Paul Nelson Band - Badass Generation

by Lisa Torem

published: 22 / 12 / 2016

Label: Friday Music Two
Format: CD

American guitarist/arranger/producer Paul Nelson has recently released ‘Badass Generation’ which, with The Paul Nelson Band, boasts a dozen, diverse tracks

Review

Paul Nelson may be best known as Johnny Winter’s dynamic second-guitarist and award--winning producer, but the Berklee School of Music grad has also seen his arrangements adorn popular American TV shows and films. With his own group, the Paul Nelson Band, he has come up with a remarkable dozen of hits on his newly released ‘Badass Generation’. The mix begins with the raspy-phrased, Nelson original ‘Down Home Boogie’. “Just spent all my money/Trying to buy myself a ride/I’m heading for a good time/Ain’t looking for no bride,” the rootsy narrative begins. The screeching electric guitar and full-bodied harmonies add a tremendous counterpunch. You’ll hear more later, but one of the finest points is the way the scintillating call of the vocals merge with Nelson’s responsive, electric guitar. Cowrite (Nelson and Morten Fredheim) ‘Keep It all Together’ veers into a more American vein. It’s a tearful saga: “I’ve been a problem all my life,” but the “back down, turn yourself around, keep it all together” refrain keeps it from getting too sentimental and the honesty makes it a very approachable ballad: “I find it hard to get along/So I just keep things movin’ on.” Add to that, cracking’ rhythms and a soulful interpretation, lush, leads and super crisp transitions. ‘Goodbye Forever’ is finely injected with Frank “Kingbee” Latorre’s blues harp. It’s not a happy story: “I’ve had enough with all your mind-games,” but the central riff is to die for and the second half is rife with lush melodies and kinetic energy. The next subject may be cold-hearted (‘Cold-Hearted Mama'), but she certainly inspires a red hot jam. ‘Please Come Home’ is a romantic, folk-pop ballad, sung plaintively and with the utmost clarity and emotion. “It’s cold and dark in this space/I only think of you.” Damon Grant’s percussion is totally intoxicating. ‘Root to All Evil’ is another song about a toxic female but with a funky, rockabilly swagger. “A jealous little woman with money on her mind,” “Don’t be fooled by the sexy, little walk,” we are warned; she’s one devious diva. It’s a familiar theme in the blues arena, but this three-part, trifecta doesn’t stand on ceremony. Every twist and turn is celebratory. ‘Swamp Thing’ features cowbell by Susan Winter and other fun effects. “Back in the wood in a little black shack,” it begins. The great, thematic setup and outlandish vocal styles give way to a speeded-up tempo change which yields unforgettable bass. ‘Out of Time’ has frenetic, unstoppable energy. ‘Come with Me’ is another ode to country, which offers a brilliant contrast. There’s more electric fervor to celebrate with the fiercely performed ‘Trouble’. ‘Fooled by Love’ (Fredheim/Nelson) is also cautionary and features searing vocals and blistering runs. ‘Take it Back’ features a seductive twin-guitar vamp and rollicking call and response, which combine forces to make this closer a bonafide winner. Paul Nelson’s ‘Badass Generation’ serves up something sonically delectable for everyone and can surely be considered one of the most satisfying projects of the year.

Track Listing:-

1 Down Home Boogie
2 Keep It All Together
3 Goodbye Forever
4 Cold Hearted Mama
5 Please Come Home
6 Root to All Evil
7 Swamp Thing
8 Come with Me
9 Trouble
10 Fooled by Love
11 Take It Back