Reviews

Toronto Blues Society
October 2006

Davd Gogo
Acoustic- Official Bootleg Series Volume 2 Cordova Bay

Gogo's second acoustic album came about after some acoustic performances with Colin Linden and Colin James last year. I hope this leads to more because he's clearly having a lot more fun creating outside of the power trio format. "It's Killing Me" opens, it's a fast, Piedmont slide piece about forbidden love with Gerry Barnum on harp. Fan requests led to the inclusion of "Dust My Broom", but it's a spirited performance. Ken Hamm's "Intertidal Zone" is up next and I hope it leads to some others finding out about his songs. Tony Joe White's "As The Crow Flies" becomes a solo slide exhibition. The centerpiece of the CD is up next: an original song about a mining disaster that killed his Great Grandfather. Jeremy McDonald's violin supports Gogo's heartfelt vocal beautifully. "(Ya Got Me) Walkin' Tall" is an original Gogo says was composed with Little Richard in mind and Rick Hopkins' piano certainly hammers home the connection. "Once it's Gone" is loosely based on Billy Boy Arnold's "I Wish You Would" riff and is an excellent new atmospheric blues. The CD concludes with Gogo doing a version of "That's How Strong My Love Is" with just Michael Pickett on harp. It's a marvelous way to end a fine album.

© 2006 Toronto Blues Society