In July I
read Alan Paul's book Big in China: My Unlikely Adventures Raising a
Family, Playing the Blues, and Becoming a Star in Beijing. The subtitle is important, because
the book is not just about the band: family, work, and the ex-pat life are also
important topics. The band was important too, though, and I eventually wanted
to review them.
The CD, Beijing
Blues, is available through Paul's web site (all of the links are
specifically for Paul), and can also be listened to via Spotify.
It is a
very respectable blues offering. Much of what struck me in the book was about
the guitar, and that does stand out. I know that Woodie Wu plays dobro as well
as regular guitar, and that may be how some of the effects were achieved, but
they get great sound.
That being
said, I was pleasantly surprised at the use of harmonica and horns. There is
always a good balance of the different elements to make the song feel right. "Got
Love" is a good example of that, but they cover a wide range of ground. There
is the funk of "Sri Lankan Sunset", the aching beauty of "Anjing
Shenghuo", and a high quality live recording of "You're Gonna Make Me
Lonesome When You Go", which was my favorite.
The only
real misfire, in my opinion, was a blues cover of the hymn "Will the
Circle Be Unbroken". On the first listen I really hated it. After
listening three times I was over hating it, but I still don't love it. It may
just not work for me as blues.
Woodie Alan
nevertheless works really well for blues, and they have a good story. I
recommend the book and the band.
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