Over the last month or so there have been three blues albums in my music rotation. Each features a great blues harmonica players. The albums are the latest release from: Bob Corritore, The Dig Three and Grant Dermody. I am going to start the discussion of these albums with Behind the Sun. The latest album from singer, songwriter and acclaimed harmonica player Grant Dermody.
Ok so I confess I am not a huge Grant Derrmody fan. I first listened to his music in 2020 when he released his fourth album My Dony. I remembered I liked the album so I was excited to hear his latest release Behind the Sun. Well I was blown away and Behind the Sun has become one of my favorite albums of 2022.
About Grant Dermody
From Grant’s website…
In the hands of harmonica master Grant Dermody the harp rumbles like a freight train, sidles up like a soul singer, purrs like an electric cat, rings out in a rhythmic dance. Pair it up with his voice, a strikingly honest vocal approach that resonates in the direct center of your chest, and the intrigue just increases.
And from Devon Ledger at Hearth Music…
“Grant Dermody explodes your expectations of blues harmonica players. He can get down with the best of them, but he can also tear through a Southern old-time fiddle tune, or step back to tastefully accompany a singer with the most subtle of background flourishes. He’s a musician’s musician, no doubt, which should account for the fact that he’s in such demand these days. His taste is impeccable and his playing inspired.”
About Behind the Sun
Ok I can sit here and try to write about Behind the Sun like I know all about it ..or I can let you read what I discovered at Grant’s website.l’ll choose the later….
Behind the Sun, finds him returning to electric blues; a full band and the inspiration and influence of Louisiana, the place where it was recorded. The title itself references a song by Muddy Waters while also capturing the sentiment and sincerity that shine through in each of its 15 tracks.
A list of outstanding musicians, including longtime colleague and acclaimed guitarist Dirk Powell, accordion player Corey Ledet, bassist Lee Allen Zeno, drummer Gerard St. Julien, and backing vocalists Teka Briscoe and Ahyris Navarre. So too, the album encapsulates the c xdistinctive sounds of Louisiana, environs that inspire its own take on Americana and the blues in particular.
Of its fifteen songs, nine are original compositions, including four by Dermody, three by Powell, one by Powell, Zeno and St. Julien, a traditional tune adapted by Dermody.And covers that come courtesy of Muddy Walters, Rick Estrin, Jimmy Reed, Kim Wilson and Otis Rush.
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is Behind the Sun is terrific! Dermody’s blues harp rips those 15 aforementioned tracks.Additionally, his outstanding cast of band mates complete the album. So check it Out! And once again I have to listen to some of Dermody’s back catalog.
Links for the Further Exploration of the Music of Grant Dermody
Artist’s Website
Instagram
YouTube
Amazon
