The Trevor B. Power Band – Two Crows
So here we have a blues singer with an approach that’s captivating. Yes, it has the creepiness of a vintage blues narrative, slathered in infectious rhythm & percussion, with a voice that’s whiskey-soaked & he didn’t forget to add atmosphere. Oh, the late John Hammond, Jr. would like this…Tom Waits, too.
Trevor is from my home state of New Jersey. Hard to believe, but the truth is in the blisters on his fingers, the decades-long experience & the music, all bluesy & rootsy, penetrating & yes…cool. An old blues codger from 1970 called Mutzie (“The Light of Your Shadow) had a similar deep growl vocal, but not the quality of songs. Intonation-wise, there’s a hint of Captain Beefheart, but Trevor isn’t as out on the psycho limb as the beloved Captain.
“Bobby Lane” opens wonderfully & leads to the blues-rocker “Let It Ride.” There’s so much character & mood woven into these tracks. Something rockier comes with the harmonica howling & aggressive “Ain’t Got No Bread.” A bit in the tradition of Canada’s Tom Wilson (“Shine”) & equally compelling. This is a voice that’s saturated in life, bruises, scrapes & sometimes the only compassion comes from a glass of Jack Daniels alone while the janitor mops the floor of last night’s spilled cheap philosophies. This is a solid performance. It has dust, it has a fly in the beer, ice cubes in the urinal & scars in the grain of mahogany. What’s not to like? Turn it up.
There are 10 blissful reality checks from Two Crows (Drops June 5/Farm 189 Records/43:59), self-produced by Trevor (guitar/vocals). It’s his 4th release (I have catching up to do). Not all tunes are intense, but his voice has realism. There are optimistic asides (“A Speck of Life”), but Trevor doesn’t dilute the message. Despite his tone, he sings with melodic persuasion. Just don’t expect silliness or falsetto superficiality.
There’s almost a Velvet Underground quality to “Horizon.” But it has more musicality than that band envisioned. This rolls along with more energy, a flute that flirts with the music’s alchemy. That’s creative. A soaring lead guitar that will put that pained grimace on guys’ faces as they play air guitar with their legal lubricants.
“The Fire Burns” plods along but takes root in the ears easily. Serious stuff, mature, & solid. Trevor’s drummer is Steve Holley (Paul McCartney & Wings), a big endorsement to have someone like that on the skins. This is a superb album.
Highlights – “Bobby Lane,” “Let It Ride,” “Ain’t Got No Bread,” “A Speck of Life,” “Horizon,” “The Message,” “Puddles of Blood,” “The Fire Burns,” & “Our Time Is Short.”
Musicians – Dave Fields (guitar/bass/keys/bgv), Dennis Gruenling & Will Wylde (harp), Kenny Thorstenson (bass) & Jasper Fields (flute).
Color image courtesy of the band’s website. A 16pp stitched lyric insert is included. CD @ CDBaby & https://www.trevorbpowerband.com/