Dave and Phil Alvin “Lost Time”
It was back in the late ‘70’s when brothers, Dave and Phil Alvin, founded the classic L.A. band The Blasters. The Blasters featured an infused high-energy blues and rockabilly sound that has influenced many artists that followed.
In the mid ‘80s Dave quit the band after a brotherly feud, but The Blasters continued on, with mixed reviews, with Phil at the helm.
In 2012, while Phil Alvin was touring in Spain, he fell gravely ill and was technically dead twice. Phil eventually recovered and brother Dave took it as a wake up call.
The Alvin’s, shared a love for the songs of blues legend Big Bill Broonzy since childhood and so in 2014 they reunited to release the Grammy nominated album “ Common Ground” featuring the songs of Big Bill Broonzy.
The follow up record “Lost Time”, released this past week, again features the Alvin brothers covering old blues songs. This time they decided to perform their covers of songs by the likes of Big Joe Turner, Lead Belly, Big Bill Broonzy, James Brown, B.B. King and Leroy Carr.
I consider Dave and Phil Alvin to be two of the most talented musical artists today, and even with age and his illness, Phil still has a singing voice with enough power to light up Vegas for a month.
Phil’s voice is in top form on James Brown’s “Please Please Please” and along with the bands muted playing allows Phil to vocally shine.
Leroy Carr’s “Papa’s On The House Top” is a dandy little romp back to ‘50s.
Their version of “New Orleans (Rising Sun Blues) is definitely smokin’ to be sure.
“Hide And Seek”, a swing blues number, features a Dave Alvin guitar solo that’ll raise the hairs on a dead man’s neck.
It is really amazing that a lot of the old blues tunes contain lyrics that are still relevant today. This revelation is evident in “World’s In A Bad Condition”.
Phil is the predominant lead vocalist on this effort, however, thankfully brother Dave takes the lead on a couple tunes. One of his highlights is the rendition of “Rattlesnake Daddy”, and he doesn’t disappoint.
It was a pleasant surprise to hear past member of The Blasters, Gene Taylor, brilliantly add his boogie-woogie blues style piano on a couple of tunes.
Taylor tickles the ‘blue” ivories on “Wee Baby Blues”, and with the steady deep blues groove, Dave’s fiery guitar licks, this song could definitely be the only song I listen to for the next year!
“Lost Time” ends with the resplendent Thomas Dorsey gospel tune “If You See My Saviour” featuring Dave and Phil singing together in their own kind of funky magical harmony.
With “Lost Time’ Dave and Phil, along with their band The Guilty Ones, really hit the mark with a roundhouse punch to the gut.
Phil Alvin- Vocals and Harmonica and Dave Alvin – Vocals and Guitar.
“The Guilty Ones” Lisa Pankratz - Drums, Brad Fordham - Bass, Chris Miller - Guitar
“Lost Time” is one of those recordings that rarely comes along so I recommend adding this vinyl to your collection.
