Carlo Spinazzola
Walk
Independent (2001)
Carlo Spinazzola has the soul and sound of an old delta blues player. Or maybe his guitar does. His dobro has a voice that seems to be in conversation with its player as they journey together. Sometimes it is like a hot and dusty dirt road, sometimes smoky as an all night blues bar. His music is always moving, always traveling, which is why the album is so aptly named.
Walk is the most recent contribution of Cape Breton’s vagabond blues man. With eleven original tracks, it is simplistic in its production, not overproduced with too many bells and whistles. In this case, less is more. With a player like Spinazzola, all you need to hear is his voice and his guitar, accented with some drums, percussion and bass. His lyrics are sheer poetry, almost painful in their beauty. And as a slide guitarist, Carlo Spinazzola excels. One song uses part of an old southern tune (“Shortbread”) but by no means is it a cover. Spinazzola’s material is definitely his own and like the artist, it is sometimes a contradiction. This album is laid back but with such contained power and passion. “Amelia” is a striking song that sings of longing and acceptance at the same time.
If you like the blues, if you play guitar or if you want a cd that sets a definite mood, run to get Walk by Carlo Spinazzola. It is available at local music stores.
