Eric Sardinas 2003 Black Pearls

Genre: Blues-Rock
Rate: 320 kbps CBR / 44100
Time: 00:48:17
Size: 110,48 MB



Eric Sardinas has a keen sense of history when it comes to the blues. With his musical passions driven by the likes of acoustic blues pioneers like Bukka White, Charlie Patton and Mississippi Fred McDowell, coupled with the electricity of Otis Rush, Albert King and the classic sounds of Howlin' Wolf and Muddy Waters, it only makes sense that Sardinas would choose the hard hitting blues path that he has personally groomed since his debut CD, Treat Me Right, in 1999. The Florida-born, California transplant followed his debut with a second incendiary release, Devil's Train in 2001 and his latest release from Favored Nations Entertainment, Black Pearls.

Lovers of hardcore blues-rock will really enjoy the hot sounds found on Black Pearls, a collection of twelve original songs by Eric Sardinas, backed by Paul Loranger on bass and drummer Mike Dupke. With his trademark electrified slide guitar and distinctive vocals, Sardinas sounds very much like a younger, healthier Johnny Winter. The music on Black Pearls offers an excellent representation of Sardinas' sound since it was recorded live and direct to analog tape.

The recording gets off to a fiery start with the aptly titled "Flames of Fire," laden with lots of Sardinas' guitar. Produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer, producer for the late guitar god, Jimi Hendrix, there are definitely times when Sardinas takes on the Hendrix persona with his guitar, as noted on "Liar's Dice Blues," midway through Black Pearls. The CD also has some less heavy moments as well, especially on the acoustic slide-laden "Big Red Line," "Sorrow's Kitchen" and the exceptional "Old Smyrna Road." On several songs, Sardinas' sound "flips" between a lighter acoustic sound with sudden shifts to a very heavy electric sound. This shift can be noted on cuts like the previously mentioned "Liar's Dice Blues" and the title track, "Black Pearls," offering a bit more Hendrix-like sound as well. The CD ends with two songs offering examples of both of Sardinas' styles with the heavier, more electric "Tenfold Trouble," followed by the decidedly acoustic "Wicked Ways."

With the combination of Texas blues rock, delta slide blues and a bit of hard rock, Black Pearls offers a sound that is modern enough to attract a younger audience (this is borne out by attendance at Eric's live shows), yet can still be of interest to the more traditional blues lover. To find out more about Eric Sardinas and to pick up a copy of his latest release, Black Pearls, visit the Eric Sardinas website at www.ericsardinas.com. (This review is copyright © 2004 by Dave "Doc" Piltz, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com)



Tracklist:

01 - Flames Of Love 03:43

02 - Same Ol' Way 03:48

03 - Bittersweet 04:03



04 - Ain't No Crime 04:22

05 - Big Red Line 02:47

06 - Liar's Dice Blues 06:29



07 - Black Pearls 03:56

08 - Sorrow's Kitchen 04:23

09 - Four Roses 03:23

10 - Old Smyrna Road 04:03

11 - Tenfold Trouble 03:52

12 - Wicked Ways 03:28





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