Description
Live at the Ramp is an album by the American jam band Blues Counsel with “Very Special Guest, Phil Keaggy“, independently released by the band and Eight Days Of Hope in 2012. This live concert was recorded on November 2, 2011 for the 1459 volunteers who volunteered through the disaster relief ministry Eight Days of Hope to help the people of Smithville, MS and Hackleburg, AL. One hour and nine minutes of pure blues rock ‘n roll Alabama style with all excitement of drive that live albums bring.
Blues Counsel features Will McFarlane on guitar and vocals, Tom Lane on guitar and vocals, Tony Hooper on guitar, keyboards and vocals, Rick Cua on bass and vocals, Tony Mora on drums, and Emedin Rivera on percussion. As well featuring “very special guest”, guitarist Phil Keaggy.
This labor of love was created to address the needs of the many people devastated by the tragic tornado outbreak that resulted in the destruction of property and loss of lives in Alabama on April 27th 2011, allowing the band to live up to the “counsel” portion of their name by encouraging people that healing from this devastation can be found in the person of Jesus Christ.
Of course, the Blues component is also quite apparent as this crack band of Nashville area musicians proves that they are, at least equally, if not more dynamic and tight live than they are in the studio. This record just oozes the sound of people who love playing together and, as befits the name, trades in the ‘form’ more than the subject matter of the blues, providing an antidote for the daily vagaries of life that tend to plague humankind.
The group members take turn on vocals, with Tony Hooper and Will McFarlane taking the lion’s share. Hooper, in particular – perhaps because he is the least nationally known member – really impresses on this release with powerful blues wailing and fiery guitar work, while McFarlane, as per a guy with his insane talent, is especially great on more traditional fare like «Worthy, So Worthy» and «Lay My Burden Down». Hooper’s specialty is in line with that of wondrously talented percussionist, Emedin Rivera, as both shine while essaying blues-rock with a Latin kick. Of course, CMS pal, Rick Cua, regales with his inimitable ‘rocker’ vocals on the stadium ready, «Way Down Low». Guitarist/vocalist, Tom Lane gets the ‘tearjearker’ moment of the evening with the sweetly melancholic rocker, «Brother Roby», a tribute to fallen comrade in arms, Roby Duke.
All members of this band are ferocious players, and that is even more evident when they back special guest “the delightful Phil Keaggy” on his classic rocker «Time». Keaggy also does a solo set that is, typically, outrageous, but it takes nothing away from the blazing musicality and generous spirits of the ‘Brothers in arms’ that make up the wonderful Blues Counsel. [Shawn McLaughlin, Christian Musician, September/October 2012]
CD tracklist:
01. Show Intro
02. Ain’t No Tellin’
03. Worthy So Worthy
04. The River Is Risin’
05. Way Down Low
06. In These Water Are Not Troubled
07. Brother Roby
08. Lay My Burden Down
09. Phil Keaggy Intro Plus
10. Salvation Army Band
11. True Believers
12. Time
13. Samson
14. Victory In Jesus
