The
Kilborn Alley Blues Band is not a typical Chicago blues band in that they reflect the uptown rather than Southside electric tradition. Fronted by the vocalist and guitarist Andrew Duncanson and working with producer
Nick Moss, the
KABB have more allegiance to
Paul Butterfield or
John Mayall than
Muddy Waters or
Howlin' Wolf. They lean on blue-eyed soul while also working in a steady rolling manner, occasionally looking back at tradition, and adding updated political observations. Collectively credited with co-writing most of the songs, the band makes an economic statement to the Obama administration on the straight Chi-Town blues "Nothing Left to Stimulate," takes a rough and tough but not outrageous stance during "Train to Memphis," and reflects on after-hours, after-the-gig emptiness in the slower soul song "Tonight." They do cover
John Brim's anthem "Tough Time" in a distinct
Muddy Waters tone and beat with three guitarists including
Moss; they invite guest organ soloists
Gerry Hundt or Eric Michaels on select tracks; and non-bandmember Anthony DeCerbo offers up lyrics on three tunes. There's good energy here, not over the top, not naughty or nice, but just the right balance to keep
Kilborn Alley's music steaming along down the line. ~ Michael G. Nastos