CD Review: Twisted

The other day I was sitting at the Y intersection, in South Lake Tahoe, with the car windows down, sunshine pouring in and an explosion from Twisted, the latest CD by Rick Estrin and the Nightcats, erupting from the stereo.

 

“Whoa!” yelled over the guy from the blue Jeep in the right lane.  “What is that?”

That, my friend, is the blues…the blues handled by masters.

For the first time in a 40 plus year career legendary harp man Rick Estrin is headlining his own band formerly known as Little Charlie and the Nightcats.

 Estrin’s renowned proficiency with the harmonica soars in sheer exuberance whether wrangling the spirit of a speeding midnight train in the lead track “Big Time” to the syncopated bounce of chords, added by the clever bass plucking of Lorenzo Farrell, in “Cool Times” reminiscent of a soundtrack for a black and white film set in 1950’s Paris.

Style, sleek and smooth, permeates this entire CD released by Alligator Records.

Estrin’s talents as a lyrical wordsmith in “Back from the Dead” hold resonance with anyone challenged by today’s woes.  Have money, love or addiction problems?  This is the rockin’ tune to get yourself straight with. 

Still catching grief? The next track “UBU” rhythmically sets down the rules of conduct.

For long-time fans concerned when former lead man, Little Charlie Baty, retired - cast them aside as a mighty Norseman, Kid Anderson acoustically delivers fire and brimstone from his guitar.

Surrender into the low brooding seduction of  “Someone Somewhere” as handled by Estrin and Anderson with J Hansen’s enticing drum cadence.

Hansen’s rip into “I’m Taking Out My In-Laws” is fair from a warm and fuzzy Hallmark greeting card but more identifiable for anyone afflicted with dysfunctional family members.

“Earthquake” spurts a magna flow of exhilaration and joy. Check your pulse if you aren’t up and dancing to this one.  You might be dead!

Overall these are the tunes you want coloring your summer.

Like driving a classis convertible or hanging with the Rat Pack the music of Rick Estrin and the Nightcats has that certain element of cool many want – but few are gifted enough to achieve.

Review originally appeared on "Action" a Tahoe Daily Tribune publication