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Moreland & Arbuckle - 1861 Review

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This album, titled for the year Kansas (the state the band calls home) became a state, begins with a track ("Gonna Send Ya Back to Georgia") that is bound to get the old boots a-stompin'. The guitar in this track is reminiscent of Luther Dickinson from North Mississippi All-Stars. This tune is not for sitting on the porch and sipping lemonade. This is a song for a crowded bar where people want to get up and move.

The band adds some Hammond B3 on "Diamond Ring" and "The Wiser Jam" and I have to say I am a big fan. The Hammond B3 lends a real 60s rock/soul feel to the music. The best way to describe "Diamond Ring" is groovy. Frankly, there aren't enough o's in groovy to describe this tune.

The chugging "gas tank bass" in "The Legend" is an outstanding compliment to the slide guitar and drums. The great thing about this album is that the band throws something a little different into each song. And every addition works wonderfully. I recently started playing harmonica and this album (particularly "Never Far Behind") teaches me two things. One part of me thinks this would be a good album to emulate when I practice. The second thing I learn is that I have to practice A LOT to even feel like I'm in the same area code as Dustin Arbuckle.

"Please Please Mammy" is a lowdown blues tune about Grandma's cooking. Boy, if that ain't the blues, I don't know what is.

There is nothing too complex about this band. It's a three-piece band with guitar, harmonica, and drums. These fellas know what they are doing and they play and feel the blues. I'd say the best response to this album is at the end of the first song when someone shouts "Woo!" Yessir, I'd say that's just about right.

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Moreland & Arbuckle - 1861
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