|
Big Time
Lew and the Screamin' Rockets
Let's Swing!
self-released |
Singer/piano
man Louis-David LeClerc has been playing the blues throughout
Quebec since 2007, inspired by boogie woogie, swing, and rock n'
roll. As Big Time Lew and the Screamin' Rockets, he's
released two albums of energetic, inspired blues and boogie.
His second release,
Let's Swing!, was originally released in 2019 but at the
time was only sent to three local Quebec DJs. It was recently
reissued to North America and Europe, so the rest of the world
can experience what Quebec has enjoyed almost exclusively for
nearly 20 years.
Big Time Lew is
backed by Kevin Mark (guitar), Mark LeClerc (tenor sax), Patrice
Luneau (baritone sax), Francix “Kid” Verdon (drums), and Henry
Wojcik (double bass) with guest musicians Jean-Sebasden Leblanc
– clarinet, Nicolas Boulay – trumpet, and Mathieu Van Vliet –
trombone. The 14-song set was recorded in Francois Thiffault's
Montreal studio. Lew introduces himself and gives his mission
statement on the the spirited opener, “Big Time Lew, displaying
his nimble work on the keys.
The title track
should get listeners moving immediately, and the old school rock
n' roller “We're Better Together” picks up the pace from there,
while “Sweet Leslie” is another vintage rocker. The breakneck
“Rock N' Roll Sweetness” should keep listeners moving right
along before a dynamite cover of Johnny Cash's “Folsom Prison
Blues,” where Lew transforms the country classic into a Crescent
City-styled venture that Professor Longhair would have loved.
There's plenty of
more swinging blues and rock n' roll with the rollicking “Do The
Boogie,” “Party Queen,” “Big Bad Cadillac,” and “Karolane,” not
to mention a rockabilly swing version of the Golden Earring hit,
“Raday Love,” that has to be heard to be believed.
Lew slows things
down on a few tracks, including the soulful “So Blue Without
You,” a tune written by Mark that returns to that strolling New
Orleans vibe, “I Have The Right To Cry,” and a splendid slow
blues burner with a powerful vocal from Lew and superb
contributions from Mark on guitar.
The closer, “I Will
Love You Forever,” is a rock ballad with a definite '50s
feel.
Listening to
Let's Swing!, it's hard to believe that this was originally
only made available to the three Quebec DJs . If ever an album
and a band deserved to be heard by a wider audience, it would be
this outstanding release from Big Time Lew and the Screamin'
Rockets.
--- Graham Clarke
