Conceived through lockdown this project brings together the considerable skills of Detroit born vocalist supreme Marcus Malone and one time Wishbone Ash guitarist Muddy Manninen.
Add the song-writing talents of well-known promoter Pete Feenstra and you have a heady brew of blues rock magnificence.
Opening track Angel Town opens gently enough before Muddy weaves wonderful blues motifs around Marcus wistful vocals. The solid rhythm section allows both lead players to shine. It sets a high bar, but the band and material are equal to it.
Cheap Perfume has a kinda Stones country feel swagger to it with just enough acoustic flavouring to keep it simmering along.
Delivery Man is next and reminded me of prime Little Feat with a lovely Southern vibe underpinning it, in no small way owing to Moz Gamble sprinkling in piano.
Price On Love is a gently delivered love song that Marcus makes totally believable with his vocal and Muddy tastefully adds guitar magic dust in all the right places.
Luxury Girl mixes it up just enough with a soulful funky feel, while Muddy’s guitar always keeps things rooted to bluesy rock.
Mexican Romance, of course, has a Southern Latin vibe. I love the way this track winds up with Marcus almost spoken outro and rocky guitar. Moment Of Regret
showcases some super blues guitar and the bv’s give it an almost gospel feel in places.
Natural Light rocks things up a bit, Marcus relishing the opportunity to hit some high notes. Not to be outshone Muddy layers superb guitar breaks and solos.
Handmade Pearl I guess is a title track as such, the pace is relaxed, a little funky, a lot soulful with both lead players to the fore at different points.
With My Baby By My Side is a tremendous closer, it sounds cool in a very 70’s rock way in the way it blends the rock with soul, blues and funk.
Big kudos to Pete Feenstra for his lyric writing, always mature and avoiding the cliches often attached to blues rock. I thoroughly enjoy this album every time I listen, it reminds me of under appreciated bands like Cry Of Love and Badlands in places.
I hope this isn’t a one-off release because this trio, backed by some superb musicians too, seem to have found a winning formula.
STEVE YOURGLIVCH
THIS 1S BLACK PEARL – BLUES MATTERS REVIEW BY STEVE YOURGLIVCH BLACK PEARL – SELF-TITLED, Redline Music
