Gary Allegretto - Many Shades Of Blue (2008)

"Harmonica wrangler Gary Allegretto is one of the classiest acts in the music business today, working only with the best backup musicians and taking the time to craft music noted not only for its quality but for its authenticity. Sure, he's a good-looking guy who aims for the ladies with his electric band, the Sugar Daddys, but his solo gigs feel more intimately honest, and what's best about his genuineness is its completely offhand quality. If someone complains to you that they don't make "real" blues records anymore - albums that sound like lost classics yet retain the freshness of an individual - play Many Shades of Blue for them.

Several tracks feature the guitar of John Cephas backing up Allegretto's unselfconscious harp classicism. Ivan Nevile & Janiva Magness guest on "Four Days Late," recorded at the Neville Family's New Orleans studio. “Good To Go” is so St. Louis it almost backs up into Chuck Berry’s coolerator, and Allegretto covers Berry’s “Back to Memphis” as if to drive home the point. Hank Williams “Mind Your Own Business” minus a boatload of twang is another surprise detour, and “Bad Man” proves that Allegretto’s got Chicago pinned down as well. Not to worry purists: You'll find plenty to love on the originals “Somerset”, “Hurry Down Rounder”, “Saddle My Pony” and “John's Kitchen Rag” all of which speak with the grace and clarity of classic Piedmont music. If a solo release is a way to stick close to home while demonstrating one's flexibility, Many Shades of Blue fits the template." ~Robert Fontenot