Be Sharp Band

Ashes

The Blues may well have originated in the southern states of the USA, but today we all live in the modern world and the same issues effect our lives, day in day out.

Because right now the Blues is global, it doesn’t matter whether the music is created in Louisiana, London, Dublin or Zagreb – where Be Sharp Band is based. It doesn’t matter at all, the only thing that matters is the music.

If the music is performed with passion, energy, and belief – that’s all you need. We simply get it, we identify with the songs, the music and most important of all – the lyrics.

Be Sharp Band has been blazing a trail in the blues world as of late. The songs on this album were created between the guitar player and the vocal of the band – Nenad Mađerić and Marija Gašparić with the intention of entering the “Croatian Blues Challenge” in 2017, as a duo named Two Blue. Which not only did they enter and win their local heat, but went on to represent their country (Croatia) in the “34th International Blues Challenge” in Memphis, Tennessee. So as you can see these songs have already been impressing fans all over the blues world. Upon their return to Zagreb, the whole band starts to work on the songs, especially the author of the arrangements – Hrvoje Kaučić. Some time later the band got a new drummer – Robert Jurčec, and a keyboard player – Tomislav Ocvirek, that also put a valuable input with skills on their instruments.

Now to the album – “Ashes” – 12 tracks of gritty emotional blues rock. The album opens with “Just Blues”. It’s certainly not the case, as lead vocalist, Marija Gašparić, belts out those lyrics like she means business. Let me tell you this lady certainly does mean business from start to finish on this fine album.

Marija knows no other way but to give 100 percent, as does all of Be Sharp Band, with songs like “Wolf” – grinding blues mixed with some really funky sounds. Then there’s “that voice” that comes deep from within Marija’s soul, at times growling like the wolf she sings about. Goosebump territory for sure.

With “Mama’s Everyday Blues” Marija takes us into the world of the modern day mama looking after her family and all that entails. Every word true and I’m sure every “Mama” can identify with. Modern day blues in action, also some really mean harp playing here too!

“Put ‘Em Down” is certainly a rolling piece of blues rock. With lyrics like  “Put your cards on the table” or Show me what you’re made of” – at this stage of the album, there is absolutely no doubt to the listener what this band is all about. They deliver blues with passion, energy and style that is like a breath of fresh air.

Also worth mentioning is “Ashes” – title track of the album and also the current single. The lyrics talk about looking for redemption and covering oneself in ashes.

The guests on this album made all the difference – amazing Krešo Sonnyboy Oremuš on the harp, colaborating on back vocals with Marija Gašparić is the wonderful Iva Jelić, and neatly crafted percussions by Niko Radas.

From the evidence of this fine debut album, “Ashes” is set to burn brightly in the world of blues for quite some time to come. If listening to blues with a bite, coupled with modern day lyrics, is your thing – then “Ashes” is definitely for you.

Gerry Casey