Kevin Kearney Band

“Black – Revised”

DWAZ Entertainment

Slide guitarist Kerry Kearney has been writing and performing for over 40 years. Although not as well-known as Sonny Landreth or Roy Rogers, Kearney first formed The Kerry Kearney Band back in 1997.

In 2001 Kearney released his breakthrough album “Welcome to the Psycodelta” on Relix Records. Joan Mallotides of the New York Blues and Jazz Society wrote “At present, when carbon copy seems to have become the set standard of musical style, it is refreshing to enjoy a performance of original artistry. No gimmicks, no stylistic replication of artists past, but a fresh, innovative voice. Kearney’s songwriting includes honest lyrics and music performed with the emotion, energy and unquestionable command of his instrument“.

In 2004 The Long Island Blues Society voted Kearney “Bluesman of the Year“. Although he has had numerous independently produced albums with the KKB, he scored big again with 2012’s “Ghosts of The Psycodelta”. Kearney has toured with the Allman Brothers and with Dickey Betts and has performed with Landreth.

Jerry Schaefer, a Long Island radio personality and host of “Graveyard Blues” said “Kearney’s signature guitar sound is inspirational and evokes raw emotion on several levels. The musical notes that come through Kearnys fingers create an oral experience that equals the vibrant colors that become a visual masterpiece on canvas”.

Featuring an album cover of a cup of coffee “Black Revised” again features the KKB. Current band members include Kearney, guitars, dobro and vocals; long time member Mario Staiano, drums and congas; and Gerry Sorrentino, bass. All of the songs except one was written by Kearney.

Opening with “Shakin’ Like Jelly” the track also features Long Island artist and musician Frank Latorre on harmonica. On “Long Tall Mama” Kearney plays both an acoustic guitar and dobro. “Pretty Baby” features David Bennett Cohen formally with “Country Joe and the Fish” on piano.

Although “Goin’ to the Marci Gras” has a similar name as the Professor Longhair classic it is an original from Kearney featuring a trombone solo from Victor Poretz; and Charlie Wolfe on harp.

“Statesboro Blues” is the classic Blind Willie McTell song also covered by the Allman Brothers. Cohen, Poretz and Wolfe are once again featured. “Creole Woman” and “Wake Me, Shake Me, Bake Me” follow.

The closer “Girl From Memphis” features Kearney on dobro with a fabulous vocal, and Wolfe on harp.

The rhythm section lays down a strong foundation throughout the recording. This too short teaser from Kearney leaves the listener yearning for more which I understand is already in the making.

Richard Ludmerer

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