• NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS

Subscribe to Updates

Get the latest creative news from Blues Scene about music & art.

Talking Heads’ Jerry Harrison, Adrian Belew Announce Additional 2023 ‘Remain In Light’ Tour Dates

January 31, 2023

Bill Harden – Blues-Inspired Guitars at Harden Engineering

January 31, 2023

Exclusive: Guitarist/Singer-Songwriter Ally Venable Premieres Video for Title Track ‘Real Gone’

January 31, 2023

Barbara Blue Is a Piece of Work, A Very Talented One

January 30, 2023
Facebook Twitter Instagram
Facebook Twitter Instagram Vimeo
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
  • NEWS
  • REVIEWS
  • INTERVIEWS
  • EVENTS
  • VIDEOS
American Blues SceneAmerican Blues Scene
Home»Reviews»Altered Five Throws Down on "Cryin’ Mercy"
Reviews

Altered Five Throws Down on "Cryin’ Mercy"

Barry KerznerBy Barry KerznerNovember 3, 2014Updated:April 9, 2020No Comments2 Mins Read
Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email VKontakte WhatsApp
Share
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email

index

Altered Five has been paying their dues for a long time now. Formed in 2002, they are finally getting the recognition they have earned. Having played juke joints, bars, roadhouses, festivals and more, the band has sharpened their performance and musical skills to a fine edge. Beginning with their last album issued in 2012, Gotta Earn It, the band has focused on writing their own material as opposed to performing their lively versions of covers.

Their latest release on OmniVibe Records, Cryin’ Mercy, is the next step in the band’s evolution. The album’s 11 originals clock in at 44 minutes, providing listeners with a inviting pick-me-up for any time they are feeling blue, or just want to have a good time. Tom Hambridge, lends his magic touch as producer, and the album has excellent sound quality, and an airy, dynamic mix that really showcases the roadhouse quality of the music.

Personnel here are: Jeff Schroedl – guitar, drummer Scott Schroedl – drums, Mark Solveson – bass, Jeff Taylor – vocals, and Raymond Tevich on keyboards.

The great thing about Cryin’ Mercy is the boundless energy of the band. Another win for listeners is that the material is not polished up real pretty, and while the songs are finished works, they still convey that slightly rough-edged feeling that suits these performances so perfectly. While the entire album is a rousing, fun filled romp, of course, we had our favorite cuts.

The album opener, “Demon Woman,” is soul tinged goodness with a rock edge and a choice gruff vocal courtesy of Jeff Taylor. “I’m In Deep” had us sitting at a stage side table in Texas, spurs on our boots a-jingling’ and jangling’. “Find My Wings” harkens back to the great slow Memphis soul masterpieces of yesteryear.

Other tracks we really enjoyed included “Stay Outta My Business,” which reminded us of the great Tinsley Ellis, and the driving rocker “Who’s Your Lover.” We also liked “Urgent Care” for its funky, rocking fun. This album is a keeper! Pick up a copy soon.

Altered Five

Altered Five OmniVibe Records
Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email WhatsApp
Previous ArticleThis Week in Blues Past: Susan Tedeschi, Arhoolie Records, Bonnie Raitt, More
Next Article Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame set for Clarksdale in Mississippi
Barry Kerzner

Related Posts

Sweet Soul Music: Thee Sacred Souls and Jalen Ngonda Deliver the Goods in Chicago

January 23, 2023

UK’s Sean Taylor Band Releases Debut Live Album

January 18, 2023

Jarrod Dickenson (ft. The Wood Brothers) Embraces Authenticity, Freedom on Upcoming Album ‘Big Talk’

January 10, 2023

England’s Top 10 Blues Tracks Of 2022

December 19, 2022

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Advertisment
Facebook Twitter Instagram Pinterest
  • Home
  • News
  • Reviews
  • Interviews
  • Events
  • Videos
  • About

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.