Jeff Fetterman: Bottle Full of Blues Review
Bottle Full of Blues is the second release from guitarist/singer/songwriter, Jeff Fetterman. This eleven song collection has plenty to satisfy any blues rocker. It also demonstrates how much an artist can grow from his first album to his second album. Bottle Full of Bluespacks a lot more punch in the production, and playing departments than Fetterman’s noteworthy debut Long Hard Road. With influences as diverse as Prince, Springsteen, and Hendrix, Fetterman and company take us on unique musical journey while stopping off at a lot of familiar destinations.
This album covers a lot of territory from funky rave ups like the opening track, “Paradise” that showcase Jeff’s in the pocket riffing, to the driving Delbert McClinton inspired boogie woogie of “Southbound.” The latter, flavored with pounding piano and screaming harmonica is a real hip shaker. The title track “Bottle Full of Blues” is a drippy soulful blues ballad and is a lesson in blues guitar tone and phrasing. Jeff’s lines seem to slowly tease and tempt as he takes his time resolving each phrase. His soloing is as melodlic as David Gilmour and as soulful Hendrix. On the instrumental “Devil’s Shuffle” he lays down some southern blues picking that would put a smile on Dickey Bett’s face. The rhythm section of John McGuire on drums and Ralph Rietinger III keep it tight and driving from start to finish. Rietinger’s funk style is a great addition to the Fetterman sound and makes tracks like “Talk to Me” and “Funky Candy” really pop. Judy Kessler shines on backing vocals and helps elevate songs like the southern gospel inspired “Wash My Blues Away” to heavenly heights.
With only two albums under his belt, Jeff Fetterman is a relatively new artist, but he seems to have come to the world stage very well developed as musician. Great playing, singing and songwriting never go out of style and Bottle Full of Blues is a testament to all three.
The Review: 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Out of Time – Bottle Full of Blues – Paradise – Wash My Blues Away
The Hit
– Funky Candy
