SPILL ALBUM REVIEW: RENE TROSSMAN – FALL FROM GRACE

RENE TROSSMAN
FALL FROM GRACE
HOLD IT!

There is a long tradition of American blues artists relocating to Europe and making a decent go of it. Rene is one recent example of this, though traveling a slightly different path than most, moving from being a regular in the south- and west-side clubs of Chicago to settle in Prague, Czech Republic. He’s been on the other side of the pond since 1994, but as this rather tasty album proves, it has only had a very positive effect on his blues. Listen to the title track, with its excellent horn work and Rene’s relaxed and very accomplished vocals on an original composition; it’s West-side blues in style but unmistakably modern and with a little extra. Rene’s not about to take the easy route and play somebody’s else’s music (or style), or just go for a bunch of ultimately rather pointless guitar solos. Lend an ear to the straight-forward, swinging blues club shuffle of “Brand New Day” for a particularly fine example – Rene doesn’t need to prove his blues credentials, but the brittle guitar breaks of “Another Shooter,” the subtle but relentless drive of “This Old Freight Train” (with an enthusiastic audience response) and particularly the instrumental “Jimmy, Eddie And Earl,” and a rather fine cover of James Wheeler’s “Wastin’ My Time”’ easily establish that beyond the shadow of a doubt anyway.

Seven of the album’s nine tracks are live, though you might not guess this immediately – sound quality and performance are excellent throughout. One for all the blues lovers in the house indeed.

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