Voodou Review - Twelve Bar Rag - Mark Thompson

After roaming the country from coast to coast, multi-instrumentalist Nelsen Adelard has settled down in Clearwater. His new group features former band mate John Puhl on guitar, Mick Donner on bass, and Paul Christman on drums. Adelard handles the lead vocals, keyboards, and harmonica in addition to writing the nine songs featured on his sixth release.

The opener, "I Need Tonight With You," sounds like it came out of theLouisiana swamps, reeking of loneliness punctuated by Puhl's biting licks. The leader's harp leads the way on "Mon Cheri," a sturdy shuffle propelled by Christman's rolling beat. Puhl introduces "May Just Have To Set You Free" before Adelard pours out his agony over a mistreating woman. Guest Mark Norris almost steals the show with a muscular sax solo. He is also in on board for the funky "Get In The Groove," which sports a hypnotic hook. The title track is built on a mean guitar riff and another of Adelard's stellar vocal performances.

"Boom" is a stripped-down performance with Adelard's robust vocal and tough harp riding Christman's solid rhythm. The arrangement on "Train Whistle Blues" features acoustic guitars but Puhl switches to electric for his brief solo. Adelard supplies a rolling piano solo that acts as a counterpoint to the lonesome wails from his harp. "I'm Gone" continues in the acoustic country blues vein with some vibrant guitar picking. One final number, "Down The Road I Go," is an instrumental that showcases the leader's tough harp playing.

Nelsen's appearances at Ella's Cafe for Soul Food Sunday have been well-received and he has played other area gigs, primarily in Dunedin. If you get a chance, make sure you catch this band that is steeped in the blues tradition. Once you hear them, you will definitely want a copy of this seamless examination of life's ups and downs.

- Mark Thompson - Suncoast Blues - June 2015

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