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Review Written by - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - 2023 / 2024

 

 

Blind Lemon Pledge - "oh so good " - Original compositions, design , arrangement , production 2024 -   James Byfield - www.blindlemon-pledge.comPublicist - Betsie Brown - Blind Raccoon        

 

          Blind Lemon Pledge(James Byfield) No joke here but a well-polished release that shines brilliantly !! Since 2008 this ragged , blues-voiced troubadour , guitarist , songwriter, poet and music library curator , from the San Francisco Bay Area , has donned the personae of one "Blind Lemon Pledge".His musical career has included acclaimed solo albums and releases with his quintet , also named "Blind Lemon Pledge" . His original songs have won several awards and nominations in the blues,folk,jazz,and gospel categories.The music of Blind Lemon Pledge has received international airplay and raves from fans and critics alike worldwide.

             Comedian Martin Mull sang a song he learned from his grandfather Blind Lemon Pledge: "I woke up this morning, Both my cars were gone. I woke up this morning, Both my cars were gone. I got so mad,I threw my drink across the lawn."

              One critic compared his sound to "Muddy Waters meets Hoagy Carmichael meets Randy Newman meets Bob Dylan." As Blind Lemon Pledge describes his music,"....A blend that is all my own . I have extremely eclectic musical tastes and this comes through in my song choice and in my writing . In my musical library you can find blues,country,folk,classical,various forms of jazz, Reggae and Soca , Rap , R&B , oldies , rock, synthesizer music , new wave , punk , World Music , etc. etc."

              On the latest release , "oh so good" , Blind Lemon Pledge - blind lemon pledge - vocals and guitar ; peter grenell , bass; jill moscovitz,drums; - all share a unique and varied musical vision . Showcased here are a wide range of styles and techniques that cut across the musical landscape of the United States . The arrangements and approaches performed on each track are unique for that particular song. There are 11 outstanding originals here and one totally original cover , more an interpretation , of the "House Of The Risin' Sun" - "So I completely rearranged it with a pounding staccato 4/4 beat and suddenly it worked for me." - a revisionist experience that features some slinky slide guitar and a butt-thumpin' rhythm section . 

            Join in on the fun and travel along with " Blind Lemon Pledge" to mining towns and tin pan alley ; cajun backwaters and front porch jug band stomps ; enjoy some classic gospel fightin' off the devil while your neighbors down the road are dervishly gyratin' as they "Go Jump The Willie". Get yourself ready to dance the night away with some off kilter jump blues or join in on a delightful singalong . All together this is most certainly hootin' and howlin' good time fun!

            The music philosophy of Blind Lemon Pledge is simple-"..be true to yourself and find or write songs that come from your heart and reflect your personal style."  He certainly has that "Blues Attitude" - getting in touch with your emotions and being able to convey them to your audience. His emotionally honest , well-crafted lyrics are the perfect complement to the deep sense of storytelling that infuses his music with such a distinctive flair . 

           "oh so good " is a wonderful experience for blues fans and all of those who enjoy heartfelt , sincere , passionate music that is creatively original . The instrumental prowess showcased here is taking the blues into the 21st century with a unique sound and a freshly imaginative approach . A uniquely eclectic songwriting style blends joyfully with the musical chemistry of everyone here,creatively finding new sounds , pulsating with the heartbeat of the American Songbook . Music that fills your soul with emotion , Blind Lemon Pledge delivers the blues with a lasting quality that it is truly timeless. Blind Lemon Pledge is most certainly,"oh so good."

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