As reliably great as the first Bluesiana release was in 1990, the sequel packed its own considerable surprises. I didn’t have high hopes.
Art Blakey, this jazz-soul-and-something-else supergroup’s original drummer, had passed away following the arrival of Bluesiana Triangle – who could forget one of his final turns on “Shoo Fly“? – only to be replaced by … Will Calhoun.
Yes, that Will Calhoun. The one you were seeing at that point pounding the skins behind Corey Glover in the fun funk-metal band Living Colour.
Well, Calhoun was stunning. His contributions (as composer on two tracks and center of attention on several others) were both restrained and refreshing.
Dr. John, Essiet Okon Essiet, David “Fathead” Newman and Joe Bonadio all return from the original configuration on Bluesiana Triangle, with one other notable addition: Ray Anderson on the trombone. Both as foil and foundation, Anderson proves indispensable.
Bluesiana II came off more New Orleans for it (on the titanic “Fonkalishus,” for instance) – but also more collective, as Anderson joins Newman in writing several songs. Things hung together better on this outing, with Bluesiana sounding less like a made-for-the-studio project and more like a functioning band. (David Newman and Ray Anderson were particularly sympathetic collaborators on the horn-driven “Skoshuss.”)
“Doctor Blooze” was a terrific showcase for the good Dr. John. There were also not one but two tributes to Art Blakey, including a dramatic showcase for Calhoun on “For Art’s Sake.” Never thought I’d say this (RIP, Bu), but I grew to love Bluesiana II every bit as much as the group’s debut on Windham Hill.
- The Pink Floyd Deep Cut That Perfectly Encapsulates ‘The Wall’ - November 29, 2024
- Why Pink Floyd’s ‘The Endless River’ Provided a Perfect Ending - November 11, 2024
- The ‘Wildflowers’ Track That Pointed to Tom Petty’s More Mature Path - November 4, 2024
