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  Home arrow Music arrow CD Reviews arrow Truffle

 
Truffle | Print |  E-mail
Written by Alan Chase   
Wednesday, 01 June 2005

Truffle is a band with one infectious sound. And for 19 years, they've been spreading that sound around the Seacoast and beyond via upbeat, live performances and solid recordings. On "That's Right," Truffle captures the spirit and intensity of their live show in a studio setting. All that's missing is the crowd noise.

Truffle's signature blend of soul, bluegrass, roots rock and blues is centered around the guitars of long-time friends and colleagues Dave Gerard and Dave Bailey. Anchoring things is the rock-solid, but flexible, rhythm section of Ned Chase on bass and Mike Gendron on drums. These two provide a dependable pocket for Gerard, whose linear based solos contrast wonderfully with Bailey's more riff-oriented approach. Gerard handles all of the lead vocals, and for my money, he's one of the best singers in the region.

The overall result on "That's Right" is classic Truffle, confident and seamless. Among the 11 songs, there's nary a weak one. Ned Chase's "Lost Dog Blues" opens the disc with a straight-on rocking groove, while his "Developer's Blues" is a bluegrass/folk-oriented showcase for Bailey's guitar and mandolin work. Gerard's "When I'm Without You" is a soulful number that features his sly vocal and smoldering guitar work. "Summer," also by Gerard, is a lightly swinging, upbeat number that captures the warmth of the season. Bailey's "Dirty Little Secret" is a superb ballad, moody but not maudlin. The title cut "That's Right" is a funky and fun closer, with all hands trading solo licks effortlessly.

Extra assistance comes from Pete Kowalski, whose fine percussion work enhances several selections. As an added bonus, Bailey and Gerard's fathers pitch in on "Diamond," with George Bailey on alto sax and Jack Gerard on trombone, and enliven several tunes as well.

Superb songwriting, strong musicianship and diverse grooves, plus the joy of making good music: That's what "That's Right" is all about. Look for this one on year-end "Best Of" lists. I know it'll be on mine.

 
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