Search - Gerry Groom :: Once in a Blue Moon

Why wasn't this man a blues star?

Dennis Roger Reed | Orange County, California, USA | 08/08/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Most people discover this recording when a friend runs breathlessly into their living space shouting something like "You've got to hear this! This guy is unbelievable!" One listen confirms. Groom was apparently a protege of Duane Allman, and he does sport the same devil-may-care attitude in his slide guitar playing, but he was his own man. Evidently one of the long line of bluesman (albiet white and ordinary looking) to succumb to drink and drugs and plain bad luck, Groom sang with conviction and played like a man possessed. This recording features pristine sonic quality, and the live in the room sound of a gathering of friends playing mostly for themselves. The song choices may look cliche at first glance, but Groom makes all of them his own. Mick Taylor plays (somewhat uncharistically) tasteful support, and Groom supports Taylor well on his solos. For the most part, Groom plays a battered old wooden body resonator guitar, and the mix with the otherwise electric band is tasteful. Groom's vocals are somewhat pedestrian compared to his amazing guitar ability, but certainly serviceable. The only sad part of the recording is realizing that the late Groom will no longer be making this jewels. Well worth seeking out, and just shy of perfect. Keep it on the shelf next to "Layla," as another white blues masterpiece."

Better than what I had expected

Dennis Roger Reed | 01/20/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I'm quite satisfied with this cd. I must be truthful however, I mainly bought this cd because of the MICK TAYLOR FACTOR. Taylor plays some mean lead guitar on Micks Jam. I am nearly as impressed with Gerry Groom. His slide guitar is great, and his vocals are pretty cool to. I enjoy having a lot of covers on here, Little Red Rooster, Suzie Q, Robert Johnson's When you Got a Good Friend, Catfish Blues, and also the two versions of the other Muddy Waters song on here - I can't be Satisfied. This cd is a must for Mick Taylor fans, blues fans, slide guitar fans, and many others"