Ray Bonneville
Goin’ by Feel
Red House Records
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also available on amazon
This is a Canadian artist that has tapped into a gritty blues groove shuffle that is very similar to the groove know as the Tulsa Shuffle made popular by the iconic J.J. Cale, with just a touch of the New Orleans funk added in to give it some added spice and heat. That said, though it is derivative, it is also an extension and a pushing of the boundaries to other levels. His songs have the feel that is similar to walking on gravel in bare feet, you have to be careful where you put your feet or one of the sharp points is going to jab you, but if you take your time the feel is invigorating like a deep firm foot massage. That is a major key to appreciating the masterful storytelling and wit of this Canadian songwriter, that has assimilated more than enough of the American Myths to be able to make good comments about what he has seen and felt in the lower 48. He is also a very accomplished guitar player and adds a funky harmonica that he uses to set off his smoke cured voice.
He is aided on this disc by a very tight band that includes such stalwarts as Gurf Morlix on bass, guitar, percussion and harmony vocals, Rick Richards or Geoff Arsenault on drums, Eliza Gilkyson on harmony vocals and Nick Connolly on keys, and Brad Hays on guitar. The overall feel is that smoky bar with a gritty floor and dim lights that give imagination-inducing shadows backed some of the slinkiest rough edged guitar around. A very solid sophomore effort that show great growth.