Nightbreed: Blue Tales

Italian bass player takes on the American blues tradition with nothing but his instrument and his voice; focus is on the words and the rhythms seen through the prism of European culture; if you are into traditional blues at all this is another way entirely to experience them, pared down to their essence

FCC violation on track 8; Favorite tracks 5, 9, 10, 11, 12

1- Man of Constant Sorrow-4:51-- rhythmic bass motif and slight Italian accent gives this traditional song a quirky vibe

2- Chocolate Jesus – 4:54-- Tom Waits' tune starts with lowdown bass notes that swing – words drawn out as only an Italian speaking English can make them

3-- Last Night –4:35-- another great intro and bass motif

4- Where Did You Sleep Last Night –4:24 –traditional song with bass echoing call and response lyrics

*5- Nightbreed – 3:55 – composed by Villani – swingy and almost happy, with blues harp wailing in the background

6- Time—4:24 – Tom Waits' tune – fabulously resonant bass threatens to overwhelm lyrics

7- Oh Glory! – 5:35 –Rev. Gary Davis – words are front and center here with bass punctuating

FCC --8- WARNING! Hurt – 3:39 – FCC violation (fuck) on this track

*9- Hard Times Killing Floor Blues –5:18 – Skip James tune – intro circles around, Lucio hums

**10--So Long Bonnie—5:13 – another happy Lucio tune with cool blues harp

*11—Big Boy – 4:49 – Lucio boils the blues down to its essence

**12-- Way Down in the Hole – 3:44-- Tom Waits' tune sounds almost lush with this blues harp/bass rendition

13 –Harvest –8:41-- Neil Young song distilled to its basics; halfway through song gives way to sound effects and then turns into “We Shall Overcome”