Wildcat O’Halloran is probably the most prolific recording artist on the greater-Boston/New England blues scene. He seems to have a new blues CD every year, and, this new Deck Of Cards album is his coolest yet. The Wildcat O’Halloran Band create a f un, funky party vibe here, combining their talents with an ability to create an attitude and to conjure an atmosphere.
Opening cut “Crunch Time” jumps into the game with a chugging groove and a whirling saxophone line. O’Halloran sings with his usual smooth, character rich voice. He carries us through his narrative with wit and when he hits his chorus he creates an infectious refrain with his backing singer Sarah O‘Halloran. His mean lean lead guitar phrase, grinding out an assertive push, is another of his identifying trademarks.
O’Halloran turns the word “But” into the world’s second most powerful word in the English language, utilizing his sense of humor to make a very valid point. He emits his vocal well over a rollicking oldies rock and roll beat, a beat which makes this song move with an entertaining party vibe. Lead guitar phrasing over a leapfrog shuffle groove with coatings of Emily Duff’s saxophone line paint this one well.
Title track “Deck Of Cards” is a mid-tempo cruise through a metaphorical card game. Complete with a twisty lead guitar phrase and a jittery sax line, O’Halloran and his musician cats spruce this one up with style. The rhythm section keep a hip, consistent bop on the bottom and that forces the upper registers strut.
An ode to music and drinking, “If Ifs Were Fifths” showcases O’Halloran and his backing singer Sarah O’Halloran’s ability to party up the harmony lines. Their chorus is fun and the lead guitar action going on has an intriguing start-stop motion. This tune continues the cool party vibe of the overall album and it has many perky motions from all to kick it all of its moving parts forward.
Slow boiler “I Wonder Who” by Ray Charles finds O’Halloran pressing out an eloquent lead guitar phrase, easeful in its flow, assertive in its rough timbre. Smoldering along, that guitar phrase lets O’Halloran open up the soundscape for more tender expression. A seductive saxophone line can make all the difference in a blues song, and, this one’s slow crawl downs feels as sexy as kisses on the neck. O’Halloran carries the vocal line with a steadiness that makes the feelings here run deep.
O‘Halloran‘s rendition of Clarence Carter‘s “Tell Poppa” jumps right in with an infectious groove, swinging sax, a brisk lead guitar, and a adventurous lead vocal. O’Halloran swings his vocal line well amongst the swirl of instrumentation.
Next up, O‘Halloran and company update “Got Love If You Want It,” the traditional blues tune covered by many in blues and in rock and roll. The tight, locked in groove between bass, drums, guitar, and sax make the listener feel it with their wedge of instrumentation. O’Halloran’s lead guitar break burrows forward with twists and turns and brief sustains in between that make this piece even more invigorating. His raspy lead vocals make it all authentic and Emily Duff’s spiraling soul of saxophone elevates it even higher.
“They Told Me” is another of O’Halloran’s street wise philosophy song. With much wit he recalls the adage that experience is the best teacher before he gripes that it is also the most expensive. His raspy vocal carries the message well before Emily Duff rocks out with a persistent saxophone phrase, a phrase that rocks hard with plenty of lifts, dips, and turns. Eventually, sax and guitar rock out together and it’s a good marriage between horn smoothness and guitar bite.
“Blues Energy” was inspired in part by audience comments on O’Halloran’s live stage energy. The tune also rocks with much energy as it discusses the energy needed to carry a blues song forward. O’Halloran’s simple vocal approach might remind of country singers singing their narrative. Singing in this style over an edgy support band, complete with sunny harmonies, makes this song a party as well as a lesson. And yes, O’Halloran’s backing band are all here with their fun, bopping grooves and a saxophone player unfurling her tuft of melody.
Close out track, “Cost Of Living,” by Ronnie Dun, lets O’Halloran slow things down once again. Taking his time, he unfurls a down to earth vocal approach, crooning folksy over an earthy acoustic guitar line. The sparse nature of this tune let his authentic vocal, guitar, and the message standout. It feels real, and the talent caliber is high. One can picture O’Halloran picking each one of his perky acoustic notes. Eventually, he injects a secondary line of electric guitar that dovetails nicely with his high pitched beauty.
Aside from the usual musical talents, Wildcat O’Halloran Band knock this Deck Of Cards album out of he park in terms of vibe and feeling. It is by far the coolest album they have released. Every track spikes with personality that fits perfectly into the whole of the work. Bass player Kathy Peterson keeps it in the pocket. Drummers Mark Chouinard and Gil May push these tunes along with pluck attitudes. There are many good ensemble moments as well as bright solo spots. Purchase this disc right away and play it at your next party.
