LAZER LLOYD
LAZER LLOYD
LOTS OF LOVE RECORDS LO 77001
BURNING THUNDER–SUFFERING–ROCKIN IN THE HOLY LAND–NEVER GIVE UP– OUT OF TIME–BROKEN DREAMS–SET MY SOUL FREE–SITTIN ON THE DOCK OF THE BAY–MOROCCAN WOMAN–LOVE YOURSELF–TIME TO LOVE–WHOLE HEART
Lazer Lloyd has been dubbed Israel’s “King Of The Blues,” and rightfully so. Originally working with Atlantic Records fresh out of college, he played a New York gig with Shlomo Carlebach, “The Singing Rabbi,” who invited him to come to Israel, and the rest is blues history. In a land where the blues is an exotic treat, Lazer has built quite a following. Powerful and intense guitar work, strong vocals, and now, taking his writing to another level, he has just released “Lazer Lloyd,” on Lots Of Love Records.
Lazer takes the listener on a sonic journey that touches on several variations of the blues, and he is always tweaking his vintage equipment, searching for just the perfect tone and sound. And, positive messages are at the heart of all his songs. The set leads off with the pounding drive of “Burning Thunder.” From Adam and Eve down thru Robert Johnson at the Crossroads and beyond, man’s soul has been in a constant struggle with sin and salvation, and this cut addresses that battle. “Suffering” touches on the life of a road-tested bluesman, but, Lazer reminds us of his lifelong mantra in the wistful “Never Give Up.” The grungy power chords of “Out Of Time” and “Set My Soul Free” pay homage to his Hendrix influences, while at the other end of the spectrum, his take on “Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay” is done acoustically, with Lazer’s lead lines taking the place of that iconic whistled refrain.
“Love Yourself” was originally written with the religious terrorists in mind. Over a churning riff, Lazer reminds those that kill that they are killing a little bit of themselves with each senseless murder.
Our favorite was easy. Lazer blows a mean harp on the Canned Heat-styled boogie of “Rockin’ In The Holy Land,” describing how “a crazy old Jew” ended up playin’ blues in the Middle East.
Lazer Lloyd’s songs on this album will strike a deep chord with those of us who want to try and make this world a better place to live. The lyrics come straight from his soul, and his playing has never sounded more fierce! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
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