Izzy & Chris – “Preaching The Blues Vol. 1”

blue barry faust – smoky mountain blues society

 

Wow!  Did I ever hear some music that knocked me out this week.  Actually a few weeks ago, but it doesn’t matter when it happened, just that it did.  Izzy & Chris have a new CD out called “Preaching The Blues Vol 1,  on Blind Raccoon.  Try out myspace.com/izzyandchris.  That’s Izzy Stetar on vocals and guitar, and Chris Nacy on blues harmonica.  In the footsteps of Cephas and Wiggins, Sonny Terry & Brownie McGee, and Satan & Adam, they are an acoustic duo that is just better than they should be.  Izzy does most of the writing and plays stellar guitar.  Chris is a killer, tasty, on the money, harp player.  They play a refreshingly laid back style of acoustic blues that is just sure to please.  I love it.  There are 11 songs on the CD and they are just one good tune after another.  If this is Vol 1, I can’t wait for Vol 2 to come out.  My favorite cuts are “Flat Broke & Busted,” been there, and “Country Blues #5.”  I’m talking country style, old timey blues, and some fine ragtime.  Now I’ll admit that I’m pretty jaded toward old style country blues, but I just love this CD.  For you harp players out there, there’s plenty of licks to learn from Chris.  You can also learn some great phrasing.  He never overplays,  lays that great harp right in there, and obviously has done is homework listening to the greats.  Not too loud, not a ton of reverb and octave stuff, just harp.  Who could imagine?  Izzy can play that guitar too.  Great vocals on top of it.  Takes his time, nice & easy.  Looking for something that will surprise you, here it is.  Have a great summer.  Thanks guys.  Keep up the good work.  Don’t believe me, listen for yourself.  One love.........blue barry