Bobby Messano - Live In Madison

Prince Fog Records

www.bobbymessano.com

Boasting a musical resume that includes playing with Stevie Winwood, Joe Lynn Turner, Lou Gramm and many others, guitarist/vocalist Bobby Messano gets to release his dream CD Live In Madison.

Recorded at 2009 Bamfest in Madison, Wisconsin, Messano is in fiery form. Backed by long standing bassist Steve Geller and drummer Joey B. Banks, Messano tears through a set of highly charged material of original tunes and classic textbook standards.

A driven acoustic spiritual "Sea of Hope" sits comfortably by the side of Stevie Winwood's "Cant Find My Way Home." It's in the blues where Bobby finds his true calling. When he opens his set with an acoustic based "Ramblin On My Mind," it's clear the energy levels are going up.

"CrossRoads Blues" begins in quirky two step fashion. Stopping on a dime, the song reverts back to Fillmore East era Cream fed a dose of steroids. Bobby's own "Holdin Ground" features white-hot fretwork which makes him the darling of the club and festival circuit.
His rendition of Hendrix' "Little Wing" is the complete package of balladry, feedback, whammy-bar gusto and banshee screams. Willie Dixon's "Let Me Love You" shuffles Stevie Ray style patented by Messano's slicy wah-wah licks.

Too bad there weren't were more original songs here. "In The Depths Of Love" slow burns through piercing guitar lines. Even Bobby can write a mean shuffle himself as evidenced in the fast paced romp of "The Way Things Used To Be."

It's strange Messano isn't a big name in the blues rock world. His chops are hot but he still remains off the radar. Oh well. The pros and cons of the industry.

Review by Gary “Wingman” Weeks.