[rating=8.00]
Few artists can take on multiple genres within an album and expect solid results. Joe Goldmark is one of those few. Perhaps it’s because the Bay Area favorite splits the material between vocals and instrumental tracks, the latter serving as interludes, and invitations to the next kind of sound. In any case on Joe Goldmark’s Blue Steel he mixes his instrumental originals with songs from Jimmy McCracklin, Graham Parker, B.B. King, Lefty Frizzell, Jeff Lynne/Roy Orbison, Rufus Thomas, Dallas Frazier, and even Bob Marley. That’s quite a gauntlet to navigate but Goldmark succeeds superbly.
” My album cover is loosely based on an old Starday Records album by Arthur ‘Guitar Boogie’ Smith called Blue Guitar,” Goldmark says, “The artwork is blue, but the title Blue Steel actually reflects the R&B feel of the of the music on the album. Although the pedal steel guitar is considered a ‘country’ instrument by many, I’ve always place it in other musical genres with excellent results. Blue Steel is colored by a soulful approach to all the tunes, especially on the handful of blues numbers.”
Goldmark chose his two vocalists carefully. Glenn Walters, formerly of the Hoodoo Rhythm Devils and often gigging as a jazz vocalist in the Bay Area, appeared recently on David K. Mathews album of jazz standards, Fantasy Vocal Sessions Vol. 1. Walters is a natural for the blues tunes on Thomas’ “All Night Worker,” McCracklin’s “The Wobble,” and King’s “Beautician Blues.”
Dallis Craft, is a veteran female rock and pop vocalist who is also a vocal coach. Dallis sings gorgeously on the Lynne/Orbison “A Love So Beautiful.” Parker’s “Howlin’ Wind,” Frizzell’s “Look What Thoughts Will Do,” and one associated with Percy Sledge, “True Love Travels on a Gravel Road.” Former bandmate, guitarist Jim Campilongo wrote and played on the instrumental “I Want to Be With You Forever.”
The blues tunes will extend airplay for Goldmark beyond the country and Americana fare for which he is so highly respected. Goldmark has recorded seven pedal steel CDs including the critically acclaimed Steelin’ The Beatles, another example of his adventurous spirit. He recorded three albums with Jim Campilongo and the 10 Gallon Hats and toured and recorded with The Twangbangers – Redd Volkaert, Bill Kirchen, and Dallas Wayne. He’s also toured with Jim Lauderdale and Peter Rowan.
Whether you’re a fan of pedal steel or not, the musicianship and vocal takes on these mix of songs make for a breezy, relaxing listen.
