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Lowdown Blues means the same thing in any language. The acoustic music of nineteenth century
gypsies expresses the same message. So do soulful ballads from many distant lands. An operatic
moan or a folk lament can accomplish the same goals that came to us through pioneers such as
Robert Johnson or W.C. Handy. Django Reinhardt knew that. Astor Piazzolla knew that. Many
others from the four corners of the world have come to realize that their music shares its meaning
and its core with the blues.
Ottawa guitarist James Cohen and his acoustic band deliver sensual music that captures the
blues spirit from different angles. “The Lemming” and “High Side of Lowdown” carry a genuine
flamenco flavor. “Tiny Monkeys” and “Blue Gypsy” come with shades of Django with Stephane
Grappelli. Throughout the session, Cohen’s band improvises with spontaneity and passion. That
passion, after all, is what makes sets the blues apart from other forms of music. When an artist is
convincing, he can tell the stories with meaning. Whether the band is made up of Peruvian Pan
pipes, Tibetan dulcimers, Indian tablas, or Australian didgeridoos, each organization has the power
to convey meaning in a natural and convincing manner.
The acoustic timbres of Cohen’s band create a pure and natural aura that's sure to
convince even the most skeptical blues purist.
Visit james-cohen.com.
~ Jim Santella
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Track Listing: Pun Tango; Santa Anna; Blue Gypsy; Mock Pollock; Elsie; The Lemming; La Tormenta; High Side of
Lowdown; Tiny Monkeys; Fortune’s Fool; Without You.
Personnel: James Cohen- nylon string guitar; Tony D.- steel string guitar; Devin Johnstone- percussion; Stu
Watkins- bass; Richard Bell- keyboards, piano, vibraphone, accordion; Caroline Tardis “La
Morena”- flamenco footwork on “The Lemming.”
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