There aren’t too many bands these days writing thoughtful, original blues songs. But then, not too many blues bands are blessed with a charismatic singer / harmonicist like Raoul Bhaneja, an accomplished actor who’s held down a regular role in a television series, appeared in several feature films, and has toured the world in support of his one-man production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Shakespeare and the blues may seem odd bedfellows, but Bhaneja’s abilities as both writer and performer give You My People, the third outing by Raoul And The Big Time, a uniquely hip vibe.
Bhaneja wrote most of the material (some with help), following conventional blues forms but adding a personal stamp through rhythmic twists and a unique approach to harmonica. He deftly avoids cliché, even when dealing with time-honored topics; titular opener “You My People,” a boastful party-starter, succeeds with winning good-spirits, while “Where The Wind Blows On Shore” borrows from “Black Night” but expands the poetic imagery substantially.
“Killing My World” is an angry indictment of those in power who are poisoning the earth, while “Sad State Of Affairs” addresses the plight of the working poor. “Menthol Mama” is a clever look at what it’s like to live with an unrepentant smoker, and closer “We Can Change” (co-written with guest vocalist Theresa Levasseur) is a hopeful declaration of defiance in the face of all that can tear a relationship apart. Covers include a stripped down and stunning “All To Myself” (Ray Charles), Muddy Waters’ “Gypsy Woman,” enlivened by guest Tyler Yarema’s sparkling piano work, and “One Card Trump,” an easy-going shuffle written by Toronto-based jazz chanteuse Elizabeth Shepherd.
Bhaneja doesn’t have a huge vocal range, but his delivery is invariably effective, employing sly phrasing and quiet confidence to get his message across. The core band is exemplary – bassist Terry Wilkins is a local legend, and drummer Tom Bona and guitarist Darren Gallen are first-call (and first-rate) players for countless acts. All play with exquisitely restraint, honoring the obvious care and craft Bhaneja’s put into each composition. Some pretty high-profile guests are on board as well, including west-coast wonder Junior Watson, master of quirky yet killer guitar solos, and Mark Hummel, who joins in on harp for a pair. (His duet with Bhaneja on the aptly-named instrumental, “Breathin’ In,” is an exquisite exercise in chromatic cooperation). Also on hand are Vancouver-based Gospel quartet The Sojourners, with additional guests contributing horns as appropriate.
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