A Lively Jumping Blues Disc
R. Weinstock | Falls Church, VA USA | 09/12/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Kid Ramos' second Evidence album, West Coast House Party features a who's who of some of the more prominent blues guitar pickers on the West Coast blues scene along a variety of vocalists and other players. Musically, this album leans to the jump blues scene that thrived on the West Coast, with two takes of a T-Bone walker instrumental, Strollin' With Bone, spotlighting Gatemouth Brown and Duke Robillard along with Kid Ramos, sandwiching 14 other tracks. Other guitarists here include Junior Watson, Rick Holmstrom, Rusty Zinn and Charlie Baty, while Zinn, Robillard, Watson, James Intveld, Kim Wilson, Janiva Magness, Big Sandy Williams and James Harman handle the vocals. Jeff Turmes anchors the horns, while Fred Kaplan is on piano, Larry Taylor on bass and Stephen Hodges is on drums. Its a tight band, that swings, and ramos gets to trade guitar solos with his peers and special guests. The vocals are generally quite good, although overshadowed by the originals. James Intveld is a capable singer on Roy Brown's Love Don't Love Nobody, but not simply in Brown's league as a singer (admittedly few are), and even Kim Wilson can't quite equal a Smiley Lewis on a jump blues like Real Gone Lover. Within its admitted limitations, this record still possesses have considerable appeal. The music is wonderfully played and the result is a lively blues party disc great for dancing and/or listening."
They do make and play music like they used too!
SIMON AGUILAR-GARCIA | Seattle, Wa. USA | 06/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Listening to this I felt I was transported to a jumping roadhouse with a rockin' band and people dancing everywhere! Excellent production, musicianship, songs and playing! Jump Blues, Boogie, Rockabilly, Big Band all evident and all stewing very hot! ... .
"
Track Listings (16) - Disc #1