THE BOB LANZA BLUES BAND
TIL THE PAIN IS GONE
MAUDIE–I’LL TAKE CARE OF YOU–TIL’ THE PAIN IS GONE–SNAKE BYTE–OUTSKIRTS OF TOWN–I’M READY–EVERY NIGHT AND EVERY DAY–BUILD ME A WOMAN–SUGAR SWEET–LONESOME–OUR LIFE–MOJO
Bob Lanza is a renowned guitarist, singer, and composer from the north New Jersey area, having represented the New York Blues And Jazz Society in the 2011 IBC’s. His fiery fretwork and soulful vocals show a deep passion for the vintage Chicago and Texas sounds, and those influences are all over his latest release, “Til’ The Pain Is Gone,” a Duke’s mixture of originals and covers that pulls in the listener thru his guitar excellence.
Bob is joined by Reverend Sandy Jones on bass, Noel Sagerman on drums, Snakeman Runyan on harp, Doc Wall on keys, and son Jake on guitar as well. The young Lanza kicks off the proceedings, with the intro, outro, and a solo on the leadoff “Maudie,” Mike Bloomfield’s classic about that “devil woman who ain’t never gonna quit” tormenting her lovers. The title cut rocks out as Bob’s life story of sorts, stating “I was born into pain,” and “if you lived my life, you’d jump in front of a train!” The Snakeman breaks out the big ol’ chromatic for a jaw-breaking instrumental, “Snake Byte,” and adds that touch of Chess Records spice to “Sugar Sweet” and “I’m Ready.”
Everyone gets a chance to shine on the minor-key Sam Maghett chestnut, “Every Night And Every Day,” while Bob and Snakeman do their best Cephas and Wiggins impersonations on the acoustic “Our Life,” as Bob laments his break-up, coming home “to my best friend, Mr. TV!”
We had two favorites, too. Ya gotta admire Bob’s imagination, wanting to “Build Me A Woman who’ll be nineteen forever, with a heart of gold!” And, Bob’s guitar frankly sizzles with intensity on the slow-burn slyness of “Outskirts Of Town,” with the immortal lyric, “we’ll have five little children and they’ll all look like me!!!”
Bob Lanza’s blues will buoy your spirits when you’re feeling good, and be your best friend thru the hard times. Just sit back, listen, and let his guitar wash over you “Til’ The Pain Is Gone.” Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, Nashville Blues Society.
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