BLUES OVERDRIVE
OVERDRIVE LIVE!
DEATH ON THE HIGHWAY–THREE TIME LOVER–BALL AND CHAIN–HIGHWATER (FOR CHARLEY PATTON)–EVERYBODY WAS ROCKING–MR. SIXTEEN TONS (BLUES FOR THORUP)–YOU’VE GOT THE POWER TO TURN ME ON–CHERRY–I WAS WRONG
One of Denmark’s best blues outfits are the fellows that comprise Blues Overdrive. They are noted for their hi-test live shows, and they give us just that on their latest release, “Overdrive Live.” This one was recorded live-to-tape on August 8, 2016, at the prestigious Smukfest in Skanderborg, Denmark.
Over the seven originals and two covers, the band flexes its considerable muscle and cover all their influences, from contemporary blues-rock, roots-rock, and even a touch of rockabilly. Martin Olsen is on vocals, with Andreas Andersen on guitar, Brother Thomas Birck on bass, and Louisian Boitner on drums.
“Three Time Lover” bristles with Chicago-styled energy, as Andreas’ guitar mixes in some SRV along with some Iceman throughout this one. “Highwater,” written by Bob Dylan, is done as a tribute to Charley Patton. The Howlin’ Wolf-ish “Mr. 16 Tons” is done as an homage to Danish icon Peter Thorup, known for his work with Alexis Korner. The tribute to Thorup continues with a brooding “You Got The Power To Turn Me On.”
We had two favorites, and they both rocked the joint. “Everybody Was Rocking” owes a lot to the folks down at 706 Union Avenue in Memphis, with its Sun-splashed, chunka-chunka rockabilly rhythm. And, the set closes with the mile-a-minute romp of “I Was Wrong,” as our hero gives a no-good lover the heave-ho!
Blues Overdrive continues to set the bar high for their Danish and European contemporaries. They are sho’ nuff on their game here, making “Overdrive Live” a raucous, energy-filled listen! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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