Artist: Misty Blues
Album: Outside The Lines
Release: 2023
Website: www.mistybluesband.com
Misty Blues is a powerhouse of a band that straddles blues, gospel, funk and everything in between. The newest release, Outside The Lines captures the sound of this spectacularly unique band perfectly on their 12th release. Although the band is always deeply rooted in the blues it is tough to say it's a blues album in the traditional sense. One of the things I like about this band the most is their ability to gracefully walk the fine line that divides so many subgenres of roots music. They seem to have a piece of everything in their music without it ever feeling like it’s been shoe horned in. It's funky, pocketed and very greasy.
The first track Where Your Blues Comes From comes out of the gate letting the listener know this band 100% means business. The groove is deep and executed with patience and astounding deliberation. Misty Blues is a unit that is locked and fiercely comfortable in their skin. They build and drop the dynamic effortlessly and it is unapologetically driving and unique.
Been A Long Time Coming features guitar great Eric Gales on a very funky and soulful cut. The band has a way of showcasing all of its top shelf musicianship without any musician ever struggling for the spotlight. They share the space so comfortably and are intertwined seamlessly that it's like the soundtrack to a snake pit. The den is much more lethal because of the sum of the snakes as opposed to the bite of just one.
Days of Voodoo and Laughter is another standout for me. This one is a straight blues track in structure but still somehow quite unique. It is difficult to put my finger on what makes it different from countless other songs that rely on the time tested blues form and groove. It's mellow and smoky and garnished with a wonderful instrumental pass that showcases the effortless virtuosity of the musicians.
The Hate is a track featuring a couple of guest artists, Kat Riggins and slide guitar giant Justin Johnson. Although the song comes from a terrible situation, it is haunting and quite wonderful. It's drenched in soul and sad realities, punctuated by a weeping saxophone. The Hate and Where Your Blues Come From perfectly capture the unique and deep sound of this band. They are anchored in the blues, but stretching the limits far beyond the traditional approach, while tactfully and respectfully moving the ball forward.
This album is such a unique set of music that goes from whispers to screams, using all the colors to paint a vivid picture of a band that can churn out some serious blues and roots music. The eleven songs are very diverse, taking unexpected twists and turns that leave the listener wondering what will be around the next corner, but still always sounding just like Misty Blues. It reminds me of Led Zeppelin in the way that they were able to move from hard rock to acoustic ballads while never losing the sound that made them legends. The depth and maturity in the writing and performances is glaringly apparent across the whole production. The key to their sound is just that...depth, coupled with bravado and grace. If you like roots music with deep ties to the blues you will love this band!
Core Musicians:
Gina Coleman / Vocals, Guitar, Cigar Box Guitar
Seth Fleischmann / Guitar and Vocals
Bill Patriquin / Bass, Trumpet, Vocals
Benny Kohn / Keys, Vocals
Rob Tatten / Drums, Trombone, Vocals
Aaron Dean / Saxophone
Diego Mongue / Bass, Guitar, Drums, Vocals
Featured Guests:
Eric Gales / Guitar
Petri Byrd / Vocals
Matt Cusson / Vocals
Kat Riggins / Vocals
Justin Johnson / Guitar