Blue Monday Monthly: Concrete Blues – Randy Lee Riviere
By Kyle Christen Blue Monday Monthly.
A few weeks ago, singer/songwriter/guitarist Randy Lee Riviere released his new CD, “Concrete Blues” on New Wilderness Records. Tiris is a wonderful showcase of his thought-provoking songs, supported by a veteran cast of musicians, with Torn Hambridge producing, who also adds all the drums and backing vocals. Torn is on a roll over the last few years, leaving behind a trail of nothing but gold, and this one is no exception. 12 songs, all written by Randy except one co-written with Torn, and up first is “Mania” which kicks ass right off the bat. Immediate catchy, crunchy guitars …… six strings, wood, plastic, steel, aluminum ….. this album shows you why electric guitars were invented, and rocks the house right out of the gate. Slowing it down, just a little, is “The Wayside,” which is a workin’ man’s blues rock tune in the heaviest sense. All of you that grind it out 40 hours a week or more and let loose on the weekends, ( or maybe every night?) this is for you.
