instruments on a hot summer day. The tunes are catchy and Coen proves he can hold his own with his strong voice and attention to details with his songs.  He’s backed up by organ, drums and piano. 

Coen’s music has aired on XM Radio.  He commonly plays clubs, bars, theaters, and festivals throughout the southeast and is based out of Charleston, South Carolina.  This is his fourth album after receiving much praise for his three previous released albums which he performed while in Europe.  His music epitomizes the blues and although I don’t see it as dance music, it makes for wonderful listening.The guitarist has been playing since he was a kid and always liked the blues because he heard the music so much.  He’s played original music for the PBS special by Martin Scorsese called “The Blues.” 

He’s also played the circuit with other blues artists like Jesse Mae Hemphill, Junior Wells, Eddie Kirkland and Britain’s John Mayall and The Bluesbreakers. His music has been called “busking” which means performing in front of an audience (anywhere, any time) for tips and gratuities.

I liked the album and it plays well as listening music.  For me, listening to Coen’s latest was like taking a mental stroll down Memory Lane, recalling in vivid detail odd moments of my childhood.  I can’t get the images out of my head.  I think the same will be true for you, the listener.  For more on Coen go to http://www.daviscoen.com.

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