Move over Southside Johnny, here comes West Side Joe! And like his peer, WSJ and his Men of Soul, also trade in an upbeat and euphoric blend of Soul, R&B and Rock ‘n’ Roll. And why not? It’s a style that never goes out of fashion, not with the true music aficionados and discerning sonic acolytes. And if you are a fan of the aforementioned Asbury Dukes band leader, you will find plenty to love here too.
Vacate My Heart is a gloriously groovesome rhythm and blues scorcher, Man Down is a slower, sultry and funky number and Colorado Mama is a modern take on bluesy, early rock ‘n’ roll.
Keep On Climbin’ works so well because it is playing about with timeless building blocks – soul sweetness, bluesy grooves, rhythm and blues cool and rock and roll swagger – and when you get the mix this perfect you end up with an album that is impossible not to love. Who needs new fads and fashions when the tried and tested genres can still be mixed into music this potent?
