Fans of good old rock from the 70's will really love and appreciate this release by Bobby Lindstrom and Elkhorn Reunited, titled, "Hungry, Cold And Blue".
Nothing really fancy here, just honest to goodness rock n roll played the way it should be played, simple, basic, and to the point, not like some of the over bloated, over mixed, and over dubbed rock that is to often crammed down our throats via the radio stations nowadays.
Consisting of the favorite tunes from their travels throughout the USA, over the years, "Hungry, Cold And Blue" could be considered a best of Album, filled with many fan favorites, from their extensive touring.
"Hungry, Cold And Blue", does have a few tinges of blues, but its lack of more blues, should not be considered at all when listening to this great collection of tunes. As mentioned before "Hungry, Cold And Blue", will really take you back to a better time and type of music, from the 70's and that in itself is a real treat for lovers of music from that era.
Bobby Lindstrom and Elkhorn Reunited are really better known as Elkhorn Express and consist of Bobby Lindstrom with his simply amazing guitars skills and one of the truest story telling set of vocals I have heard in a while. Rounding out this extremely tight trio are Bill Jansen (Bass/Vocals), and Mike Carrillo (Drums/Vocals). Trio's for me are a real treat to listen to because they must really meld together seamlessly, as there is no instrumental or vocal room for error. Elkhorn Express is a excellent example of a trio that does it right.
I am really glad that Bobby tracked me down sent me this CD. It did not take long of a listen for me to become a fan.
I Highly Recommend This Album To Those That Love Rock Done Right, From The Earlier Years... Great Stuff... Please Put Out Some More Albums Like This One...
My Two Favorite Tracks: "Hungry, Cold And Blue" and "Everything We Need"
I was struck by several things listening to this album, having not heard Bobby play for, well, several decades anyway! First off, the general sound of the album is lean and spare, with minimal overdubbing - a refreshing change in this era of micro-massaging Rock and Roll with digital audio software (being a guitar player, I plead guilty as charged). All the rough spots are left alone, with no added reverb or echo, and that contributes to the raw freshness of the sound. Bobby's electric guitar sound from his well-worn Les Paul Goldtop is straight in the amp, edgy and crisp, with elements of Keith Richards, Johnny Winter, and Rick Derringer (with appropriate homage to Robert Johnson, Muddy, and the Kings---Albert, B.B., and Freddie, of course). The rhythm section of longtime Elkhorn cohorts Bill Jansen (bass), and Mike Carillo (drums) is simple, direct, and to the point. You can tell these guys know each other very well---it comes across like a familiar Sunday afternoon jam. The electric grooves are comfortable and energetic, and the lyrics are sometimes poignant (Everything We Need, You Can Get There From Here), and sometimes humorous (Pee Like A Puppy), but always simple and direct. Along For the Ride sounds like a rock and roll "be here now" mantra; an acknowledgement of a long journey with more in store. There's a sense of joy and frustration with relationships (Mandatory Mad X Husband Blues, and Mystery Girl), and the title track, Hungry, Cold and Blue, lets us know to be damn thankful for what we have. The last track, Angels in The Kitchen, is a perfect compliment for a Monday morning, home up the West Fork with your best gal, after a long week on the road. Good job, Bobby & Elkhorn. It's a long road, but a good one---take it out there and throw it down!
"Outstanding, Still jammin and belting it out Bobby, Always good to hear ya. Hope all is well for you and your family. Roy Jr."