Milteau is one of the most interesting contemporary blues harp players. He walks a fine line: respecting the musical tradition that inspires him (blues and soul) and approaching in his own, unique way. Of his recent output, Blue 3rd is the most interesting and thrilling to my ears. This album is defined by voices. Human voices, of course, and not the least of those (Terry Callier, Gil Scott-Heron, N'dambi) but also instrumental voices, epitomised by the grainy sound of Howard Johnson whether on sax or on tuba.
There's an enticing duality about Blue 3rd: Milteau and his band lay a velvet cushion for his guests to shine on and at the same time their backing in itself is a gem, and Milteau's playing even more so. This is the epitome of his particular vein of sparse, tone focused approach. Fans of harp histrionics, move on, this is not what Blue 3rd is about. Fans of african-american inspired music and particularly Memphis soul blues should absolutely find their fill here!
When I first listened to that album there were tracks that absolutely blew me away. Terry Callier's Some Kind of Pressure is stunning, with this deep, raw double bass sound throughout. Gil Scott-Heron's Home is where the Hatred is grooves like the days of the Midnight Band. Turtle Walk and Fishing Blues are both instrumental gems, bridging the gap between trad blues and blues note jazz. All of these are total winners. I was somewhat less convinced originally by some of the instrumentals that sounded a bit too much like the current brand of R&B, but with time even these I grew to appreciate and The Lonely Knows with N'dambi has become a favourite of mine.
This is a superb album that really manages what it sets out to do: showcase interesting voices or tones in a musical context deeply respectful of the afro-american tradition it draws from.
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Hey, glad to hear you've changed your judgement regarding The Lonely Knows.
This always amazes me how some songs stay great (or even become greater) with years while some others (generally the catchier ones) fade quickly
Blue 3rd is also my preferred JJM's CD. Especially Terry Callier's songs.
LaurentV
Posted by: Laurent | January 18, 2010 at 06:18 PM