En v’là une soupe qu’elle est bonne, du Texas blues bien chaud relevé d’une grosse bolée de Gumbo Louisianais, c’est gouleyant, ça fait tout chaud quand ça coule dans les boyaux, ça ravigote grave en te filant la ripatonne guillerette. Naviguant, total bénèze, entre Blues et Bluegrass nos deux compères se la font explorateurs du riche patrimoine musical de ce sud chargé d’histoire. Les Delta Flyers sont deux clients de talents à ne pas négliger, possédant une longue répute de zicos style « pointures à qui on la fait pas ! », ils ont joint leurs efforts pour te bâtir une superbe rondelle, une rondelle chargée de musique magique, aux mélodies envoûtantes, à l’atmosphère lourde et moite sans pour autant être oppressante, une musique pleine d’originalité tout en restant bien plantée dans la trad, une zique Saint Guysante, frétille ortas, sortie directe du Deep South, totale gaitte et trémoussante. Stevie Dupree, auteur de la totalité des tunes, aux textes savoureux et riches, est un conteur à la voix ronde et ferme, aux accents soul, possédant un large registre qu’il exploite sans se priver, pour notre plus grand plaisir. C’est également un excellent harmoniciste, précis et incisif qui sait placer la note juste, là où il le faut, sans déborder, un gars comme l’ou z’aime…. Son compère, Jack Saunders, lui s’occupe de la gratouille, ce qu’il fait excellemment, mais bon en aurait douté ?? Quand on cause gratouille c’est toute la gratouille même la contrebasse qu’il se fait, ah si quand même!! Touche pas à la mandoline, pour cela se sont invités le maître mandoliniste Monsieur Rich DelGrosso en personne… Une confidence j’ai acheté ce CD quand j’ai vu son nom, comme quoi… J’ai sacrément bien fait de l’acheter ce CD !! Parce que les Delta Flyers c’est du lourd, même sans le Rich D’autres invités se croisent sur les 10 tunes à commencer par Rick Richards le drummer qu’est là tout l’temps lui, et un certain Robin Hargy qui vient te mettre un coup de « Scottish Side Drum ». Un Cd riche de musicalité, d’une grande variété de styles, construit autour du Blues. Une véritable bouffé de fraîcheur recommandé par ces temps maussades Tonton Erick

DELTA FLYERS: (thedeltaflyers.com) That's the duo of Stevie Dupree, vocalist/harmonica player and Jack Saunders (jacksaunders.com), acoustic guitarist and resophonic (dobro) slide guitarist. Dupree sang in a strong, smoky voice with very good tone and range. He has a strong upper register and used it quite effectively. Dupree is also an ace harmonica player. But more than that, he's a truly gifted songwriter. Saunders, a virtuoso guitarist/slide guitarist and winner of multiple Houston Press Music Awards, was in superb form. They performed Dupree's timeless original songs from their 2007 release, On Levee Road (reviewed below.) All of the songs had intriguing melodies and clever, compelling lyrics. They blurred the lines between blues and bluegrass. Every song was a highlight, earning them well-deserved ovations. A few of this reviewer's favorites were "These Blues," "Railroad Bill" "Pony Dance," "Three Legged Dog," "Aidie Jean" (super slide!) and "Double Down Junior." Bravo! Bravo! ON LEVEE ROAD: Delta Flyers (thedeltaflyers.com), April 2007. This album has 10 excellent songs, all composed by Stevie Dupree. Dupree sings and plays harmonica with all the fervor of a Southern tent revival preacher and the all the despair of a man who has lived alone, nursing his heartaches for an eternity. This is Southern roots music; it blurs the line between blues and bluegrass. A master lyricist, Dupree's story-songs are as real and large as the Delta Flyer itself, roaring down the tracks into legend. Dupree's partner, master instrumentalist and vocalist Jack Saunders (jacksaunders.com), plays acoustic guitar, resophonic (dobro) slide guitar, upright bass and does backing vocals. Guest musicians with (to borrow a phrase) the right stuff add drums, percussion, mandolin and Scottish side drum as needed. The Delta Flyers won the 2008 International Blues Competition for single artists/duos in the Houston Region. So I expected a certain level of competence on the fly. I'm pleased to report that this album rises above it, sometimes significantly above it. Staying within a blues framework, the tracks change styles smoothly. "Delta Flyer Blues" opens the CD. This fast-paced song tells of a lonely man taking the Delta Flyer home to his girl "… 'cause I can stand we're apart." "Three Legged Dog" chronicles the woes of a man whose young girl left him because he likes "Them city women and my liquor when it's strong." On the title track, Dupree sings of dangerous outlaws on the Levee Road. "Railroad Bill" tells the tales of a handsome train man and a girl that "… come equipped complete with a racin' motor." The mournful slow song, "These Blues," is a powerfully emotional rendering that captures the very essence of lost love blues. The other songs on the CD are equally well crafted. Very highest recommendation.

I recently had the pleasure to judge The Delta Flyers at the International Blues Competion in Memphis and they were a real treat for these old Blue's ears! Between Jack's unique, enthusiastic style of guitar playing and Stevie's sultry, soothing vocals and excellent harmonica playing, this a wonderful Blue's Man's CD. If you get a chance to see these fellows play live, don't miss the opportunity to be truely entertained by two very talented guys. I Really enjoyed this CD and it showcases their fine song writing talent also.