Blue Onion-Live @ TheGarden 2005 Blue Onion Band
4/5 Onions
Its always a little tougher to review releases of people you are acquainted with. You want to be fair but hope you can give a good review while staying honest. Ive had friends ask for reviews and I really didnt want to do it because I felt the disc wasnt as good as they thought it was. I usually make sure they realize that they will get an honest opinion-good or bad-before agreeing. In the case of our friends, Blue Onion, there was little need to worry. This power trio from Kalispell, Montana has terrific chemistry, good technique and is solid musically. Their music has just enough of an occasional Jazz quality to keep them from being considered just a rock-Blues band. Some of their instrumental arrangements are downright pretty, such as a good portion of the 2nd song "All Ive Done". The tough and gruff vocals by lead guitarist Ken Sederdahl are at their best on the "Love Run Blue". His vocals are very much like those of John Kay (Steppenwolf). The song "Cold As You" has a nice bass solo from Chris Coen and drummer T.J. Moses shines especially when he does double duty on the harmonica. This CD contains almost all originals including my favorite-the country-influenced "Bone Bottom" (also featured on the WWBS CD "Best of Northwest Blues-Volume1"). There is a cover of BB Kings signature song, "The Thrill is Gone" that Blue Onion does a fine job of tailoring to fit their sound. The rock-heavy "Blue Jean Saddle Bags" is another change of direction that makes this CD more appealing to someone looking for variety. It sure makes Blue Onion a hot festival band. If you can see them live you would agree its a great show. This CD was very well recorded, considering it was recorded live. If I thought there was one area lacking its that the recording was "too clean" for a live disc. All crowd noise was cut out and, for me, thats a shame because this band can get a crowd jumpin. It only adds to the appeal of a live disc when the listener can join in on the party. Nevertheless this is a fine recording. To find out how to get your own copy just head on over to
www.blueonion.net. Tell em Biggdaddy sent ya!
