The CHRISTOPHER DEAN BAND came to our attention a few years back with the album ‘What I Need’ – a blues and soulful infusion of gritty originals and well-chosen covers. The band have just issued their follow-up and ‘Call Me Later’ treads much the same road…. and for those who like their music organic and a little rough round the edges, then investigation is recommended.
The big cover on this collection is a version of David Ruffin’s ‘On And Off’. Dean is clearly a fan of Van McCoy era Ruffin. His last LP featured a cover of the pair’s ‘Walk Away From Love’ and like he did then this look at ‘On And Off’ doesn’t try to replicate the big production. The Dean Band keep it simple and it makes for an intriguing listen.
As interesting is a take on Bobby Bland’s classic ‘Share Your Love With Me’. Flute-led, this is given an almost country blues treatment. Indeed there’s lot of rural blues on the 14 tracker –with material taken from people like Arthur Blake, Robert Johnson and Willie Dixon.
Malaco-style soul is the order of the day on the Omar Cunningham tune, ‘Got My Whiskey’ while of the original songs ‘Believe For A Day’ takes its inspiration from Sam Cooke via James Hunter.
‘Call Me Later’ is out now on Lost World Music and you can investigate @ www.christopherdeanband.com
