Jeff Pitchell Brown Eyed Blues

May 11, 2024

Jeff Pitchell

Brown Eyed Blues

DeGuello Records

Jeff Pitchell has recorded with J. Geils, Rick Derringer, Dave Mason, James Cotton, and Clarence Clemons. Jeff received international recognition when he toured Europe and even played with the Commitments. Jeff won “Best Guitarist” in the State of Connecticut when he was 15. Jeff has won two songwriting awards from the Great American Songwriting Contest. Blues legend John Mayall subsequently recorded Jeff’s song “An Eye For An Eye”. Jeff and his band, Texas Flood, won the BEST BLUES ACT in New England. This is Jeff’s newest album.

Jeff sings and plays guitar on all tracks unless otherwise noted. A power trio opens with “Now You Know” recorded by Will Beale Pitchell as Jeff is joined by John O’Boyle, bass; and Ephraim Lowell, drums. The sultry cover photo of model Brooke Robinson is credited to Jeff Gambino. The title track, “Brown Eyed Blues”, includes backing vocalists John Robinson, Theresa Wright and Linda Ransom, while keyboardist Dan Fontanella plays barrelhouse piano.

“Wait” features both Mike Levesque and Nick Longo on drums and is a dance hall favorite. “Caught Up in The Wave” includes keyboardist Jay Vernali, bassist Tommy McDonald, and drummer Tom Hambridge. “Every Day”, written by Jeff and songwriter Gary Nicholson, includes the lyric “stumbling blocks are a stepping stone, take the next step, that’s the best you can every day start again”. An ode for redemption, produced by David Z, as Reese Wynans plays a Wurlitzer.

Duane Betts lets loose with some patented family styled guitar on “When We Kiss”. The shuffle “Do Right Girl” co-written by Jeff with Hambridge is a tribute to Jeff’s wife Betsy. “Beg, Steal and Rob” is a collaboration with Hammond B-3 master Bruce Feiner. The swampy “Any Way You Can” features three guitarists Jeff, Duane Betts, and Johnny Stachela on slide. “Stay While The Night is Young” includes two drummers and three percussionists Mike Levesque, Nick Longo, Ivan Santiago, Kevin Berry, and Vic Sreffens.

“Meet Me” is a cover from Nola’s Jim and Jeanie Cheatham featuring the late Charles Neville on saxophone. “Whiskey River” originally appeared on Jeff’s Heavy Hitter album on Pyramid Records, featured is harmonica icon James Cotton. “Got To Keep My Head Up” is a guitar and vocal dual with Rick Derringer. “Soulshine” written by Warren Haynes was recorded live at St. Joseph College, featured is a vocal from Michael Allman, and more from Charles Neville’s saxophone. The closer “Welcome to the Beat” is a salsa showstopper and features Jeff’s vocal with Bill Holoman playing drums, keyboards, sax, and trumpet.

Jeff Pitchell is playing with his friends as he gives us this fabulous collection. Time to sit back and enjoy.

Richard Ludmerer
Contributing Editor/Making A Scene

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