Grand Marquis: Blues and Trouble Review
Grand Marquis’ fifth studio album, Blues and Trouble, is an eclectic storm of musical tastes ranging from blues to prohibition-era jazz and swing. Grand Marquis came on the scene in 1998 in Kansas City, carrying the American roots influences of jazz, blues and swing on into the 21st century for new generations of music fans to fall in love with. The five-piece band is comprised of Bryan Redmond on lead vocals and saxophone; Chad Boydston on trumpet; Ryan Wurtz on guitar; Ben Ruth on upright bass, sousaphone, and backing vocals; and Lisa McKenzie on drums and washboard.
The album’s opener “Bed of Nails” submerges the listener in a tumultuous sea of sound as Redmond moans lyrics of anguish and regret, Wurtz slides like a madman and Ruth and McKenzie keep a cool and steady beat. Tracks like “Every Day’s The Same” and “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” are reminiscent of 1950s rock. “Reputation” is a minor key 8-bar blues that allows all members of the band to shine through brilliantly: Redmond croons in the name of his reputation before delving into a passionate saxophone solo followed by Wurtz’s mean guitar solo. “Empire of Dirt” is fueled by Ruth’s cool and funky upright bass and a bright brass section, accented by Wurtz’s guitar fills.
The title track, “Blues and Trouble,” is a dark and mysterious tune fitting for speakeasies and noir films alike. “The Jungle” gets a little more funky, highlighting McKenzie on drums, while “You’re Still My Baby” has a more theatrical vibe with Ruth on the sousaphone and Redmond gaily singing for his baby as if in a show tune. “Ironclad Alibi” switches up the mood again, this time with mambo, just before “Two by Two” brings the album back to full swing. “Easy To Be The Devil” is the album’s bluesiest track, with Wurtz wailing and sliding Delta blues and Redmond’s cautionary and classic vocals. On “Mr. Williams,” Redmond declares that “The streets are filled with syncopated music that drifted in from a trumpet-playin’ man” as Boydston pays tribute to Beale Street trumpet man Ryan Williams. The closing track, “Half the Money,” leaves the listener with the lesson that, following his passion, the artist is “making half the money I ought to, having twice the fun I should. If they want a show baby, you gotta give ‘em one that’s good.”
Throughout Blues and Trouble, Grand Marquis showcases each and every musician, allowing just about everyone a solo on at least one track. Redmond’s saxophone and Wurtz’s guitar solos seem to be the most powerful, although McKenzie has a great rhythmic solo on “The Jungle” as well. Grand Marquis is a band of many sounds that brings all of its elements together perfectly, highlighting the individual while at the same time working together as a well-oiled machine. Blues and Trouble is an excellent album for music lovers of all tastes.
The Review: 8.5/10
Can’t Miss Tracks
– Bed of Nails
– Reputation
– Blues and Trouble
– The Jungle
– Easy To Be The Devil
The Big Hit
– Bed of Nails
Review by Eileen Quaranto