Album Review – Anthony Gomes – Containment Blues – Up 2 Zero
Artist – Anthony Gomes
Album Title – Containment Blues
Label – Up 2 Zero
Release Date – October 16th 2020
ANTHONY GOMES:
Anthony Gomes – Lead Vocals & Guitars (Canada)
Jacob Mreen – Bass & Backing Vocals (USA)
Chris Whited – Drums & Backing Vocals (USA)
ADDITIONAL MUSICIANS:
Bobby Stone, Jr. – Drums & Percussion (Sweden)
Gabriel Crespo – Keyboards (Brazil)
Hector Ruano – Harmonica (Venezuela)
Paul Tooley – Banjo, Mandolin & Fiddle (USA)
Margarita Chernova – Violin (Russia)
Carolina Teruel – Cello (Venezuela)
TRACK LISTING:
01. Make A Good Man (Wanna Be Bad)
02. Hell And Half Of Georgia
03. This Broken Heart Of Mine
04. Praying For Rain
05. No Kinda Love
06. Let Love Take Care Of Love
07. Stop Calling Women Hoes And Bitches
08. Until The End Of Time
09. Tell Somebody
10. The Greatest 4 Letter Word
11. Containment Blues
**All songs written by Anthony Gomes except “Let Love Take Care Of Love” which was written by Anthony Gomes and Billy Falcon**
Album #11 for Anthony Gomes will arrive worldwide on October 16th. “Containment Blues” started off as a single and video in March of this year but as the world dealt with the pandemic and rising Social Justice tensions, Anthony did what he has done throughout the course of his career. He set out to unite the world with the healing power of music.
“Unity” isn’t just a buzzword and the title of one of his albums. It is a way of life for Anthony. He doesn’t just preach it, he practices it. It has never been more evident than on this album. One look at the credits will prove this!
I recently spoke with Anthony about this album, the lyrical content, the fact that the album truly is a world affair and the message he wanted to get out to the world, he stated “Our thinking was, well yes, Unity but also the world is going through this pandemic together and it only seems right to include a part of the world on this!”
On with the track-by-track review…
01. Make A Good Man (Wanna Be Bad) – Mmm, kicking off this uptempo shuffle with a distinct ZZ Top feel caught my ear immediately. “Make A Good Man (Wanna Be Bad)” is a tune I can REALLY relate to! Anthony’s guitar tone is just FAT and he delivers the lyrics with gusto.
02. Hell And Half Of Georgia – The second single and video released on September 10th is a straightforward rocker that drips with attitude. Anthony pushes his vocals to the limit putting across the hurt and angst of being ran around on.
03. This Broken Heart Of Mine – Bringing things down with the first ballad of the album. Anthony’s anguished vocals are hauntedly accented by an violin and keys accompaniment. I’d really like to know how he accomplished the tone of the guitar solo. While short, the tone is so lush and the keys add a nice touch.
04. Praying For Rain – Going back to his gospel roots, Anthony is an ordained minister if you weren’t aware. He picks up the tempo both musically and lyrically. Not a full-on rocker but the groove and message definitely deliver.
I digg how the Banjo, Mandolin, Violin and acoustic guitar solo add to the ambiance of the song.
Unity has been a recurring theme throughout his ten studio albums dating back to 1998 and Anthony “preaches” it here as only he can.
“Seems like every day, there’s a little more pain and in this heat, I pray for the rain.” AMEN!
05. No Kinda Love – Here is a mournful slow burn that oozes with heartache. Hats off to the drummer and Harmonica player for laying down such a solid foundation for Anthony to spill his heart over.
06. Let Love Take Care Of Love – Are my ears deceiving me or is that B3 I hear? Ever hear a song that touches you in a way that it leaves you at a loss for words? I’m a notorious blabbermouth but I could only come up with “hopeful” after numerous spins. Damn you, AG! *wink*
07. Stop Calling Women Hoes And Bitches – A downright nasty Delta Blues groove with an important message. Anthony’s delivery of the vocals adds to the power of the message. This is a sonic punch in the kisser to those limpdick assholes who treat women like property!
08. Until The End Of Time – Yet another example of the growth I allude to in my concluding remarks at the end of this album review. A soulful ballad sprinkled with some intricate acoustic guitar and violin that builds in intensity before mellowing back out towards its conclusion.
09. Tell Somebody – A joyous Delta stomp inducing uptempo call to action. Digg the Southern Baptist Church Tent Revival vibe! Preach it, Brother Gomes! Can I get a hallelujah?
10. The Greatest 4 Letter Word – Sparse acoustic guitar and cello allow Anthony to vocally shine on this tender ballad. He’s right you know, L-O-V-E is THE greatest 4 letter word!!!
11. Containment Blues – The final cut on the album finds Anthony adding some much needed comedic relief to the current pandemic. An acoustic driven Blues shuffle that lyrically we all can relate to.
Released in late March at the start of all this COVID-19 MADNESS, this cut has provided some much needed musical therapy during this stressful time of uncertainty proving that music IS the medicine! Testify!
In closing, “Containment Blues” is Anthony’s 11th studio album and one of his most diverse. The album runs the gamut of styles, tempos, subject matter but remains firmly planted in the Blues with a healthy dose of Rock attitude. Anthony’s writing, musicianship, production and vocals have steadily grown over the years but I feel that this album has taken those talents to a whole different level.
it has been an exciting journey watching Anthony’s career progress over these last 20 years. I own all his albums and I’ve attended over 100 of Anthony’s shows since 2000. When asked what his shows are like, I always tell people to imagine a Southern Baptist Church Tent Revival soaked in Whiskey and amplified through a Marshall stack. It is a joyful noise!
Anthony’s love for the Blues is pure and isn’t a buzzword thrown around to catch the attention of those that are loyal to feeling the genre brings its listeners.
Blues lovers are some of the most loyal and sincere fans of music. Blues brings together all races, ages, sexes and creeds to form a real sense of family. Sadly, some have appropriated the term “Blues” and turned it into a bland brand that is void of honesty, emotion and authenticity, not Anthony! Attend one of his shows then catch him at his merch booth afterwards and within a few minutes, you will feel like you’ve known him for years & his fanbase is the same way!
Now I just need a live gig with Anthony, Jacob and Chris so I can shed these containment blues with their righteous Blues Church tent revival hymns.
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Category: Reviews
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