This is a great collection of blues.  G&K are easy to listen to and Danny's fret work is very tasty.
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CD Review: Grams and Krieger

CHUCK GRAHAM
Tucson Citizen 

 
 
Grams and Krieger
"That's the Way We Work" (Vitalegacy Records)

The only regular gig for the hometown blues duo of Grams and Krieger is Wednesday nights at Nonie Restaurant, but these two guys have been at the center of the Tucson music scene for so long, they seem ubiquitous after dark. Hearing them play the blues together is like putting on your favorite pair of old shoes.

Everything about them just feels right. Their beats are laid back and wise to the ways of tavern life. There is musical wisdom in the phrasing, the economy of chord changes, in creating rhythms that give their all to every bar of music.

This 11-track collection contains only three covers. The rest are originals, tailored to meet the values of Grams and Krieger. If you think the Old Pueblo is an ordinary kind of place, listen to these guys.

They capture the modern quality of frontier life, where dreams are underfunded and chances of success are slim. So if your plans include becoming a bottom-feeder bumping along in the dry heat, Grams and Krieger will be happy to accompany those efforts with an understated style of blues that is decidedly cool.

Online shoppers, go to www.vitalegacy.com
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Thank goodness these guys make music together. Right from the start the instruments (in such fine hands) give me the blues high and the words implore us to quit complaining and love this big old clumsy life. Maybe even dance a little. I am not gonna get into a bunch of reviewspeak on each song but just want the guys to know they are appreciated and  listened to and I hope they will come back to Minnesota (when it warms up) and play for us up here again!
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A review written for the Folk & Acoustic Music Exchange 
by Bob Gottlieb
(taoboy@att.net)
 


Muy Caliente is the way this disc might be described in the Southwest. That translates to very hot, 5 out of 5 stars, do not let charging camels, raging sand storms or burning heat cause you to miss this one. This is the blues, roots rock 'n roll, and a little New Orleans boogie-woogie thrown in the pot together, mixed up with the proper seasonings, and cooked just the right amount to become an exceptionally tasty gumbo (reminiscent of the food served up at Nonie's, the band favorite restaurant in Tucson, and the inspiration for the last song on the disc). 

Grams & Krieger are Steve Grams songwriter, acoustic bass, Farfisa pianorgani, guiro, and vocals; and Danny Krieger songwriter, acoustic guitar, and slide and vocals. They also produced and engineered this disc; of course they had help from their many friends who they heap credit upon. They are ably assisted with the tunes by Eric-Jan Overbeek (Mr. Boogie Woogie), on piano Marx B. Loeb III on percussion, Ralph Gilmore on drums, Chip Ritter.com on percussion and Scott and Sandi Young as spiritual advisors. There is rock solid playing from everyone here and everyone is given a chance to step to the front and have some of that spotlight. 

Particularly outstanding is "Mr. Boogie-Woogie," Eric-Jan, on piano. His piano playing really helps to solidify and enlarge the aural landscape, with rhythms that derive from the great piano tradition out of New Orleans. Listen to how on She's Got It Good, or Train Beat Boogie," the piano drives and guides the song. 

Both Grams and Krieger have voices that have been aged and cured in whiskey, there is no vodka or gin here. Good aged oak casks of a smoky whiskey for Danny's voice and if you remove the smoke and you then have Steve's voice. The two voices are strong and reflect the perfectly fitted to their material. The pictures they paint aren't always what the Visitor's Guide would want you to have, however they are honest views of the Baked Pueblo, and of relationships in general. Give a listen to the understated, You'll Be Gone, not what one wishes for, yet is there anyone who can say they haven't had it happen. The acoustic bass playing of Steve fits into and establishes a disposition and Danny's work on the guitars, particularly his slide playing elaborates on it. 

Indeed a very tasteful and enjoyable disc. Grams & Krieger grow on you with each listening.

Edited by: David N. Pyles 
(dnpyles@acousticmusic.com)
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