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If you want to play the blues, there is no better place to learn the craft than as the legendary Hubert Sumlin’s band leader and guitarist for five years, 1998-2003. Sean Chambers did just that before he struck out on his own for a solo career. He has shared the stage with such artists as Buddy Guy, BB King, Johnny Winter, Greg Allman, Otis Rush, Derek Trucks, Robert Cray, Pat Travers, Robin Trower, and a host of others.
Chambers is a no-nonsense blues guitarist who combines the roots of Chicago, Delta, and Texas blues into one mix. The result is a hard blues sound that comes close to rock upon occasion. He has put together a good backing band to support his vocals and guitar virtuosity. Bassist Jeff Artabasy, drummer Paul Broderick, and blues harpist Gary Keith form a fine backing unit.
His third album, Ten Til Midnight, released during 2009, was his commercial breakthrough release, as it appeared on the Living Blues Chart for three months and received extensive radio airplay.
Part of the blues legacy is the ability to play live and so we come to the Sean Chambers Band’s new release, Live From The Long Island Blues Warehouse. It combines songs from his three studio releases, several blues covers, and one new composition into a sometimes ferocious but always technically sound blues album.
The lead track, “Dixie,” serves as a warm-up. It is a funky type blues instrumental where the band establishes itself as a tight-knit unit. It is followed by “Love Can Find A Way,” which introduces his growling vocal and guitar solos. “Full Moon On Main Street,” a cover song from an early album by The Kinsey Report, is a slower tempo song that is presented in a traditional manner with a harmonica solo. It is one of the highlights of the album.
They are some unexpected delights waiting to be heard. “Strong Temptation” has a 1960s psychedelic feel to it. His cover of the Elmore James classic “Dust My Broom” pays homage to old-school blues. His new composition “Hip Shake Boogie” has an improvisational feel and is the perfect party song.
Chambers has established himself as an adept blues musician both in the studio and on the stage. Live From The Long Island Blues Warehouse allows him to step forward and prove he is one of the better blues guitarists working today.
