Being a radio host I receive may great blues albums so it is not easy to rock my world with a single CD. Having said that I need to confess, Garrett Mason’s “Love & Sound” made me open my mouth, sit down and listen from start to finish with only one thought in mind, “wow”. Seeing guitar-bass-drums trio on a cover photo can make some people think this will be another Stevie Ray Vaughanish disc. Well, it’s not. Those guys play soul! Soul as pure as it gets with just three people acting like a well oiled rhythm machine. It all sounds like the MG’s of Stax having a blast jamming with the Hi Rhythm section. Their rhythm patterns, clever breaks and the use of dynamics – it all brings to mind the best soul albums ever recorded and keeping in mind the Garrett Mason band is a trio, not an orchestra, it’s almost surreal. I love the way those guys pay attention to details when it comes to the sound of their music – “Howlin’ For My Baby” or “Grapple Hold” sounds like they were recorded in Muscle Shoals back in the day. Album’s blues songs, on the other hand, are as raw as anything that came out of West or South Side of Chicago. The sound of “Something About You” is a killer, it’s like the energy of Magic Sam and Otis Rush living in that particular cut. I have heard a lot, believe me, but Mason’s blues impressed me big time. But fantastic music delivered with a fantastic sound is not the only thing they have to offer. With all original songs Garrett could give private lessons on writing songs that are memorable and interesting. Plus, he has a voice to die for. It’s strong, rough and soulful at the same time, a perfect vehicle for groovy soul music and gritty blues. I am listening, listening and can’t get enough of his vocals, that means a lot. To make it short, “Love & Sond” is the best Canadian CD I have heard this year and one of this year’s must have releases. It won’t be easy to beat Garrett Mason with this one, that’s for sure.