“Out Of The Smoke” – Keith Thompson’s Strange Brew Reviewed in Blues Matters The title of the album is derived from the name for London “The Smoke”, where the pioneer purveyors of British Blues plied their art. Clearly Keith Thompson has been influenced by the inhalation of this “Blue Smoke” and “Out Of The Smoke” is a testament to his musical inheritance. This CD is rocking blues throughout with delightful thick, warm tones from Keith’s guitar. All the numbers are home brewed with the exception of “Strange Brew”, the classic Cream track. The band consists of; Keith Thompson on guitar, vocals, saxophone, harp and keyboards. Alleyn Menzies on drums, Lee Hunter on bass guitar with several guest musicians on keyboards and brass. The album kicks off with “Tumblin’ Dice”, a rocking blues number with quality electric slide guitar. This number gets you hooked for what is a pleasant and superb album. Keith’s vocals are passionate and emotive throughout and the musicianship of Alleyn and Lee etc. lays down a solid backdrop to allow Keith to express himself admirably. The rendition of “Strange Brew” compliments the “Power Of Love”, another bluesy rocker; “Beat The System” a funky number with a beautiful brass section and a heavenly sax solo. The slow blues “Let You Go” has some soulful vocals and emotive playing by the band. The penultimate track is “All Over Now” a rocking celtic number full of reels, lots of changes in tempo, punctuated by several stop/starts. The remainder of the album is no-nonsense blues. The sleeve notes are very good with full vocal script. All in all this is a very good album with nothing strange about this brew of musicians. Paul Bufton