Cary Hudson
"Cool Breeze"
by Johanna J. Bodde
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When the band Blue Mountain came apart in 2001, it didn't upset Cary Hudson very much. He just went on, solo, which isn't too hard for a singer-songwriter and gifted guitarist. He got help from bassist Justin Showah and drummer Ted Gainey, they made an album with the appropriate title "The Phoenix", then Cary became a father and with doubled motivation plus a new CD he returned on the scene! "Cool Breeze", prettied up with paintings of trees, features mainly countryblues and also some rootsrock, recorded as a trio with occasionally a piano or some organ added, there are tracks where Cary plays all by his lonesome too. He brings in acoustic and electric guitars, the slide is handled in a virtuoso way and his harmonica is also worth mentioning. The harmonies by lady vocalists are sometimes very lovely ("Little Darlin'" - for the baby), sometimes downright irritating (the title track and that dumb giggle on "8 Ball Blues"!). Cary has a pleasant but not really striking voice, so his songwriting is even more important. About things that change or just stay the same, the lyrics are intriguing in a sultry, southern way, not surprising when we consider he was born in Mississippi! Sometimes he even leans towards the music of Tony Joe White. "What The Old Man Told Me" paints a wonderful picture of a Sunday afternoon visit to the grandparents. "Bay Street Blues" is somewhat odd but good: "It's Cinco de Mayo at the trailer park..." The catchy drumming makes "Free State Of Jones" my favorite track and the album ends with coyotes "singing" along with the harmonica! |
 (In the meantime Cary Hudson released another CD, "Bittersweet Blues". Folkblues, Cary solo with his acoustic guitar and harmonica.) ----- Written by Johanna J. Bodde, Dutch original of this review previously published on Real Roots Cafe, The Netherlands. ===== |