Carmen Grillo
“A Real Mother for Ya” from the “A Different World” album
Nothing beats the blues! You could ask veteran LA guitarist Carmen Grillo about it and you’d get this album as a worthy response. With a track record of high-level collaboration and background with the likes of Rita Coolidge, Chicago and Tower of Power, you will understand that he is not your ordinary indie musician.
From the smoking “Come and Gone” to the last “You’re the One”, there’s plenty of occasion for Carmen Grillo to showcase his guitar chops, whether it turns funky like on this “A Real Mother for Ya”, or fusion with “I Got the Sauce”, “Prototype” or “River of Molten Rock”, where his tone an sensibility reminds me of the best of Larry Carlton, while “Tryin’ to Make It Happen” sounds like a Steely Dan at its height. So, you know you’re in for a treat of west coast blues rock with high production value, grooving rhythm section and fabulous horns section.
It helps that the guy has a great soulful voice that is ideal for the type of burning blues he’s playing. Exhibit A: “A Real Mother for Ya” wouldn’t pale in a ZZ Top album, with the blaring horns, the soaring guitar with great inventive playing and impeccable tone, the sarcastic tone and humorous lyrics are all there to attest of the high standard of this album. Accompanied by seasoned musicians that helps make this album an essential addition to any music lover in search for high quality rocking music.
Verdict: 5/5 beards
Get the album from iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/a-different-world/id774823821