Damon Fowler – Barnyard Smile
This set is fairly basic & standard following a well-brewed blues tradition but what makes this demand attention is veteran blues troubadour Damon Fowler’s vocals. It’s not the run-of-the-mill mix blues singing. The voice works with his guitar expertise. Whereas legendary guitarist the late Roy Buchanan didn’t have much of a voice.
There’s a presence, not hard-bitten & raw but experienced & it’s dutifully produced. Coming out of Tampa, Florida (not the hotbed of blues as much as Southern Rock) Damon lays down a reliable hot glow of tunes.
The songs are served straight up & filtered like moonshine to a fine strong biting flavor. His bluesy balladry is distinct, close to the late Jeff Healy. What’s also coloristic is a rural current that runs through warmly with Damon’s penetrating technique. There are 10 shots on Barnyard Smile (Drops June 7/Landslide Records/44:00) augmented by the clarity in Damon’s guitar.
Produced by Damon (guitar/Fender bass/vocals) with George Harris (who provided hot sauce & pickles too) each tune finds Fowler comfortable in a traditional blues fervor with a modern-day gratifying sound that virtually updates the blues genre nicely.
A quirky juke joint fortification slips into Damon’s voice on “My Brother My Friend,” which is soulful & tangy. This is all due to his expertise in blending blues with rootsy music. Memphis singer-songwriter Don Nix used to follow the same route decades ago. It adds a steady balance to the music. Along with the fiery guitar runs Damon will slide into typical melodies & topics as he does on “Road Runner.” Nothing special but it has the necessary drive & conspires with the feet to dance, dance, dance & isn’t that what’s it all about?
The guitar itself is mindful of Mason Ruffner & Johnny Winter. When Damon slips into a nostalgic melody like “Grab My Hand,” the calendar pages slip away into a ‘50s Les Paul stream followed by an upright piano boogie. A touch of Dr. John defines “Outskirts of Town,” & “Catch You Crying” — performed with gusto, sincerity & quality. Entertaining sets. The music is perfectly suited for some Maduros, good cold beers & a fish fry. With the lovely instrumental “Fruita,” it unravels as soothing as the late Peter Green era Fleetwood Mac’s “Albatross.”
The blues are alive & well – they live between Damon Fowler’s fingers, go find some.
Highlights – “These Games We Play,” “My Brother My Friend,” “Road Runner,” “Grab My Hand,” “Outskirts of Town,” “Fruita,” “Fast Driving Woman” & “Catch You Crying.”
Musicians – Chuck Riley (bass), Justin Headley, Taylor Galbraith & Aaron Fowler (drums), Dan Signor & Rob Stoney (keys) & RB Stone (bgv).
B&W image courtesy of Damon’s website. CD @ https://www.sonicrendezvous.com/product/fowler-damon/barnyard-smile/595694 & https://www.damon-fowler.com/