Steve Grills, "After Hours", review

October 25, 2011 — Print this Page

Album “Review” October 25th 2011
After Hours
By Steve Grills
© Copyright-Steve Grills
Record Label: Toogaloo
stevegrills.com

“Sitting here a thousand miles from nowhere, in this One Room Country Shack.”

That’s how Steve Grills welcomes you on his new blues album, After Hours

For me, the first song sets up a reclusive, but familiar atmosphere of “after hours” late at night. But instead of a barstool, I’m on my couch after getting home from work. The weather is crummy tonight. But everyone’s tucked in now. I’ve got a glass of beer, the lights are low. It’s a fine back drop to hear this Chicago Blues & West Coast groove thing going on with Steve Grills and his band.

The understated percussion by Michael Plouffe and solid bass of Steve Gomes, both long time friends of Steve’s, makes this album roll seamlessly from one tempo to the other. The renowned Ernest Lane is on piano, and blues master Joe Beard is heard singing on Freddy King’s classic “I Love the Woman”. Joe’s mastery of vocals shines there. But to my ear, Steve’s vocals could be likened (in quality) to Albert King, or Eric Clapton in several of these songs. As Steve’s music is climbing in many radio circles his “restrained guitar work” is mentioned on a few reviews. Don’t let that fool you. Steve is riffing up a storm that would make any blues fan sit up and take notice.

As a bonus there are 3 instrumentals on this album of 12 songs. My favorite of these is track #10 “Blue Guitar” I could play along with that groove right now (It’s in the key of D for anyone who wants to jam here). Better yet though, I’m just digging Steve’s chops on slide guitar..... I’ll play along another time though.

The roots music I’m hearing on this album reminds me of “the 50’s” kind of blues that influenced the “rock and roll” that was just taking off at that same time.

As Jeff Harris’ well detailed liner notes suggest, Steve’s influence from groups like Chuck Berry would’ve been a great starting point for any young man discovering the blues.

He’s been refining his craft for many years on the road, sharing the stage with many long-gone and current masters. Now Steve Grills is finally getting some due recognition of his own.

Cheers to that, and another great Blues artist from Rochester N.Y.!

Gordon Munding
Chairman of the “Son House Club” in Rochester NY

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