Leo Hull & The Texas Blues Machine

CD REVIEW


Leo Hull & The Texas Blues Machine
July 2009 Release

“In The Pocket”

“IN THE POCKET” is a condensed version of Leo’s philosophy to “KEEP THE WHEELS ON THE ROAD, THE BEER COLD, THE MUSIC HOT AND THE BLUES LIVE,” and keeping the blues alive is well presented in this CD. Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine is one of the hardest working blues bands in Texas and they released their latest CD, “In The Pocket,” on July 19th. All songs except “Harley Davidson” were written by Leo and musical arrangements are by Leo and lead guitar man, Jimmy Jewell. The Texas Blues Machine is composed of Leo Hull on vocals and guitar, Jimmy Jewell on lead guitar, Craig Valez on bass, and David Pence on drums. Special guest are Jeff Stone on harmonica and Charlie Lowe on key boards.

Leo states that the inspiration for several of the songs on this CD came from his stage observations of the fans. That is probably true, but it also apparent that Leo’s appreciation and insight of the blues forefathers has given him the gift to write an authentic blues anthem:

“BIRTH OF THE BLUES” is just that - a National Anthem for the Blues. Leo has virtually put us on a “freight train, overloaded and running late” as we travel from the cotton fields of Mississippi to Beale Street to modern day Austin, Texas. This is a classic song, and it will be a Blues anthem someday. Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine walk us through the heritage of the Blues from rock ‘n roll to country to modern day Texas Blues. We are surrounded by the haunting spirits of Robert Johnson, Hank Williams and Stevie Ray Vaughn. The visual lyrics and the guitar work of Jimmy Jewel makes this song a classic- a Blues Anthem!

“BLUES DANCIN’ QUEEN” is another one of those observations of the band as they see the fans dancing to their tunes. “Hey long tall lean, you look like a dancing queen.” as the band travels up and down the road (over 200 gigs a year), they get to see it all, and “Blues Dancin’ Queen” is another lady that knows how to shake that thing. This song has great breaks for dancing, very interesting drum licks and outstanding key board by Charlie Lowe. Woo! Hey ladies you know it’s important to be seen, especially if you’re a Blues Dancin’ Queen. “Now ladies you got our permission to shake us up all night, but when you leave don’t turn on the light“. Wow, the beer’s cold and the dance floor’s right and the ladies are hot! And so is this song.

“I’M CONFUSED” is an observation of the social, political and religious issues of today. It is an interesting synopsis of Washington politics, local religion, marriage counselors and love themes. Life is constantly changing and social, political, economic and militant issues are changing too. This could be a hackneyed over-worn theme, but Leo puts it all into proper prospective and “I’m Confused” is a dynamic social observation. “Life ain’t easy living in this constant turmoil world, now they tell me that love ain’t necessarily between a boy and a girl. I’m confused.” Great observations and well versed into lyrics and melody.

“DOWN AND OUT” you know what I’m talking about. Everyone can identify with this song. You thought you had two incomes, but you don’t know where it spent. “If the dollar cost a quarter and a quarter cost a dime, woo, my pockets would be empty most of the time.” I know you’ve been there, and so have I. This song clocks in about 72 bpm and is a great slow dancing blues tune. Jeff Stone does a great job on the harmonica and Jimmy Jewell’s slide guitar work is awesome.

“PARTY ‘BOUT TO HAPPEN” is just that. Get ready for a good time. Down in Texas we like to have some fun, bring your friends and come with me. Yes, there’s a party ‘bout to happen, y’all better come with me. Turn down the lights, turn up the AC, ice down the beer and get up and dance. More outstanding guitar licks by JJ. Get up out of that chair baby, there’s a party ‘bout to happen.

“WHO’S GOT THE BLUES” This is another great dancing tune as it clocks in about 126 bpm. “When you get up in the morning, brush your hair, put on your shoes, look in the mirror honey, tell me who’s got the blues.” This is a new twist to the old he’s cheating on her theme. Yep, she’s been messing around on him for years and now it’s his time to return the “favor.” So, now honey, who’s got the blues?

“HARLEY DAVIDSON” was written by Leo’s good friend Doug Lynch. This is a story of Harley, David’s son, who lived his dream and died by the gun. Ride Harley ride! “He was born to live on the run,” but met his fate down at a little bar on the interstate. This tune was originally written as a ballad, but you can tell that Leo has taken lots of liberties and rearranged it to fit the Texas Blues Machine’s Texas Roadhouse Blues style. Harley has very interesting lyrics and is a great roadhouse blues song.

“PAY YOUR DUES” tells the story of how we all pay our dues. Leo’s Mother is 93 and he asked her how you get there, what’s the roots of your soul? She tells him, well that’s a story must be told, you gotta pay your dues. A doctor, layer, a peddler and a pimp, no one is exempt. “If you roll the dice too many times, sometimes you gonna lose.” You gonna pay your dues. We all know that’s right!

“ROADHOUSE RIDER” is the fastest song on this CD and it clocks in about 210 bpm. Charlie Lowe is working overtime on the organ on this one. This is an authentic rocker tune, it tells the story of a rider who is going to be there with his friends, party until the daylight ends, he loves his Harley and he’s gonna cruise.

Leo Hull and The Texas Blues Machine have been playing Texas blues for over 10 years, and they have developed a strong following all over the Southwest. The Texas Blues Machine can be reached at:
www.thetexasbluesmachine.com or www.myspace.com/leohullthetexasbluesmachine

CD Review by Ronnie Donald of Ronnie's Record Review Dallas, TX


- Southwest Blues

CD REVIEW

“IN THE POCKET”
Leo Hull & The Texas Blues Machine

REMEMBER THE NAME LEO HULL & THE TEXAS BLUES MACHINE. ALTHOUGH THIS IS ONLY THEIR THIRD CD, IT SERVES GRAND NOTICE THAT THIS INCENDIARY BAND WILL BE AROUND FOR A LONG, LONG TIME.

THIS IS THE WHOLE PACKAGE REQUIRED FOR BIG TIME COMMERCIAL SUCCESS; IMAGE, CHARISMA, FIRE DRIVEN PERFORMANCE, AND A STRONG UNIQUE VOICE BACKED BY A BURNING BLUES GUITAR.

THERE ARE ENOUGH FLASHES OF TRUE GRIT AND TEXAS ROADHOUSE BRILLIANCE TO HAVE LOADS OF CRITICS DECLARING LEO HULL AND THE TEXAS BLUES MACHINE TO BE THE “NEXT BIG THING” ON THE NATIONAL BLUES SCENE. THESE FOUR FELLOWS ARE REALLY TOUGH/TIGHT AND VERY CHARISMATIC.

“IN THE POCKET” IS A MASTERPIECE OF WIT AND SOCIAL COMMENTARY, AS ALWAYS WITH RICH VOCALS AND IMPECCABLE GUITAR. ALL SONGS EXCEPT ONE ARE ORIGINAL AS LEO REMAINS ONE OF THE MOST PROLIFIC BLUES WRITERS ON THE SCENE TODAY. FROM START TO FINISH, THIS IS A TOP NOTCH EFFORT THAT PROVES BEYOND A DOUBT, THAT LEO HULL & THE TEXAS BLUES MACHINE, ARE ON TO SOMETHING BIG.

IN A BLUES WORLD THAT HAS SEEN ITS SHARE OF PRETENDERS, IMPOSTERS AND WANNABES, IT’S A BREATH OF FRESH AIR TO LISTEN TO A CD BY A REAL BLUES MAN. EVERY SONG IS A WINNER AND ANY TRUE DEVOTEE OF THE BLUES SHOULD INVITE “IN THE POCKET” TO COME ON HOME. IF YOU CANNOT CONNECT TO THESE SONGS, YOU BETTER CHECK YOUR PULSE.

CHECK OUT THEIR MUSIC FOR YOURSELF AT:
HTTP://WWW.THETEXASBLUESMACHINE.COM
HTTP://WWW.MYSPACE/LEOHULLTHETEXASBLUESMACHINE

GINGER D.J.
TEXAS BLUES RADIO
KNON 89.3FM
- Texas Blues Radio

CD Review
“In the Pocket”
Leo Hull & The Texas Blues Machine
1. Blues Dancin’ Queen- A tune about many shows on the road and Leo’s observations of how fans interpret his band. Great story. “Up on the stage/payin’ my dues/layin’down a track of sum badass Texas blues”. Indeed. Smoking succinct guitar solo by Master Jimmy Jewell illustrates their blues competency very well.
2. Birth of the Blues-this song is the lynchpin of this record. This song is a well-spoken history lesson written and delivered by a man who understands the blues very well, indeed. He hints at the roots of Robert Johnson, Hank Williams, Stevie Ray Vaughan…and I have to agree when it is said that THIS song is the anthemic rebirth of Texas blues…and if you aren’t familiar with the Texas blues, well, ah HOW HOW HOW HOW can you not appreciate this? This song is delivered in the familiar styles of the blues heroes mentioned.
3. I’m confused-Leo touches on several pertinent issues plaguing American society today-domestic violence, divorce, pseudo-sexual warfare, dirty religion, dirty politics. I like the way Leo illustrates the ease by which politicians seem to get corrupted. Very relevant references that affect many folks today. He pulls no punches.
4. Down and out-“You order a fih dolla sandwich man, and it gives ya the blues”…LOVE THAT LINE!
I have to say that Jimmy’s slide guitar work on this tune gave me goose bumps. I also dig the way that these guys deliver this song, in the traditional blues style we love, with the TBM twist.
Great tune to slow dance to with your honey.
5. Party ‘bout to happen-Just a good time party tune with some more slide guitar liberties taken by Jimmy Jewell. JJ delivers. If you don’t get up and dance to this one, then you must be in a coma.
6. Who’s got the blues-great opening guitar and keyboard hooks on this one. A “you been dealing heartbreak fer years-and now it’s time for YOU to eat crow” song. All I can say is that what goes around, comes around, and if you were the object of Leo’s ire in this one, well…shame on you. Great tune. Great guitar solo once again by Mr. Jewell.
7. Harley Davidson-written by Leo’s compadre Doug Lynch, TBM takes this song from its’ original written form and redelivers it TBM style. Another great story telling tune about Harley David’s Son. No, it’s not about Mickey Rourke’s character in that bad 80s movie with Don Johnson. Listen to it for yourself and you’ll appreciate it as much as I…great guitar work, organ chops, lyrics.
8. Pay your dues- regardless of who you are doctors, lawyers, ladies of the night... the best things in life don’t come easy, and Leo and his mama understand this very well. Sounds like Leo’s mama is a very wise lady. I’m sure she has lots of stories to tell. Pick her brain some more, Leo, ‘cuz it works. Great tune.
9. Roadhouse rider-Pretty fast tune on this one, good for dancing, for real. Easy to visualize legions of eager TBM fans swaying about to this one. Once again, great guitar work on this one, and the keyboards behind are a nice touch. Dig the train beat on drums too. HOW HOW HOW!

Overall, this reviewer’s impression of this CD is that “In the Pocket” is destined for greatness in the blues category. Leo Hull is a masterful songwriter and very expressive. Leo surrounds himself with great talent. Jimmy Jewell on lead guitar reminds me of SRV, indeed. Shades of the younger Vaughan. Great bass chops and bass lines are consistently delivered by Craig Velez, David Pence communicates very well with Craig to nail the rhythm section down, and they all surround Leo Hull’s very competent guitar playing and lyrical understanding of the blues. To me, these guys are the epitome of Texas blues, and if they are coming to your town, make a point to go see them. I have, and let me tell ya, they deliver one of the more powerful, masterful performances I have witnessed.
The CD is very well recorded and engineered, and Leo does a great job producing it. Go buy it. It is a must for anyone that call themselves a fan of the blues.
www.thetexasbluesmachine.com.
Review submitted September 02, 2009, by Dave Fury.
Dave Fury is the host of THE DIAMOND DAVE FURY ROCKSHOW on KBIG - KBIG RADIO