LARA AND THE BLUZ DAWGS
HOWLIN’
LOCK ALLEY MUSIC
UH HUH–FLAT LINE–I WONDER–WEARIN’ ME OUT–T-DAWG–DON’T MESS WITH MY BABY–LOVE ME TONIGHT–I’M OVER IT–SAY GOODBYE–LOVE OF MINE–SHADOW GROOVIN’–HOWLIN’
“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways…” Ah, yes, we all learned that poem written by Elizabeth Barrett Browning in our school days. On their latest release, Lara And The Bluz Dawgs use the power of eleven cleverly-done original tunes to convey the many messages of love in a relationship. It’s entitled “Howlin,” and lead singer Lara Germony brings the heat on a set that rocks from start to finish! Based right here in Nashville, she’s backed by hubby Gregg on bass, Al Rowe on guitar, Dan Nadasdi on keys, Reggie Murray on sax, and Ray Gonzales on drums.
This set positively drips with soulful, good-time grooves based on a lover’s point of view. Check out the leadoff “Uh Huh,” as Lara regrets a good man who got away, set over a rockin’ roadhouse shuffle with Al’s scratchin’ guitar lines and Dan’s pounding piano kickin’ things into high gear. She takes the opposite approach a few cuts later on “Wearin’ Me Out,” where she flat tells Mr. No Good “you ain’t welcomed here no more!” And, the corollary of that situation shows up when she knows she did the right thing, “I’m Over It.”
Knowing when to fold ’em is also important in a relationship, and is spelled out in a poignant, Fifties-inspired ballad that has Lara telling her soon-to-be-ex that” sometimes it’s best to Say Goodbye.” Then, there’s that strong love that finds Lara snarlin’ to all the girls, “Don’t Mess With My Baby!”
We had two favorites, too, and they close the set. A tale of two cheatin’ lovers who are perpetually “on the run from the morning light” are the tortured souls in “Shadow Groovin,” punctuated by Reggie’s shady sax lines. And, when it’s all said and done, sometimes all you wanna do is dance and do a little “Howlin.” This one is set over a second-line rhythm pattern, the good times rollin’ all the way to Bourbon Street!”
Lara And The Bluz Dawgs and “Howlin” capture the feel and soul of vintage Delaney and Bonnie. You’ll want to go do a little howlin’ on your own after you give it a listen! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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