It’s me again! My feet still haven’t hit the ground, and with what we have coming up, I’m going to be floating ever higher.

Tonight we have the Randall Dubis Band, and of course he has a solid fan base, so it should be a fun night with an exceptionally talented man. He hosted the 5th Tuesday Jam in November, and will be doing so on the 5th Tuesdays in March and May, so mark your calendars for those two bonus jams. Thanks, Randall!

Tomorrow night is the return of Tijerina out of Albuquerque. He’s played here a few times, and now has a new CD out.   I gave a copy to Chick, and here’s his review: 

Todd Tijerina’s newest CD is what happens when Chicago meets the Southwest. I guess it was Meant To Be which just happens to be the CD’s title. The CD is 13 powerful tunes, 10 self-written, and all dripping with sizzling guitar licks that impress the heck out of you without overpowering your ears. Todd grew up in Chicago before migrating to Albuquerque, and between the influence of both he has created a Chicago blues sound that is all his own.

The opening cut, “Nothing Like the Blues,” is a testimony to Todd’s love of the blues, great lyrics with sizzling guitar. He has a knack for weaving a catchy melody around a core bass line of each song while slipping in some funk, jazz and latin rhythms without ever straying far from that Chicago blues groove. His originals are all top notch, but equally impressive is how he breathes new life into classics like “I’d Rather Drink Muddy Water,” “Crossroads” and “ Born Under a Bad Sign.” The title cut is a sweet and funky romp that showcases his unique style. Todd’s vocals are good but his guitar work is really what catches my ear. His solos are downright dazzling and he always leaves you wanting more. Instead of gaudy five-minute note benders, he keeps his soloing down to one-minute blasts that keep the listener focused on each and every note. The guitar work grabs you and holds, then slides effortlessly back into the melody and groove of the song. Less really IS more.

“I Hate My Job” is a favorite I’ve heard on many occasions, and love it. Part of the reason, I’m sure, is that I identify way too closely with the lyrics, but it also has what I consider the hottest guitar riffs on the CD.  “Lookin’ Away” finishes the CD with some powerful images of ‘sadly looking away from things that are distasteful’ rather than confronting them. A song we could all learn from.

Todd is definitely moving up with each performance and CD. I’m hoping this CD was released after Nov. 1, because it would be a worthy one for the newly created New Mexico Blues Society to enter in next year’s BSPCD of the Blues Foundation. Todd plays Colorado often, catch his show and grab a copy of this CD, you won’t regret it. ~Chick Cavallero, Pres. CBS~

Thanks, Chick, and I agree with you. It is a wonderful CD. It will be great to listen to this power trio again. See you Friday night.