Exploring the Blues of Lazer Lloyd’s Album Lazer Lloyd!
When I think blues, my mind does not immediately soar to Israel, but that may change after listening to the “King of the Israeli Blues Lazer Lloyd’s latest release. Since Lloyd’s self-titled release debuted on the Roots Music Report’s Blues Chart a couple of weeks ago it has been in my music rotation and this damn fine album is going to stay there for a while!!
But who is this Lazer Lloyd according to his website, Lloyd was born in New York and bred in Madison, Connecticut on blues, folk, rock, and jazz by a music loving, guitar playing father, and his extensive record collection! Lloyd eventually immigrated to Israel in 1994 and Since then he has been a member of a psychedelic jam band Reva L’Sheva, and self-released a solo debut album, the folk-rock-influenced Higher Ground, in 2004. This was followed by Lazer Lloyd’s formation of a roots rock trio Yood. Yood released two albums Passin’ Over in 2007 and Real People in 2008.
Then came the blues, in 2011 he released the acoustic Lazer Lloyd Unplugged, Blues in Tel Aviv, followed by My Own Blues. in 2012. My Own Blues was named best blues album in that year by the Israeli Blues Society and sent to the Memphis International Blues Competition! All this led to Blues Leaf Records releasing an acoustic Lazer Lloyd album, Lost on the Highway in 2013. And then finally this month the electric album, Lazer Lloyd ,was released on the Chicago-based Lots of Love Records label. And now we know!!
Here’s what some folks have to say about Lazer Lloyd…..From the Nashville Blues Society –
“Lloyd’s guitar skills are impeccable, along with a rich, vocal delivery. A consummate musician, writer and storyteller.”
and Bruce Maltby, Owner Violet’s Venue, Barrie, Ontario.
“Lazer Lloyd’s show was intense never taking his foot off the pedal and demonstrating guitar playing reminiscent to the great players of the 60s.”
and the press in Lloyd’s adopted homeland the Jerusalem Post
“He handles his guitar like it was an extension of his lanky, but sturdy body, and the glorious noise that it emits emerges directly from his soul. He’s the best guitarist in Israel.”
Bottom Line – Lazer Lloyd, the album and the musician are both terrific! The opening track “Burning Thunder” is a good as blues rock gets! And any album that has a track titled :”Rockin’ in the Holy Land” is a winner and then throw in a cover of Otis Redding‘s “Dock of the Bay” and well what can I say but “Check it out!” Rating ****
Links for the Further Explorations of the Blues of Lazer Lloyd
Artist’s Website
Facebook
Twitter
YouTube
Reverbnation
Here’s Lazer Lloyd performing the title track from the album My Own Blues
