Moonshine Society SWEET THING

Moonshine Society

SWEET THING

 Just in time for a July backyard barbecue the Moonshine Society from D.C deliver a delicious course of summertime Blues on their second album Sweet Thing.  A set of ten house rocking tunes, perfect for a night when the June bugs are jumping, the fire fires are sparking, and the moon is shining bright.

 Harmonica hound dog Jason Ricci is featured on the opening bump and grind Blues track, ‘Sweet Thing,’ returning the favor given to him by band leader and lead vocalist Black Betty who sang on his album ‘Approve By Snakes from Jason Ricci and the Bad Kind.  Blues Hall of Fame guitarist Joe Poppen cuts a jagged surf blues riff on the Dancefloor number ‘Shake.’ The 1953 Blues standard from Ruth Brown ‘Mama, He Treats Your Daughter Mean,’ is transformed into a Bourbon street Second line parade, featuring barrelhouse piano a full horn section and blazing chops from drummer Rodney Dunton.  Black Betty demonstrates her prowess as both an accomplished vocalist and excellent songwriter on the powerful and luxuriously arranged ballad ‘Come On Home,’ that soars with sophisticated classic R&B style. Ricci returns on the rockin’ tribute to the late great Johnny Winter ‘Southern Road,’   joining Poppen on sizzling dual harmony leads and trading fiery solos.   Betty then takes us to church and teaches us all a lesson in the bare necessities with the gospel fueled ‘Biscuits, Bacon And The Blues.’

 Everyone gets into the action on the mash up of Bill Weathers ‘Use Me,” and Dr. John’s “Gilded Splinters,” that evolves into a funky retro house music session. Betty throws her hat in the ring delivering a spot on reading of the iconic ballad ‘I’d Rather Go Blind,’ staying true to the original Etta James recording out of the deepest respect for the woman who bridged the gap between rhythm and blues and rock and roll.    She then channels another Queen of the Blues on the smooth jazzy blues ‘Deal The Devil Made,’ doing her best Dinah Washington, dishing out sass and spunk.  The album closes with the bonus track ‘The One Who Got Away,’ a dynamic contemporary Blues Ballard that originally appeared on a benefit album for Cancer Can Rock.  This nonprofit serves musicians facing cancer, a worthy cause if ever there was one.   The Strong offering Sweet Thing continues the mission statement the Moonshine Society forged 10 years ago as fresh music school grads to deliver Soulful Blues and old-school R&B on their own terms.

Rick J Bowen

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