Fast Train Rollin ‘- A new piece in the history of the Blues
Translated from the Italian website. See the original review here.
A fixture of ours in the last four years leads us to be spectators of the ever-growing artistic path of the Birmingham bluesman : Ritchie Dave Porter .
One year after his previous work ‘End Of The Line’ the English singer, composer and guitarist returns with a new album with a title that represents his artistic path: ” Fast Train Rollin ‘ “. A train that shows no sign of wanting to stop and that is always ready to overcome the different stations that it meets along its route, even the most inaccessible ones. An aptitude that led to the birth of ten new songs that quickly went on to give shape to the artist’s new record birth. A new beginning, as announced by the initial “ New Beginnings”. Ritchie’s style is well known but his Acoustic Blues and his emotional and poetic touch even where words don’t need to appear is a signature that guarantees each piece. We are well aware that what has been written up to this point may appear to be a slip-through or point to suspicions of favoritism but there is no denying the very personal style of the artist and what he manages to convey. A very simple imprint, without the need for particular moves or winks. ” Blues To The End ” is the most striking example; Blues lines that come directly from the banks to the Mississippi River , from those mysterious and evocative lands that have seen the birth of the Father of Blues, Robert Johnson; a song of absolute simplicity. More particular and with echoes reminiscent of some songs by Willy DeVille is the following ” The Girl With Red Hair “. A mix of blues and gypsy rhythms that infuse this piece with very bright colors. A romantic ballad that, however, does not let itself be enchanted by the easy melody and by the too obvious lyrics, even if the arrangement is very simple and linear. A road that continues into the next “Sarah” by creating a sort of connection between the two tracks, both musically and lyrically with softer guitar lines in the stanzas and more pronounced in the chrous, a choice that partly separates the two songs but still leaving them linked. The title track of the album leaves behind a strange aura, perhaps due to the speed with which it is played, in line with its title, leaving just enough time to notice its arrival and being invested without warning even if anticipated by a intro slow and cadenced, almost gloomy. The following ” Cold Black Heart ” and ” Loner Blues ” follow the typical canons of Acoustic Blues, without decorative frills and without external influences, while with ” Sirocco ” we witness a new incursion of Mediterranean rhythms and sounds, warm and sensual. ” Just Give Me More Days ” and ” Spirits Of The Woods ” (the only track in which the drums appear to support the rhythm of guitar and bass lines ), they close the album mixing the scanty Blues of the first with the rocking scents of the second.
An immediate album that once again confirms the spontaneity of Ritchie Dave Porter’s artistic path ; an album of pure Blues, blood and direct. No useless ceremonies, simple rhythms, guitar and voice, a barely mentioned bass and drums only when needed, few elements but incisive and devoted to the cause.