In a post modern world filled with mediocre music this album is a refreshing take on a genre that has its heart planted in the soul of almost every other genre of music heard today. Nelsen and the band kick off the party with a rockin’ blues tune titled “Don’t Stop Now” if you were sitting still before this number started playing you won’t by the end. It starts the album off right and leaves the listener hungry for more. Next up on the play list (Tell me “Honey why’d you do me wrong?”)is a catchy blues number with lyrics that I believe any man can relate to, but that aside it also has a “goodtime” rhythm kicked off with some “happening” piano that any enthusiast will sure want to hear. The next number slows the album down, in a good way; “Black and Blue” is a blues ballad that is capable of taking someone on an emotion filled roller coaster, the heart filled lyrics and the emotional emphases that pours out of Mr.Adelard’s heart while singing it, are enough to force a lump into anyone’s throat and if they are not quite sufficient to bring a grown man to tears the lead guitar riffs should kick the tears into overdrive. If anyone has a deep admiration for the saxophone and harmonica the title track “Blues Got a Hold on Me” is the jam for you, although both of these instruments are prominent through-out the album on this track they really stand-out, this track is another “goodtime” jam with all the fixin’s. “Didn’t have to leave me alone” has a long instrumental lead in and showcases all the talents that have already been presented to you on this album it’s a gratifying listening experience that mixes” boogie” with “ballad” and is good lead in for the next song. As soon as the album gives you a break from trying to bring you to tears it smacks you yet again, “Give it one more try” attacks the heart chords the same way “Black and Blue” does, this time with a strong saxophone backing and it is one of my personal favorites on this album. “Jacko’s in the bayou” is either a lyrical masterpiece that translates to “Nelsen’s in the Doghouse” with “Ezmirelda” being his significant other or it’s just a goodtime song with some goodtime lyrics, either way it is another pleasing song that makes you forget that you have been listening to the same cd for quite some time - because you have yet to skip a track and I guarantee you won’t be skipping this one. For some reason the placement of these songs (on the cd) seems to be perfect, although you have a wide array of different styles on the album each song seems to be strategically placed to lead in to the next one without a hitch, which is what happens from the previous song to “Jive Talkin’ Mama.”  The title speaks for itself, and it is another pleasing harmonica jam that some how joins “boogie” with “ballad” again, which is not easily achieved for most but seems to be a cinch for Nelsen and the band. “Gotta Boogie” is the next track on the album and it is another rockin’ blues jam it seems Nelsen and the Band want to end your listening experience the same way they came in – with a bang! It’s a great toe tapping get up and boogie jam again with all the fixin’s. The last song on the album actually scared me when I read the title, thinking that the song “Ain’t Misbehavin’” by Fats Waller is great in its own right but had no place on this album, come to find out  I was completely wrong. The Nelsen Adelard Band’s rendition of this song is touching, fun and original and is a perfect end to an outstanding album. The song gives you chills in the way an old black and white movie would - but it definitely has a modern feel and it seems to be speaking for Nelsen and the Band saying “so long guys see you soon on the next album.” For an entire album to not have one disappointing song on it is incredible, this album takes it one step further and gives you an exceptional listening experience with every track.
                            Read more...
                        

                            
I first heard this CD back in 99. Not too many people had heard of this guy other than his diehard fans on the West Coast. What struck me first about this CD was the energy that came off every track. Lots of it! Even the slow Blues numbers have an excitement to them that not many Blues singers can capture. This recording also goes a bit beyond the 1,4,5 progressions that us Blues Junkies are so used to. Nelsen and his band takes us a step further. Reminds me a bit of what the Allman Bros did on their earlier albums mixing Blues with Jazz and Rock. Nelsen also shows early signs of loving the south and it's own take on the Blues. 
My favorites on this disc are Black & Blue and Give It One More Try. Both are true Blues ballads. Not only does this give you an inside look into how Nelsen started his Blues Journey.( Recorded 8 years ago ) He managed to capture a great studio album that has the sound of a live show. A must for anyone who loves the Blues.
                            Read more...