Search - Dion :: Son Of Skip James

A fitting sequel to Bronx In Blue

David R. Modny | Cleveland, OH | 10/27/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Fans of Dion's previous acoustic blues album Bronx In Blue will certainly want to check out his new CD: Son Of Skip James. Sticking to a similar formula as that aforementioned record, this time around we're treated to a broader palette of musical instruments to help flesh out the the sound of the tracks within. Here, harmonica, organ and piano--both electric and acoustic--spice up the guitar and percussion backing to great effect. Highlights include a fairly straight cover of Chuck Berry's "Nadine," one of the few tracks on the album that strays slightly from the traditional blues format; "My Babe"--written by Willie Dixon and made famous by Little Walter--with its infectious riff; a stripped-down take of Bob Dylan's "Baby, I'm In The Mood For You," which Dion himself first recorded for Columbia in 1965; and a searing, dueling-acoustics version of Robert Johnson's "If I Had Possession (Over Judgment Day)," probably my own personal fave on the CD!



Another surprise here is The Thunderer--a song based on a Phyllis McGinley verse that tells the story of Catholic Saint Jerome, the man who "translated the Bible." It has the same melodic feel as some of Dion's best work, primarily due to a tasteful--almost 70's style--electric piano backing. And, for those who might normally bristle somewhat at the thought of a record that contains an overt religious stamp or two (i.e. usually me!), fear not, it all works here, standing side-by-side with the broader themes of faith and redemption that permeate the framework of the blues in general. Furthermore, it's simply another side of the same artist who previously recorded a string of gospel albums during the 1980's.



Special mention needs to be made once again regarding Dion's (underrated IMO) acoustic guitar playing and timeless vocals. His finger-picking is front and center on songs such as Tommy McClennan's "I'm A Guitar King," while his overall range and effortless phrasing show him to be as vocally nimble as ever--bending, turning and soaring at every curve with the greatest of ease! At age 68, he's showing no signs of wear or tear.



Overall, an even stronger record than the Grammy® nominated Bronx In Blue, with richer colors and more variety. Highly recommended!"

The blue Bornx man is back!!!

Samuel B. King | Concord, NH | 11/13/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this in a local store and, based on his last album, snapped it up. This "blues" run of albums is similar to the late Muddy Waters' set on Blue Sky with Johnny Winter during the '70s. Why? Because, although the sound is different, in both cases you have a great singer revisiting older songs and, in the process, rejuvinating himself. In the case of Dion, its even more striking (and magical). The liner notes describe how Dion was always influenced by acoustic blues and how he would begin his sound checks with a Robert Johnson number. Hearing this, one should, indeed, go back to his early recordings with the Belmonts (it, indeed, might be a short jump from Delta Blues to manhattan do-wop and '50s vocal groups). Interesting! I must admit I liked Bornx in Blue better (more instruments on this one makes it less special). However, apart from a few questionable war horses (do we REALLY need another version of Hoochie Coochie man? - and Johnson's "Judgement Day" sounds too much like Slowhand's version of a few years ago). These small points aside (the answer in this case is, YES, we can stand to hear additional versions of both of those songs, if sung by someone like Dion). He hits a home run again! Tasteful acoustic guitar, springled with blues piano and a crack rhythm section, Dion has a talent for evoking a mood and making it endure the entire length of an album. In spite of what I said above about "war horses", you gotta love his rendition of "Nadine"! Hey, Dion, cut another one (live, in a club?), and make it a trilogy!!! Well done!!!!!!!!!!"

"Son of Skip James", this is the real deal here.

Tim Gabriel | Western PA, USA | 05/23/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"In 1991 I picked up Dion's latest CD at the time titled "Bronx Blues: The Columbia Recordings". It is a collection of his songs from 1962-1965. Yes it includes "Ruby Baby" and "Donna the Prima Donna" but toward the end of the 20 song CD I found myself listening to Dion sing the blues on "Spoonful" and "The Seventh Son". So this dude with the Bronx chops (who sang with the "Belmont's" in the late 50's) has been singing the blues since he picked up the guitar? This was a new revelation for me.



Fast forward to 2006, finally, Dion records a blues album titled "Bronx in Blue". It's a masterpiece. And we are talking acoustic blues not electric. Just read the reviews on it. And now, I finally bought and listened to "Son of Skip James". I thought, how could "Bronx in Blue" be topped? Well let me tell you, Dion topped it.



Dion Dimucci, his vocals have never sounded better and his acoustic guitar playing brings life to the blues. "Son of Skip James", this is the real deal here.

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