The CD Woodbury Trio - "Bulldog"

Production Team: CD Woodbury,Robert Baker,Bill Ray

CD Woodbury

Publicity and Radio - Betsie Brown - Blind Raccoon

 

 

 

                              There are times when you get music coming your way that instantly intrigues you, piques your interest, and regenerates your curiosity. The latest release from "The CD Woodbury Trio - CD3," "Bulldog," came at the perfect time, when life had decided to kick me in the ass quite a few times. You know, those days when life is like Wi-Fi: sometimes you're connected, sometimes you're lost. That particular day when the CD arrived, I felt like life was a bowl of soup, and I was the fork. This "Bulldog" couldn't have come to pee on my doorstep at a better time.

For those of you out there, like myself, who are embarrassed by not knowing this incredible artist and his extraordinary bandmates—an award-winning group of multi-talented musicians who have been thriving in the Pacific Northwest blues scene for years—let's head out and see what this outfit is all about. 

                    

                                   From the grit of the Mississippi Delta to the electric stages of modern rock Clint "CD" Woodbury hoists a middle finger high, defying expectations, borders, and genres. His music isn't fenced in or boxed in, it's filled with an unapologetic honesty, a rebellious edge, and a defiant spirit. This multi-talented guitarist, versatile vocalist, and crafty songwriter—whose songs drip with sly wit, an emotional punch, and plenty of piss and vinegar - has 13 Best of the Blues awards from the Seattle-based Washington Blues Society, including Performer of the Year, Songwriter, and NW Recording, and has won the Electric Blues Guitar BB Award 5 times. "CD" Woodbury was inducted into the Washington Blues Society Hall of Fame in 2022. His two previous studio albums, "Monday Night!" and "World's Gone Crazy" charted on international independent radio charts. Are you impressed yet? Clint "CD" Woodbury has performed in venues large and small, from roadhouses to stadiums, for two U.S. Presidents, foreign dignitaries, and for the Hendrix family.

                           

The CD Woodbury Trio won the "Best Band" category at the Seattle-based Washington Blues Society 2019 International Blues Challenge.

                           

          Let's take a look at the other members of this fascinating trio—they can easily lay down a power-trio intensity to countrified acoustic blues, combining authentic blues roots with creative arrangements and unique musical expressions. 

                           

                                       Robert Baker - Pacific Northwest-based musician and bassist known for his contributions to the Pacific Northwest blues community, vocalist and recording engineer. His enormous and extraordinary versatility is reflected in Roberts performing in a wide variety of ensembles - from jazz trios and community orchestras to regional blues,rock,and roots bands. His expressive bass playing, backing vocals, and background as a recording engineer—which has shaped the sounds of many diverse recordings behind the scenes—have earned Robert the respect and admiration he certainly deserves. 

                              

                                   Drummer Bill Ray- Known for his versatility, technical skills, and ability to groove in any genre, from jazz and blues to rock, flamenco, R n'B, and even more. Bill Ray joined Ike Turner's band in 2001 and toured with them for sx and a half years. Ike Turner famously called him "The Drummer of My Soul". Bill Ray performed on Ike Turner's Grammy Award-winning 2006 album "Risin' with the Blues" and on the 2002 "Live at North Sea Jazz" recording. Bill Ray was present when Ike passed away in 2007. His decades of professional experience, performing on over 150 recordings, his technical mastery, and unique groove sensibility help elevate the trio's live shows and recordings to even greater heights.

 

                              Welcome Back! Let's take a deep dive headlong into the latest from The CD Woodbury Trio's "Bulldog."  The covers alone are worth the price of admission: bold, adventurous, unique, fresh, and personal, keeping the spirit of the original while making each song unmistakably their own; their sense of adventure is distinctively daring - bold choices that work so well!!

                              * "Little Sister" - A 1961 hit for Elvis Presley, written by Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman, this time around the catchy melody and humorous storytelling is now framed by a bluesy shuffle, with haunting harp work from Bill Davis.

                               * The off-center creativity of replacing James Brown's funk on the classic "I Feel Good" with a swinging blues shuffle, spiced up with a bit of jazz, along with even greater harp from Bill Davis, makes the perfect side dish.

                             * The distinctive, expressive color of Mike Marinig's surprising flute work on the Willie Dixon classic, "Spoonful," and CD Woodbury's spot-on vocals, is a creative approach offering wonderful sonic possibilities. The supergroup "Cream" included this track on their irresistible "Fresh Cream" release.

                             * Cream's "Politician" - The catchy blues-rock music, the driving blues-rock-rhythms, the clever wordplay, the song as relevant today as it was decades ago, dressing the self-serving nature of politicians, all their hypocrisy, manipulation, and pursuit of power. With Woodbury adding his own psychedelic guitar backing, the track loses none of its bite; the band makes a fiery sonic statement that is totally their own.

                * Albert Kings "Born Under A Bad Sign" - Albert Kings seasoned musicianship and the chemistry between band members are reflected here but CD Woodbury's muscular guitar work and the band's dynamic interactions give this classic a new and refreshing lease on life—gritty, raw, and riveting.  

                  * Bobby "Blue" Bland's "I Wouldn't Treat A Dog(The Way You Treated Me)" - First recorded by Bobby in 1974, this time around the track gets a funky makeover, featuring an inescapable dynamic flair, tight rhythm grooves,more great vocals,and those truly impressive blues guitar licks. Tasty and irresistible!!

 

We can also enjoy the wonderfully crafted originals that are overflowing with cleverly spun tales. Irresistible from the first note to the last, these songs instantly hook us with plenty of unexpected twists, stopping you in your tracks-whether they give you goosebumps, make you tear up, or bring out unexpected smiles.

               * "Wicked Grin" - a mean and evil blues about a man whose "wicked grin" signals his desire to avenge his wronged woman - with a razor

                * "Gaslight Road" is CD Woodbury's easy-rocking commentary on contemporary deception, a clever and timely reflection on the current state of affairs here in the U.S. and throughout the globe.

                    * "Dollar Store Readers" is an absolute gem from CD and Michelle D'Amour, a tale that is cleverly written and cleverly told, a master class in finger pickin' goodness. Listeners will certainly find themselves laughing at the cheap Dollar Store reading glasses with their "birth control frames".

                  * Mark Dufresne (Roomful of Blues) swings for the rafters with his own composition "A Song in There," featuring the killer harp work of Joel Astley, perfectly in sync with Clint Woodbury's dazzling fret work. 

                  * "(Call Me The)Bulldog" an original that barks out the blues with a bite, is fun and funky to a tee—the perfect closer to an outstanding album.

 

"Bulldog," the latest release from The CD Woodbury Trio, is a wonderful experience from beginning to end.Great tunes, fun tunes—the perfect prescription for what ails you. Adopt your own "Bulldog" as quickly as possible to enjoy a deep,lasting bond that will offer comfort in tough times and enrich your life in ways you never imagined. A superb album that will certainly rocket The CD Woodbury Trio into the stratosphere for even greater-and well-deserved- recognition.  These musical talents will continue to delight, surprise, and surely entertain us well into the future. 

 

CD Woodbury: Electric, acoustic, slide, and glass-neck guitar , vocals / Robert Baker: Electric bass guitar, upright bass, sound effects / Bill Ray - drums / Joel Astley - Harmonica / Bill Davis-Harmonica / Mike Marinig-Flute / Jonathan Sayre-Drums - "I Got You(I Feel Good)"

 

 

Review Enthusiastically  Written By: John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1