We have been listening to the eighth studio album from AYNSLEY LISTER the 39-year-old British guitarist who has said he wants to take blues-rock back to its roots: “I [want] to keep the raw edginess and energy of a band […] So that meant minimal takes and going with the ones that had the most spirit and passion over those with technical perfection...”
With “Eyes Wide Open” [out 7 October via Straight Talkin’ Records] our Aynsley has created a recording that has all the determination of traditional blues but is nonetheless surefooted, imaginative and richly-textured.
“To me, music isn’t supposed to be perfect. It’s supposed to grab you and move you both emotionally and physically; it’s supposed to connect with you.” he tells us.
We have already described opening track “All Of Your Love” taken from the new album [premiered in August] with sounds that “burst forth in a delirious outpouring of sheer exuberance…”
Next up is the scintillating slice of incandescent wonderment titled “Everything I Have to Give.”
This is about holding on to what it’s true — even when under pressure. The number has enormous ‘Stax’ style horns from Chris Aldridge (sax) Dale Gibson (bone) and Bryan Corbett (trumpet.)
We also loved the slimy keyboards from Bennet Holland. The guitar, though, will uplift and motivate your day. The sounds shoot-out amber rods of electroplated super-efficiency from your speakers.
Taking things down a narrow street in Naples (or perhaps Little Italy) we enter the stiletto-sharp world of the “Il Grande Mafioso.” It’s a tale of a poor-man who has gotten in too deep with the mob. This song has the same general swing as “Minnie the Moocher” (Cab Calloway )— clearly without the call-and-response but with the same 30’s-40s big band approach. You’ll swing along.
For something sweet yet sore try the marvellous “Won’t be Taken Down” a song about standing up for what you believe is right. This is one of the stand-out tracks on the album. The guitar-work arrives in discrete waves of power. Each segment of this truly remarkable song is filled with raw kinetic energy.
Later on we get the Tommy Castro number “Right as Rain.” This version retains its chirpiness and sense of liberation. Of course, listeners can expect some phenomenal guitar-play. The rhythms on this track are facilitated by Steve Amadeo on bass guitar and Boneto Dryden on drums. With keys and backing vox by Bennet Holland.
“Stay” has that radiating beat we somehow expect from Aynsley Lister. On this song of desperation we learn that the musician simultaneously possesses Howlin’ Wolf-style vocal facility along with luminous guitar-play.
Turn to maximum power when you play this… to gain complete effectiveness and properly absorb the premium efficiency.
The album is full of fluidic moments, bundles of raw rhythm and extraordinarly good vocals. And for electric tension, you can’t beat it.
For lovers of electric blues, and nightclub rock and roll — think Chess Records circa mid-1960s.
“Eyes Wide Open” will be released on Friday 7th October 2016 via Straight Talkin’ Records.
Words: Neil Mach 2016 ©
Main Photo: credit Andy Hibbs
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