BOB MALONE
MOJO DELUXE
DELTA MOON RECORDS DMR 008
CERTAIN DISTANCE–TOXIC LOVE–HARD TIMES–I’M NOT FINE–PARIS–LOOKING FOR THE BLUES–RAGE AND CIGARETTES–SHE MOVES ME–DON’T THREATEN ME (WITH A GOOD TIME)–WATCHING OVER ME–CHINESE ALGEBRA–CAN’T GET THERE FROM HERE
Los Angeles-based keyboard whiz, composer, and vocalist Bob Malone has carved out a nice career for himself, both thru his solo works as well as his session work with others, most notably with John Fogerty’s band since 2011. His latest album is his eighth solo work and is entitled “Mojo Deluxe,” and is twelve cuts of predominantly his own originals with some cool covers.
Aside from being a killer keyboard man, Bob is a clever songwriter, penning songs about life, love, and things to which Everyman can relate. There are several cuts that could be construed as semi-autobiographical, including the leadoff “Certain Distance,” where, as a natural introvert, Bob sings of keepin’ that distance “from the whole human race!” Bob DeMarco is on guitar, with Stan Behrens on the harp. Another good one is a stinging ode to those who are always asking “How are you feeling?” even tho they don’t really care, and Bob tells ’em straight up that “I’m Not Fine–thanks for asking!”
Bob gives an authentic read on Brother Ray’s “Hard Times,” on upright acoustic piano as well as B-3. He has a lot of fun on a myriad of instruments, including a funky riff on a clavinet on the rockin’ “Don’t Threaten Me (With A Good Time!)” “Chinese Algebra” is just that–a tricky, fiff-heavy instrumental, while Bob takes a look at where he’s been as well as where he’s going on the poignant cuts “Watching Over Me,” and the set-closing “Can’t Get There From Here.”
We had two favorites, too. Bob connects on a roundhouse jab at an ex-lover who’s made a lifetime of “bad decisions,” laced with “whiskey and regrets, Rage and Cigarettes.” Perhaps the set’s most unique cut is “Paris.” Bob’s look at the City Of Lights is bittersweet, as, when one is not in love, it’s “just another city without you.”
Bob Malone has crafted a fine set of keys-based blues and roots music with “Mojo Deluxe.” This one is sure to please a vast array of fans! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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