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Artist: The Urban Shakedancers Title: Let 'Er Dig Rating: 3.5

Release Date: Summer, 1995 Recorded Date: Label: Gray Dot Records

Producer: Eric Cagle Engineer: John Briglevich Studio: Audio Art
Studio, Atlanta, GA

Musicians: Instruments:
Robert Paige Vocals, Guitar, Slide Guitar
Henry Turner Guitar, Vocals
Mike Williams Bass, Vocals
Rin Vinson Drums, Vocals
Paul Linden Harmonica (on Lovely Child and High Brow Shuffle)


Album Review:

After 3+ years of turning the Atlanta music scene upside down
with their blues-boogie shows, the Urban Shakedancers entered the studio to
record an album. Encountering the difficult task of trying to capture what
they do every night onto a recording, the Shakedancers' delivered a modest
glimpse of what they could do on stage.

Developing in the early 90's as one
of the most popular acts in the Atlanta music scene, the Shakedancers
provided their audience with a blues meltdown which incorporated originals
and covers (but these were no ordinary covers, old blues tunes twisted to
meet the style of the Shakedancers delivery). Their shows which usually
included dual lead guitars and a Hammond B-3 would always bring the audience
to a nonstop boogie (Dead style) especially after a lengthy cover of "Who Do
You Love/Bo Diddley" and "You Don't Love Me". As their reputation grew so
did their exposure landing opening slots for the Black Crowes and on the
HORDE tour.

Booking time at Audio Art Studios, the Shakedancers cut the
record in a live setting with very little overdubbing. By doing this they
were able to capture some of the band's synergy. Although the sound is
suppressed from using state of the art digital recording, as opposed to the
analog recorders, the disc comes across with a clean and high energy sound.
The dual lead is still present as well as the rock steady rhythm section.
The good time blues feeling with a Chicago meets Allman Brothers theme is
bursting at the seams most noticeable in the stinging blues licks provided
by Henry and Robert. Only playing about once a month these days, they still
know how to provide a good time and atmosphere for southern style boogie.

# Time Title (author) Song Review
1 4:32 Nervous Wreck Very good into to the Shakedancers' sound
with a heavy guitar slide throughout with a solo provided by Henry which
develops into a sting.
2 3:19 Lovely Child A blues boogie song which provides plenty of
space for Henry and Robert to stretch their muscles. Great harmonica
provided by Paul Linden.
3 5:32 The Light of Things Another blues boogie song with Rin
providing some intricate percussion. A slow start on the solo by Henry
which climaxes with him in your face.
4 3:48 Take Me Back* One of my favorites because of the interplay
between Robert's slide and Henry's wah-wah. Great sing-along chorus as
well.
5 4:58 Down In The Hole A southern rocker with great slide
expressing the pains of being in a rut.
6 4:37 Jerry the Junker A slow blues burner with Mike paving
the way with his bass lines.
7 3:34 Bad Boy Another blues boogie which carries a lot of weight
in their shows. Provides a great showcase for each band member to shine
especially Henry as he unleashes solos throughout.
8 3:32 High Brow Shuffle* Another favorite of mine with a
great Texas blues boogie sound. Paul Linden adding some colorful touch with
his harmonica and Robert's tongue in cheek reminder that "he rocks his baby
right".
9 3:52 Complicated Connie A southern style rocker with Mike
and Rin providing some moving rhythms which give the song life.
10 3:17 Natural Born Woman Another blues boogie which is sure
to get you out of your seat. Nice leads with Robert providing the fillers
and first solo then Henry providing the closure.
11 3:42 See Ya Later With a heavy guitar and plenty of slide,
this song has plenty of muscle. A great song to end with.
44:43 Total CD time

Brian Webb

Artist: Brian Webb Title: The Fortunate Poets Rating: 4

Release Date: 1998 Recorded Date: 03/98 - 05/98 Label: River
Records
Producer: Scott Teems, Brian Webb, Ron Cochran Engineer: Ron Cochran
Studio: Sycamore Studios, Roswell, GA

Musicians: Instruments:
Brian Webb Vocals, All Guitars, Piano
Trenton Sicola Drums
Bill "G'Funk" Douglass Upright and Acoustic Bass (Found, I Forgave You,
Jacob's Tear, Everything, Give, Affirmative Compassion)
Michael Sox Electric Bass (Strong, I'm Afraid of White People,
D'Julianne, Perfect Lil Imperfection, Mercy)
Justin Russolino Background Vocals (I'm Afraid of White People)
Scott Teems Background Vocals and Percussion (D'Julianne)
Dennis Atha Funky Hand Jive (D'Julianne)

Album Review:
The first time I heard Brian Webb was at a Young Life event where he made a special performance. He appeared, dread locks and a guitar, and proceeded
to gain the utmost attention of all 150 present. I hate using the cliché that "you could have heard a pin drop", but this was a group where 16 was
the average age and Brian was a total stranger. Maybe I got caught up in the moment, however, I did what most everyone else did that night and that
was buy this cd. I got home and listened to it from start to finish and again was mesmerized. The next morning I put it on the shelf thinking that
maybe I just got caught up in the excitement and maybe it wasn't as good as I was led to believe. A few days later, I played the cd for my wife who
actually sat through the whole thing. Then a couple of weeks later, I played it for my partner, Mark Cunningham. After repeated listens to the
first song, we were able to get through the whole thing leaving Mark speechless. I had heard that Brian occasionally played at Eddie's Attic in
Decatur, GA which has a reputation for catering to an audience with high expectations.

I decided to ask my friend Britt, who works at Eddie's about Brian. Thinking I might receive a more subdued response......I didn't. Apparently Brian mesmerizes the audience there as well.

Now about the cd.....
It is very acoustic based, with Brian playing all guitars and piano and singing. Yes, there is catchy hooks and offbeat rhythms, but its hispassion that will capture you. I'm still not sure what it really is that makes him so captivating......my guess is the story which he tells in every song.....similar to David Wilcox but different. You quickly notice that his music is authentic in that he has a message that is not forced but natural.
If you're ready to try something new then please hunt down this cd.
I recommend calling 800-636-6166 to purchase it.

# Time Title (author) Song Review
1 5:59 A Little Ballad/ Found (B. Webb)Starting off with a mesmerizing piano solo which transitions into an offbeat acoustic based song
about his soul. With a chorus that draws you in, this is just the first to captivate you on a journey that is surprisingly fulfilling.

2 4:55 Strong (B. Webb) Strong "can't mean understanding because I don't understand." A fast moving intricate song with a catchy, melodic chorus.
3 3:59 I Forgave You, Remember (B. Webb)A slow tempo love song. Ends up baring his soul and vocal strength.
4 3:44 Jacob's Tear (B. Webb) A fast tempo acoustic number about a three year old and the innocence thereof.
5 5:14 Everything (B. Webb) One of my favorites, this is a song about a relationship gone bad and how much trust can be lost in the process
which he emphasizes saying, "I'll never let anything be my everything." With the use of a fuzzed out guitar, Brian weaves his way through the pain to encounter a higher love.

6 2:52 I'm Afraid of White People (B. Webb)An acoustic rockerwith a funky rhythm and perspective.

7 5:18 Hers Alone (B. Webb) Brian and guitar telling a story about someone you might know.... all too well.

8 3:58 Give (B. Webb) A mid tempo acoustic based number.

9 3:27 D'Julianne (B. Webb) An up-tempo rocker that is very catchy.

10 5:38 For Nicole (B. Webb) A folksy, half spoken tale about someone close who is pulling away.

11 5:21 Affirmative Compassion (B. Webb) A funky acoustic song with plenty of offbeat rhythms and a touch of jazz.

12 1:40 Perfect 'Lil Imperfection (B. Webb) A punk rocking tune with plenty of fuzzed out guitar.
13 4:55 A Ballad of Her (B. Webb) Carrying the piano piece from the first song, Brian webs a song of emotion.

14 8:28 Mercy (B. Webb) A slow acoustic number saying what it's all
about.

65:28 Total CD Time