I don't listen to a lot of blues because it often all sounds alike, very little mainstream music is as strictly built on scales. However, Charlie Wood’s new album, Lucky, is extremely unique and not even just as a style but even song to song.
"Solo project" takes on a completely different meaning on this album. Mr. Woods plays virtually all the instruments preformed. The only exception is the harmonica and the saxophone. But after doing most of the recording by himself, he turned around and produced, mixed, and also took care of the photography for the album.
But with all the instruments Charlie Wood plays on Lucky, piano is defiantly prominent, and it is a strong performance. While in a completely different genre, his playing reminds me of Billy Joel. And he plays real piano, not just chords like is so common with today’s musicians, such as The Killers and Brandon Flowers.
My favorite song on this album is the lead off "Can’t Teach That Stuff." It talks about the lesson learned through experience. It gives insight about how blues musicians must learn improvisation, as they often will play with different bands without rehearsals. Also this song manages to keep the blues feel even though it's primarily electric piano.
“If It Makes Me a Dollar” examines the persuasion money has on people's beliefs. One of my favorite things about this song is how the rhythm piano, bass, and drums all work together for a very unique beat.
"Beale Street Blues" has a very old-time blues feel to it, a sound which has been nearly completely lost. Charlie Wood is joined on this track by label mate, Billy Gibson. “Beale Street Blues” is also one of the few tracks not written by Mr. Wood. But even though it was not written by him, he obviously adds a lot to make the song his own.
This CD has found itself a regular spot on the recently played list of my iTunes because of its unique mixture of old blues and new blues feeling. This comes from the numerous influences Charlie Wood has played with including the great B.B. King. This CD would be an excellent stocking stuffer for any music lover.
For more information about Charlie Wood and streaming MP3s you can go to his Myspace Profile Page or his page on Sonicbirds.
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