Stephen Dale Petit - Guitararama (2007)

                                                                Stephen Dale Petit
 “Welcome to the New Blues Revolution. Move over Clapton, here comes the new Blues God! New Blues guitarist Stephen Dale Petit re-issues his 2007 blues-feast Guitararama and thank goodness he has.

Some people believe they were born to do a job. Inside the CD booklet, Stephen Dale Petit says, “The reason I’m on the planet is to play Blues Guitar”. With the re-release of Guitararama, this 40 year old Californian gets a second shot at unleashing his digital dexterity on an unsuspecting UK and European audience. The album was funded by busking in the London Underground and was originally only available at the Underground, so now it gets a serious step-up.

In his teens he was inspired by the likes of the three Kings – Albert, Freddie and BB as well as Elmore James, Tampa Red and Leadbelly. He was also fascinated by the British Blues Boom of the 60’s and 70’s which featured the likes of Alexis Korner, Jimmy Page, Peter Green, Eric Clapton and Mick Taylor (Rolling Stones), as well as bands like Cream, Led Zeppelin, The Animals, Fleetwood Mac and The Yardbirds.

Now, some might argue that Guitararama is not a pure Blues album per say, because there are (undeniable) crossover elements belonging to Rock. In actual fact, it encompasses both – neatly woven together in a subtle way. With Guitararama Petit has successfully managed to enlighten us of the sheer breadth within the blues genre. There’s no doubt about one thing though: this guy can play, impressively, and you only need to check the Page-Hendrix-like solo on a cover of Bill Withers’ Ain’t No Sunshine for evidence of his dexterity.

From the get-go he’s keen to let us hear his talents on the wailing instrumental Sacramento. Alexis Korner Says is more in the BB King mould – a chugging R&B number with delicious picks and licks. Then the hammer of the Gods arrives – Crack Whore – a rockin’ monster complete with wailing solos. 10 Year Reflections, Told You So and Pure owe much to Gary Moore’s laidback blues from the early 90s – think Still Got The Blues For You. Somewhere in there are hues of Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, with whom Petit has played, and then with Percy’s Thumb there are strong Led Zep overtones. Purists will probably lap up 69 Duke Street – Petit’s performance is mesmerising.

For a monster riff, you need look no further than the ballsy 7 Cent Cotton which, again, gives Zep, or Page more accurately, a massive wink. 10 Year Blues is a lush MOR blues ballad again reminiscent of Gary Moore. The hammer returns for out-and-out rocker Blues From Mars – frenetic stuff – all blood, sweat, and more sweat.

320 kbps
153 Megabytes

Credits:

Stephen Dale Petit - Guitar, Vocals, Bass, Drums
Matt Clifford - Keyboards  
Phil Spalding - Drums
Franz Piombino - Drums
Gary Wallis - Horns
Chuck Sabo - Horns
Federico Ariano - Horns
Ron Petit - Horns
Rick Walsh - Horns
Paul Spong - Harmonica,
Roberto Manzin - Harmonica
Laurent Mouflier - Harmony Vocal

Tracklist:

01. Sacramento 04:54
02. Intro 00:14
03. Alexis Korner Says 05:31
04. Intro 00:18
05. Crack Whore 04:49
06. Aint No Sunshine 03:23
07. Surf City W10 03:35
08. 10 Year Reflections 08:54
09. Percy's Thumb 04:56
10. 69 Duke Street 01:42
11. Told You So 05:40
12. 7 Cent Cotton 03:37
13. Pure 02:56
14. 10 Year Blues 04:58
15. Blues From Mars 03:02
16. Bad Road Blues 06:04
17. A Better Answer 02:48