Ed Alstrom – This Idea of Humanity
This blues album is driven through a different neighborhood than most blues, since Ed Alstrom uses a Hammond organ. Last year, Ed scored with his self-produced debut album. With this new collection, Alstrom is said to offer a compelling musical vision of the humanity he tolerates with humor & compassion. I agree. That’s what this showcase shines with.
The 14-track dive into This Idea of Humanity (Drops Feb 13/Haywire/53:39) was written, produced & recorded by Ed Alstrom (vocals/organs/pianos/melodica/clavinet/synth). In the past, we had other organ-driven blues artists. The penetrating vocals of Lee Michaels (“Stormy Monday,” “Rock Me Baby”) for several years, while 1970’s Novac (“1st Word”) with Eric Gale’s soaring guitar at the coda was fiery, & Michael Perlitch (“Keyboard Tales”) explored the genre effectively with keyboards. Except for Michaels, Novac & Perlitch were basically ignored. Too bad.
The first Alstrom tune opens with a rousing saloon upright piano & Elvis Presley, if not Bobby Rydell type female backup singers. “Put You First,” for the unfamiliar, is a nice upbeat introduction to Mr. Alstrom. It has a Dr. John feel, & then when the church organ penetrates, the song really comes to life. Alstrom’s vocals are intensely soulful. With “All I’m Gonna Do,” Ed cruises into the soulful-bluesy territory of Boz Scaggs. Ed’s blues are colorful because not many blues artists explore these areas. On “Humans,” it’s Ed’s vocals that attract. The music & backup are wonderful, but his intonation, phrasing & timbre are what decorate the number.
There are plenty of upbeat driving blues in this set & despite the fine instrumentations, it’s Ed’s vocals that often shine above the rest. Good arrangements, great expressive singing weaved through the tight music. It’s the kind of singing musicians are enthusiastic to follow & support. Though some tunes are a bit commercially sugarcoated (“Go Ahead,” “Inquiring Minds”), the performances are solid. A tad diluted due to the subject matter — whiskey…with water. True Blues are all whiskey. Care must be taken when the “blues” is the subject of an upbeat arrangement. It’s a bit contradictory.
Whereas what nicely corners Ed & coaxes him into a more percolating blues is ironically, “The Way Back.” And he does come back. This is superb. Finally, the CD cover art is surreal – reminds me of both (English & American LP covers) of Procol Harum’s “Shine On Brightly.” Same eerie open grand piano.
Highlights – “Put You First,” “All I’m Gonna Do,” “Humans,” “Bridesmaid,” “Party Planner,” “Blus Keep Coming Back,” “The Way Back,” & “So Hard.”
Musicians –Suzuki Andes (basses/guitars/percussion/drums), Jimmy Vivino (vocal/guitar), Ula Hedwig & Maxine Alstrom (bgv), Meredith Greenberg (ethereal vocals/djembe), & Don Guinta (drums).
Color image courtesy of Ed’s Facebook gallery. CD @ CD Baby & iTunes + https://www.edalstrom.com/this-idea-of-humanity…/