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Friday, February 6, 2009

Review: The Snake Charmers - Been Gone Too Long


The Snake Charmers – Been Gone Too Long
2008, The Snake Charmers


Houston’s The Snake Charmers were snake bit by Hurricane Ike. Their latest album, Been Gone Too Long, was just shy of completion when Ike hit Texas. Consequently the album never saw the light of day until 2008. Husband and wife team Marie Angell (vox/keys) and Will Blumentritt are joined by son Eric Blumentritt on drums and Larry Meeker (guitar) on one of the tastiest blues/rock albums of the year. The set opens with Ain’t Nothin’ But The Blues, a slow mover that gives listeners an opportunity for Marie Angell’s voice to really sink in. Full of dark undertones and a weight that is palpable, Angell has a unique sound that works extremely well with this brand of Blues-based Rock N Roll. No Mercy gets things moving with southern fried rock and a vibrant bass/rhythm combo. Can’t Trust A Heart opens with a one minute plus fugue on guitar that’s reminiscent of Pink Floyd. Angell’s in her best voice here, coming off as a cross between Nancy and Cassandra Wilson. Big Big Love allows The Snake Charmers to let down their hair and have a little fun on an old-school Rhythm And Blues rocker.

I Wanna Do Right finds Larry Meeker doing his best B.B. King imitation on guitar. The piano fills here help to fill out the atmosphere perfectly for Angell’s vocal performance. Move On Blues is built on a walking bass line that won’t quit and some great guitar work. You’ll also be certain to enjoy Just A Little Kiss and tongue-in-cheek (I Wanna Be A) Hoochie Mama.
The Snake Charmers are the sort of band that is perfect for a small club on a Friday night. It’s music you want to listen over drinks with a couple of good friends. Marie Angell is a capable vocalist and the rhythm section is strong, but the real star of the band is Eric Meeker. The rest of the band is compact and talented, but Meeker raises their game a notch or two with some inspired fret work throughout Been Gone Too Long. If you’re not familiar with The Snake Charmers, this is a great introduction.


Rating: 3.5 Stars (Out of 5)

You can learn more about The Snake Charmers at http://www.snakecharmers.net/. You can purchase a copy of Been Gone Too Long at www.cdbaby.com/cd/snakecharmers.

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