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The Carson Downey Band may seem like an "overnight sensation" to many people, but this talented Blues trio have been around the Halifax area for many years. Over time they've played as either the Little City Blues Band or the Big City Blues Band until they settled on "The Carson Downey Band." Their tight performances are testament to the time they've spent together honing their craft. The biggest surprise about their CD "All the Way" is that it's their first.
In 1997 at the East Coast Music Awards (ECMAs) the President of Loggerhead Records discovered the band while walking past an open door and hearing "a savage assault of rock and blues." This was the Carson Downey Band. The Fender "East Coast Guitarist of the Year" award at the annual ECMAs was to follow in February 2000. Since June, 2000, two of the singles, "Burnin' Up" and "When the Blues Come to Take You Away" have had a lot of air play on Canadian rock radio.
Performances on Open Mike with Mike Bullard and Canada AM rounded out a busy year.
The band consists of Carson Downey as lead singer/guitarist, his brother Murray on drums, and Marlowe Smith on bass. The first impression you have when you hear them play is that there must be more than three of them. There's so much sound, energy and enthusiasm in their performance. Producer Wayne Nicholson must be commended for capturing their energy on All the Way.
All the Way was recorded in Halifax in the fall of 1999. This is music that makes you want to move. The title track, while based on a driving beat, has an easy flow to it.
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"Hit and Run Lover" pumps it up even more with increased intensity. "Freedom" maintains the energy with a touch of gospel.
"A Little Understanding" slows it down just a little, but maintains the depth of the other tracks with superb guitar playing. "I'm Sorry" slows it down even more with a very mellow bit of hurtin' blues - he done her wrong and she's leaving.
"Burnin' Up" picks up the beat again and earns the descriptor used by so many about the music - "It's really loud." And, loud is the way to listen to this music. "Are You In or Are You Out" is more hurtin' blues - this time he's leaving her. "You Left Me Here to Suffer" questions why love has to hurt. "Livin' It Up" gets things moving again, and "Dirty Low Down Shame" slows it down with a really sensuous sound. "When the Blues Come to Take You Away" makes you want to go wherever the blues will take you. The final track "Too Many People" speaks to the problems people face and gives a nice finish to the CD.
The Carson Downey Band's All The Way is a great CD, especially for a first release. This band has the potential to continue to add to their recordings and awards. Definitely a must for fans of blues, rock and gospel, and for anyone who just likes good-feeling music.
By Marie Leppard, CanEHdian.com 2001
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