Phil Alvin – County Fair 2000
This showcase produced by Phil Alvin is his 2nd solo LP released in 1994 (30th Anniversary) & recorded at multiple studios (New Orleans, Chicago & LA). The set mixes it with varied music (R&B, gospel, pop songs, Americana, jazz & vintage blues) that Phil absorbed throughout his career.
The Blasters appear on no fewer than 4 tracks (“County Fair,” “The Blue Line,” “Keep In Touch” & “Mr. Satellite Man”) & bring along their energetic melodic hypnotic dazzle. There are 16 CD tracks & 13 on the vinyl LP of County Fair 2000 (Drops Sept 20/Hightone-Liberation Hall Records/LP/CD/DL/55:57).
The opener is the bright title song “County Fair,” which embodies all the upbeat joyful inflection originally born to early rock music. Danceable? Of course. Foot tapper? Yes. Guitar solo snap? Yowzah.
There’s a dabble of old-fashioned 1930s comic dialogue between someone (Billy Boy Arnold) accusing another (Phil) of kissing his girl. It has a juke joint feel & “Wreck Your V-8 Ford,” carves out the silly argument that brings a smile to a face, not a scowl.
Wonderful vocal interplay on the slow blues. It borders on boogie-woogie if more piano was added. But like Joe Jackson, Phil knows exactly what he’s doing.
A more New Orleans ragtime-based blues ignites the fuse on “Turnin’ Blues Into Gold,” a creative piece that Louis Armstrong himself would’ve wanted some room to blow his own on. Late 20s Fletcher Henderson big band/swing music is captured with pizzazz by Phil & the Faultline Syncopators on “What’s the Reason I’m Not Pleasin’ You” & “The Terror.” Nice stuff.
“She Loves So Good” & “Low Down Rhythm” – are both worthy of a Gershwin-Cole Porter vintage. While “Oh Doctor” is a slow-burn Wedgewood stove blues. This set has something for everyone – no one walks away disappointed. Step right up.
Highlights- “County Fair,” “Wreck Your V-8 Ford,” “Turnin’ Blues Into Gold,” “Starlight,” “Keep In Touch,” “What’s the Reason I’m Not Pleasin’ You,” “She Loves So Good,” “The Terror,” “Oh, Doctor” & “Low Down Rhythm.”
Musicians- Phil (vocals/lead guitar/piano), James Intveld (lead guitar/mandolin/bass/wooden bass/vocals/bgv), John Bazz (bass), Dave Myers (bass/guitar), Jerome Bowman (guitar/bgv), Travis Dickerson (organ), Bob Ringwald (piano), John Bainbridge (reeds), Elliot Caine (trumpets), Jim Maihack (tuba/trombone), Joe Altruda (director), Gary Masi (guitar), Billy Boy Arnold (vocal/harp), Los Lobos’ Cesar Rosas (guitar/bgv), Jerry Angel, Phil Thomas, Ken Sara (drums), Top Jimmy, Mary Franklin, Fayard Nicholas, Eddie Baytos (vocals), Fayeard (Eddie-tap) with Ike “Diz” Williams. Bands: Dirty Dozen Brass Band, The Blasters, Guada La Habrians & Faultline Syncopators.
Color image by Dena Flows Photography. The release includes a 6-panel insert with liner notes. CD @ Bandcamp + Amazon. https://philalvin.bandcamp.com/album/county-fair-2000
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Phil Alvin “Un ‘Sung Stories’”