Welcome to Brisbane Unplugged Gigs

STOMPEROO “Thinking Man’s Blues” (Independent 2017) (10 track album)

Well this thinking man was impressed with this album.

Roo Friend (‘baritone hybrid’ guitar & voice, producer and songwriter) has come up with a collection of clever songs with standard Blues/R&B/Jazz Instrumentation.

Nothing is oversold or overdone. The arrangements are spare, relaxed and both familiar and inventive. Solos and fills come across as spontaneous and at times inspired.

The words are full of humour, irony and show frequent lyrical dexterity and Roo’s dry and somewhat detached vocal style adds a pleasant ambivalence.

Highlights include “A Thousand People a Week” (an ironic look at immigration resistance), “Brisbane Rain” (a funky global warming warning), “Happy With The Blues” (a name dropping critique of shallow positivity) and “The Hanoi Street Waltz” (a three/four riff on the folk song “Botany Bay” introducing a jazzy tour of the streets of Vietnam).

Musician credits include: Jack Duvoisin – tenor sax / Jim Toomey – drums / Dillion James – organ / Shaun Ballagh – tenor sax & flute / Arlo Buble -percussion & bass / Sam Pace – electric piano / Tristan Hodson - piano.

What I liked a lot about this album was its overall sound. It doesn’t sound over-produced or over-polished by the studio process and the listening experience is like sitting in on the last and best rehearsal before an important gig.

Lots and lots to like about this aussie blues/jazz blend.

- Steve Hartnett

Canberra Blues Society