Rush is considered one of the pioneers of the West Side sound. The West Side sound, referring to Chicago's West Side, was a brand of blues that was heavy on rhythm and usually replaced a harmonica player with a saxophone player. He took that a step further often recording with a small horn section.
A horn section was easy to come by in those days in Chicago where the blues still flourished. It was an expensive luxury when it was time to hit the road. Troubles, Troubles was recorded in Stockholm, Sweden while Rush was on tour. This album features Rush and his touring band. There is no piano, no harmonica, and no horns. Troubles, Troubles is a studio version of what those live shows would have sounded like: Bob Levis on second guitar, Bob Strokes on bass, Jessie Lawis on drums, and Rush up front handling lead vocal and guitar.
The impact on the sound of an impromptu trip to the studio while on tour without time for fuss and frill is clear — literally. There is a jazz-like quality to the sound of the album. Strokes' bass might be traveling well worn, blues-based rhythms but he plays them with a nimbleness not often associated with Chicago blues. The jazz reference is also appropriate for the subtle, minimalist rhythm guitar of Levis, particularly his tone. The absence of competing instruments and masterful support of this rhythm section allow the voice and lead guitar more room than ever. These are smooth, relaxed, sophisticated blues. The visceral side of Rush's work is absent from Troubles, Troubles. These blues are the kind you hear at an upscale club where people sit at tables and sip drinks while politely tapping their feet and drumming their fingers on the table.
The origins of Troubles, Troubles might not be inspired but the music certainly is. This is not a record that would have changed Rush's fortunes even if it had been properly released at the time of its recording, but it is certainly worth listening to now.
Article comments
1 - Mark Saleski
this "jazz-like quality" stuff is reminding me of how i might characterize somebody like Ronnie Earl. i'm gonna have to check this out.