This is not your regular rockabilly release, no sir, it's Chicgao blues all the way. So why review it on this website? Firstly because I liked what I heard very much, and second because lead guitarist Kevin Fennell is a good friend of mine, and he has earned his spot in our Hall of Fame for his lifetime dedication to music, especially rockabilly as guitarist for the legendary Ray Campi. Make sure to read Kevin's extensive biography elsewhere on this website!
Although this is a CD-single release, blues songs tend to go on a little longer that your average rockabilly song, so the 4 tracks expand to a total playing time of 20 minutes, starting off with "Born In Chicago". A steady blues song with excellent rhythm, rolling basslines and some fine harmonica interludes. The sound reminds of the early Sun recordings of Frank Frost.
"I'm Tore Down" is a bit faster, almost leaning towards rock 'n' roll, with Kevin tearing away in a fabulous guitar break. The title track "Steamroller Blues" is back to basics, blues the way it was intended way back on the cottonfields I guess. Not immediatly appealing to rockabilly fans, but a very well done song, sit back and relax, enjoy Kevin's two full minute guitar solos on this seven-and-a-half minute song. "Walking The Dog" picks up speed again, again in that destinctive Frank Frost style, you just gotta like it, this is the kind of music where rock 'n' roll found it's roots.
Surely a CD to enjoy, especially the Kevin Fennell fans should check out this latest project of a man who has made his marker in roots music.