GA-20
Orphans
*** out of *****
The Boston, MA based blues band GA-20's has been through quite a few changes in recent years and their newest release, Orphans, is a collection of blues covers from some of their heroes. The band stay swaggering throughout the eight short tunes presented here.
Having lost original members singer/guitarist Pat Faherty and drummer Tim Carman, guitarist Matt Stubbs brought onboard singer/guitarist Cody Nilsen and Josh Kiggans on drums to continue the band's strict blues rock ways.
The short and heavy rocking cover of Billy Boy Arnold’s “Cryin’ & Pleadin’” is a bad ass way to kick off this new version of the band as the track rips with fuzzed up energy. The yearning take on "I Love You, I Need You" is a bit cleaner with the blues while their slow strolling vibe on Little Walter's "My Baby Sweeter" is a fun walk through the standard blues vamp.
The best of the bunch is the group's strong driving playing on Elmore James' "Stranger Blues" as Stubbs and Nilsen work well together delivering twang and power around Kiggans stout groove. The band ends with two offerings, "Just One More Time" and "Chicken Pickin'" that feel heavily inspired by Stevie Ray Vaugh and Double Trouble's sense of fiery roadhouse blues.
Oddly the band seems to be moving in a more soulful direction following Nilsen's slicker more professional vocals. Their version of James Brown's "I Don't Mind" is a showcase for Nilsen's singing to soar with power. The instrumental version of Sam & Dave's "Hold On, I'm Coming" is also a crisp spin through the classic soul song.
Which ever way this new trio moves, their devotion to the craft and genres they love will shine through. GA-20's Orphans is a proper reset for the band and sweet, short, listen.
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