 Let’s
start this off with this simple fact; I’ve been a huge fan of
Julian Fauth’s timeless talent for many years now. On a number of
occasions I’ve witnessed Julian perform either solo, as part of a
duo or trio and with his regular band Chain Gang. Through what
I’ve heard, I feel that there is a passionate haunting that
lingers long after you’ve seen him in your inner soul that comes
from his music and knowing the man. And when there wasn’t a
personal booking on a particular evenin’, a very rare occurrence
for him, ya just know Julian is out there in the nite supportin’
or playin’ with one or more of his musical friends or part of the
crowd to see of one his many influences in the Blues. As the wheel
rolls in a Blues community, Julian has surrounded himself with those
that know him and his music for his debut release on Electro-Fi
Records, "Songs of Vice and Sorrow". Yes Blues fans, there
are four distinct harp blowers on the tracks, Paul Reddick
(Sidemen), David Rotundo (David Rotundo Band), Al Lerman (Fathead)
and Wayne Charles (Chain Gang). Now add hot rhythm to the mixture
from Sam Petite on upright bass, Alec Fraser on electric bass, Bob
Vespaziani on the skin kit plus the guitar licks of the legendary
Mel Brown on a cut and combine that with Julian’s piano, guitar,
heavy foot stompin’, lyrics and those vocals that take ya way back
and ya got one of the best albums you’ve heard in a long while.
A story about the cruel town of
“Colbalt” kicks this intense music off with Julian on the
guitar/foot and Paul on harp. The next track “Running” from the
gun rocks with Paul again and Julian switchin’ over to his main
instrument the piano. A mid tempo Chicago band styled Blues number
about a man called “Red Richard” follows. Let’s get down and
out with the troubled slow Blues tune “When My Mother Died”,
featurin’ Mr. Brown on electric guitar. A solo boogie takes over
with Julian on the keyboard once again and his foot supplyin’ the
back beat with his thoughts on the “Winter Of 99”. Back on his
six-string Julian belts out a dyin’ tune, “Big Brazos”, with
Paul on acoustic harp. “Highway 61” is a rockin’ traditional
band number. On the black & whites with a heavy left hand he
gives us an instrumental “Spadina Avenue Stomp” that reminds me
of my foot pace walkin’ between Grossman’s Tavern, the Silver
Dollar Room and the El Mocambo on this famous Blues club strip. One
of my favourite songs is about a gal “Liza’ with the band layin’
down a steady groove. The Blues really hit ya like a bullet in the
words of the slow and hurtin’ “Suicide Note”. The group goes
into a shuffle on “Flying Crow” with some fine sounds from
David. The duo of Julian and David are featured in the ‘love’
song of bein’ a rock in a relationship, but “Caving In”. Down
in the Blues again with the blowin’ chores handed over to Al on
the drug ballad “Cocaine”. There are some awesome tones from
Paul on the harmonica and Julian hittin’ the guitar again on,
“Poor Lazarus”. The whole band jumps in on the J.B. Lenoir’s
movin’ “Mojo Boogie” with Julian’s partner in crime Wayne
Charles on the reeds. Julian’s “You Can’t Choose The World You
Live In” closes out this recording with a very strong message, but
watch out for the last grooves of the album!
I'm sure Julian has many more stories to sing and
play about, so get out and see him live as soon as you can. If you
like those well-traveled barrelhouse boogie and Blues, with a very
personal touch, grab this one, slide it on your'turntable' and
enjoy it with a jug of juke joint high octane! Eddy
B
For more info, check out the following websites.
Electro-Fi Records: www.electrofi.com
Julian Fauth: www.julianfauth.com
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