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The Alex Dixon Band - Rising From The Bushes

Dixon Landing Music LLC

www.myspace.com/dixonlandingmusic2

" The blues are the roots of American music ", Willie Dixon tells his grandson and us in the introduction to this very compelling and well produced CD " Rising from the Bushes". This recording features well crafted songs, some fine musicianship, a killer rhythm section and some above average vocals displayed by various singers who take their turn expressing Alex Dixon's material.

The first cut " Fantasy' written by Alex is a very, radio friendly song with a fine performance by Marcy Levy on vocals. "Lose Control" features Alan Mirikitani on guitar and vocals. His voice has a blues feel with a modern edge and adds some nice guitar licks to this song and throughout the entire album. The band goes way down home on Grandpa Willie Dixon's ' Down in the Bottom". This is a great true blues track with David Dills taking his turn at the microphone. Dills also sings "Still in Love with You' a fine tune that could receive airplay on jazz stations as well. Marcy Levy is a force to be reckoned with and must be a good friend to have around. Her vocals are soulful and the texture of her voice is a pleasure to listen too. The song "Paint You a Picture' is one of the highlights of this album (nice harmonica on this cut too by Michael Fell). The CD contains classic Willie Dixon "Spoonful". What can i say? Blood!. "My Suspicious Mind", 'These are the Times" are other creative gems penned by Alex Dixon.

Alex Dixon is an excellent keyboard player and songwriter. His tunes come from the heart. His lyrics are interesting and the melodies catching. The majority of of the songs published here could easily be heard on commercial radio which would be a good thing because the blues world needs the younger generation to start listening to some good music and start becoming more intelligent and open minded because the blues is also at the roots of their lives too. Little brothers and sisters need to wake up and so does the music industry and give the blues a broader audience.

Find a way to Live' is sung by bassist Gerald Johnson (Steve Miller, Dave Mason, Greg Allman} with James Gadson on drums( Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Ray Charles) is my favorite cut on this album because it sounds so damn real. Johnson and Gadson are also heard through out the album and their playing is superb. 'Everything's going to be alright' the final cut on the CD basically says it all. Everything is going to be alright for Alex and for us if he keeps making CD's like this. There is a fantastic picture of Alex as a child probably about 4 or 5 years old at the piano with his grandfather Willie Dixon standing over him while Alex is learning the notes on the keyboard. You can see the love. Well now you have to the chance to hear and feel the love too. Go out and purchase this CD. Keep the blues alive and by doing so you will be keeping Willie Dixon's dreams alive as well.

Reviewer Michael Packer  is a singer-guitarist from NYC who fronts his own band "The Michael Packer Blues Band". He has been performing for over 40 years and has recorded on major labels Atlantic and RCA.

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