SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: TREVOR BABAJACK DUO – BOOTLEG BLUES: LIVE AT TEMPERANCE

TREVOR BABAJACK DUO
BOOTLEG BLUES: LIVE AT TEMPERANCE
INDEPENDENT

Trevor Babajack Steger has been performing his style of the blues in the U.K. for a while now and has built up quite a loyal and large following. Bootleg Blues: Live At Temperance captures the excitement and energy that he can produce either solo or with others.

The album opens with “Sawdust Man” which features a fantastic harmonica and percussion intro. You can almost smell and feel the sawdust. Very quickly Babajack’s guitar fills in the sound and the show is launched. It is a suitable introduction for what is about to follow. This is gritty, well played blues. A full minute in, Babajack’s growl comes out. His vocals fit the music perfectly. This is joyful, celebratory blues.

It is interesting that the banter between songs has been left in, as far too often, its usually cut from a live recording. Here, Babajack is able to demonstrate how well he connects with the crowd. It adds a great deal to the live recording. The duo launches into some very heavy and brilliant songs. “Devil Inside” is a great example. The use of harmonica, guitar and drums is perfect. The whole package is roots blues.

It is not that the album is entirely retro, but Babajack knows and understand the blues. “Black Dog” is an excellent example. He rocks through that song and keeps the listener with him the entire time. He deserves a great deal of credit for his harmonica playing, especially on 3

“Went Out Walking”. They are smart enough to include songs like “Mary O Mary”, which is a much more mellow sound and gives the listener a little breathing space for a few minutes. It is still the blues, but more melodic and calmer.

The album ends with the energetic “Brownsville” which demonstrates just how strong these two are together. It may be basic blues, but it is done with great style. Bootleg Blues: Live At Temperance is a great example of a solid, energetic live album. Although Babajack has recorded studio albums, the idea of releasing a live album was very smart. It allows fans to revisit the show, and also demonstrates the energy they have on stage. It shows two guys on stage, having fun and producing astounding music.

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