New Yorkers do everything bigger and better, so why should their Blues and Big Band tunes be any different?
With social savvy lyrics and incredibly deep sonic textures, Tomas Doncker Band’s “Big Apple Blues,†is the type of album the genre needs to attract new fans. While New Yorkers especially will dig songs the likes of “Coney Islandâ€, “Hellfighter of Harlem,†“Ground Zero†and the small shout-outs to the area, dedicated blues aficionados will appreciate the craftsmanship and polish on every track.
It all starts with the political lyrics and Doncker’s powerful, but sincere voice. True old-school blues personified, he’s got a message of social equality and empowerment. How he delivers it is in a way that true blues fans can and will appreciate- with plenty of passion. There’s no way this guy doesn’t go home from every performance exhausted. Every note is sung with unbridled , added with rich guitar licks. At times, Doncker’s work feels like a combination of the soul of Doby Gray and the groovy fire of John Lee Hooker.
It also helps the cause that the band supporting Doncker is To say the sound on “Big Apple Blues†is full would be a huge understatement. Doncker’s vocals and guitar would be entertaining enough, especially with his baritone, but add in at times three and four-part vocal harmony, keyboards, harmonica and strings to go along with bass and drums and you got more than a big band feel. It’s like Blues on steroids.
The band stretches their sound on a few tracks (“The New Day” also comes to mind here) but not nearly as much as “Fun City.†With elements of soul and even Motown, it’s a surprise entry on the album, but it’s one that ultimately fits considering all the instrumental pieces involved. Talking about how the city has changed over the years, it’s a fun tune that adds an extra balance to the sometimes heady themes. At the same time, it’s far from a weak lyrical experience. Smart and warm, it’ll be one that’ll get stuck in your head. Thanks to Doncker’s softer vocal approach here, the song has the most radio-friendly appeal.
With an ability to entertain with both their poetic lyrics and expert musicianship, as well as charismatic frontman, TDB’s “Big Apple Blues,†is not only an album that blues fans will adore, it’s catchy enough to invite tons of new ears to the genre.
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