New releases By Double Trouble, Norwegian Blues Boys and the son of rock ‘n roll

Double Trouble, Been A Long Time, Tone Cool Records

It’s been a long time indeed for bassist Tommy Shannon and drummer Chris Layton, formerly with Stevie Ray Vaughan, Arc Angels and Storyville. Shannon and Layton, forever known as Double Trouble, have finally released their first recording of self-penned material, with help from a virtual who’s-who of Texas blues and rock royalty: Jimmie Vaughan, Charlie Sexton, Doyle Bramhall II, Eric Johnson, Willie Nelson, Lou Ann Barton, Reese Wynans, Malford Milligan and Kenny Wayne Shepherd, plus Dr. John and blues upstarts Susan Tedeschi, Jonny Lang and Gordie Johnson. The music is solid rock and ballads with strong blues and R&B overtones. Known as an unbeatable rhythm section, but not as songwriters, Shannon and Layton deliver the goods, writing five of the disc’s 10 songs. Covers include Muddy Waters’ “She’s All Right,” Led Zeppelin’s “Rock And Roll,” and Johnny Watson’s “In The Middle Of The Night.” There are great performances, not only from Shannon and Layton, but all involved, making Been A Long Time a must-hear. If you liked Stevie Ray Vaughan way back when, you must get this one. Certainly a strong contender for 2001 album of the year on this writer’s list.

Texas Twisters, Lonesome Blues, Blaze Records

Here’s how my thought processes worked while listening to this disc: “What the heck is this? A Norwegian band that calls themselves the Texas Twisters? OK, I guess the Oslo Twisters wasn’t an option. So how do they sound? Hmm, snarling lead guitar, chunky power chord rhythms, blues licks galore, a tight rhythm section, 13 cover tunes, but well-chosen stuff. Hey, these guys rock! Hey, they really kick butt! Tunes from Magic Sam, Stephen Bruton, Arc Angels, Jimmy Reed, Robert Johnson, Freddie King, Jerry Portnoy and Jimmy Thackery. The whole thing was recorded live in front of fans and friends in Oslo in 1999. Damn, they sound great. What a hot rock band. Wow... I guess we Americans don’t have a stranglehold on our own roots rock and blues after all. I wonder how many more bands around the world play this kind of hyped-up rockin’ blues as well?” Very highly recommended. Order a copy from Blaze Records, PO Box 8, S-691 21 Karlskoga, Sweden. E-mail Blaze@mbox303.swipnet.se.

Billy Burnette, Are You With Me Baby, FreeFalls Entertainment

Billy Burnette is the real son of rock ‘n roll. The son and nephew respectively of Dorsey and Johnny Burnette, two of rock’s earliest pioneers, Burnette has balanced a solo career over the years with a successful stint in a later version of Fleetwood Mac. His own recordings however, have stuck pretty close to a rootsy formula, incorporating both country and occasional punk influences as per the prevailing winds of musical change. This time, Burnette has supplied one of his most muscular efforts, one that pays tribute to his family’s roots, without dipping too deeply into the kitschy nostalgia of most neo-rockabilly acts. Burnette’s vocal and guitar work is consistently upbeat and loaded with high energy and his band just plain smokes from start to finish. Tracks like Rick Nelson’s “Believe What You Say” and the original “Too Much Information” are real burners. Why don’t more artists make rock ‘n roll this good anymore?

16 Horsepower, Secret South, Razor & Tie Records

16 Horsepower use the quieter, spookier elements of country music to good advantage on their latest disc, although they can hit hard also. The music is downright morose at times (I believe music of this type is known within certain circles as “mope rock”), but one could also call it reflective, somber, or dare I say, depressing? No negatives about the quality though—good tunes, committed performances and lots of promise from 16 Horsepower. Check out www.razorandtie.com/16hp for more info.

The Numbers, Ready, Steady, No!!, Magneto Records

The Numbers, residents of the Jersey shore town of Toms River, owe a strong debt to the early mod-inspired Who and also The Jam, a now-forgotten British new wave band from the late 70’s who treaded similar ground. The Numbers play slashing power pop with earnest, hard-edged melodies and ragged vocal harmonies that work well despite the obvious lack of polish. In other words, this is tough, working class rock ‘n roll from the Garden State. Definitely worth hearing. Magneto Records, Ltd., 1184 Fischer Blvd., Suite 2B, Toms River, NJ 08753.

Shane Henry Band, You’re Comin’ Home, Southern Records

Shane Henry, a young, blonde-haired Oklahoman, is the latest teenage guitarist looking for greater acclaim, much in the manner of his predecessors, Jonny Lang, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Shannon Curfman. Sadly, rock/blues journalists have become cynical and jaded on this subject, so it’s very possible Shane Henry will be lumped into that “teenage Stevie Ray Vaughan copyist” mode. That would be a shame, because the young man can play. Despite a few clinkers here and there, and the obvious SRV musical allegiance, Henry generally acquits himself well both on guitar and vocals, although he relies on familiar licks to get his point across. There’s nothing earthshakingly original going on here, just honest, meat and potatoes blues and rock. Southern Records, 340 Merkle Drive, Norman, OK 73069.

Delta Clutch, Too Normal, Too Weird, Blackberry Recordings

I liked Delta Clutch’s last CD and their new one is even better. A seven-song EP, Too Normal, Too Weird bristles with taut, hard-charging tunes, tasty acoustic and electric guitars, punchy drums and bass, inventive, imaginative sounds and heartfelt lead vocals. Restrained and effective string arrangements even appear here and there. Very nicely done, guys. Blackberry Recordings, PO Box 15624, Boston MA 02215-9998.