California Trap
Artist: Andrew Duncanson
Label: Run It Back Records
Released: 2024
Number of Tracks:
Duration:
Website: https://andrewduncanson.com/
Review courtesy of Hammered By The Blues Weekly Radio Show
Andrew Duncanson is no stranger to blues lovers; after all, he is the voice and guitarist of the southern Illinois based Kilborn Alley Blues Band. His first solo outing, “California Trap” was just released a couple of days ago on Run It Back Records.
I really loved the overall sound and quality of songs on this one, and guess where it was recorded? Hint: many of my columns over the last couple of years all came from this studio. Answer: Kid Anderson’s Greaseland! And to top it off, we get the usual excellent group of musicians that Kid brings in, because it works.
Michael Peloquin is also a Champaign, IL native who made his way in the San Fran scene for years before reuniting with Andrew on a blues cruise a few years back. He adds all sorts of sax and harp along with backing vocals on many cuts.
“Relearning to Climb” has a Louisiana/Tab Benoit/Gator/Mossy vibe, and that’s perfectly good. This is a fun, easy going tune, as you go about your business on a spring day. Great guitar by Kid, with the legend himself, at 60 years playing for everyone who is anyone… Jerry Jemmott on bass! Michael is part of a kick-ass-brass section including Mike Rinta on tenor sax, and Ed Morrison on trumpet. Nothing over done here; just a great opener.
“Hold Me Back” is a shufflin’, drivin’, boppin’, movin’, groovin’ tune! Andrew is only on guitar here, and Kid takes over on Fender bass. A song about two opposites in town, running into each other, as evidenced by these lyrics. “You never drove a used car, never had your ass kicked in a bar. If I see you in a tavern, Jack, it’d take all 12 apostles to hold me back.” Beautiful blues highlight the title cut, and it’s low and slow with a sharp guitar by Andrew, with honky cat piano by Baxter Robertson. This is clearly a bunch of blues musicians having fun as evidenced by the call out in the studio of “That was good” after the music stopped. Those three words are worth it alone!
Hear for yourself: listen on Youtube
