English translation of this wonderful review; This CD, from US-born, Sweden-based bluesman, Brian Kramer is already one of my personal favourites of the year. With all the material written by Kramer, and an excellent cast of supporting musicians providing back-up, it hits the spot for me with its soulful guitar-work and laid-back ragtimey-blues feel. Since its arrival, I’ve been listening to it on an almost daily basis. And, unlike some others, it never seems to become boring or simply background noise. It’s a really rewarding album, never jaded, that can be listened to time after time. ‘Full Circle’, in short, is an excellent little album. Themed around Kramer’s quarter century as a pro player and his US Big Apple roots, It sure resonates with me with its laid-back rhythm and material that ranges from Ragtime-Blues influences to Brian’s beloved and sensitively picked Steel Guitar work. His electric playing is also showcased with a fine bunch of backing musicians including Chuck Anthony on guitar, Mats Quarfordt on Harp, another Swedish based US player, Bert Deivert, Steel Mandolin, and some very soulful backing vocals from Maria Blom, Isabella Lundgren and Fanny Holm. At times the groove here is reminiscent of the late JJ Cale, with its deceptively laid-back melodies and clever lyricism. Kramer, for many years provided back-up guitar to Eric Bibb, both on the road and in the studio, and has also worked with Junior Wells and Taj Mahal, among many others in the USA. He was a peripheral part of the Greenwich Village traditional US music scene, currently the critically acclaimed, central subject of the Coen Brothers latest film release, ‘Inside Llewyn Davies’, busking in Washington Square for nickels and dimes in the late sixties/early seventies., and gigging in bars and clubs throughout New York as he gained a toe-hold in the exploding blues music business. ‘Full Circle’ is a marvellous album that gives great, genuine pleasure and is well worth a listen for anyone who loves the blues. Thanks Iain Patience!
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 14:10:16 +0000
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