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THE BLUES PROJECT ‘Lazarus/The Blues Project’ Acadia ACA9082 (2004) (75:08)
After recording to much acclaim in the late 60s, the band split and then reformed, and this twofer covers two often overlooked albums from the early 70s.
Amid breakdowns, drugs and other problems, Lazarus really was a ‘back from the dead’ achievement.
Recorded as a three piece featuring guitarist Danny Kalb, bassist/saxophonist Don Kretmar and drummer Roy Blumenfield, it’s a mixed bag of blues, some acoustic, some more upbeat.
Yellow Cab features some excellent guitar work, and the saxophones bolster the sound well. The traditional Lazarus is suitably moody. The album fluctuates from great blues with a rock edge to background music that doesn’t grab you nearly as much.
The following year’s eponymous effort is more uptempo and professional sounding. With the band swelled with a pianist, second guitarist and a vocalist, it’s overall a very worthy effort.
Sadly that was it for the Blues Project. Some glorious failures but more than enough great moments to pass over.
***
Review by Joe Geesin
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