[.ca] Vibe

Great New Vibe From David Gogo:
Few in Canada have achieved the accolades that David Gogo has received in the last few years - especially the last twelve months. His last CD releases, "Skeleton Key" and the limited Official Bootleg "David Gogo: Live at Deer Lake", have each scored hits on various charts for Canadian Blues records. But, the recognition by the CBC and its listening audience in bestowing "The Great Canadian Blues Award", the equivalent of a life-time achievement award in blues, to this 35 year-old Nanaimo-native speaks even louder. VIBE is an album that carries the Gogo blues tradition forward yet paradoxically deviates from it. His blues acumen and love is retained but there is more, as you would expect from this complex and thoughtful man. His respect for the talents introduced through the British Blues Invasion in the late 60s and early 70s and the influences of Stax Records artists of the same era ring strongly throughout this work. Don't for one minute think that he has given up on the current times or his love and dedication to the blues. Rather, it is his concern that blues music needs to expand and be re-explored in order to fulfill its role in the music of the 21st century. He has long stated that for the blues to live and prosper, it needs new works and perhaps slightly altered directions. We can absorb only so many versions of Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and even Robert Johnson classics before we find ourselves stuck in the quagmire of stagnation and intellectual decay. Cordova Bay issued a challenge to Gogo in the spring of 2004 - deliver a new album with 100% new material that can stand the test of time. Gogo has responded in his standard understated manner by offering VIBE - a collection of songs that are: new yet familiar; traditional blues yet contemporary; niche yet mainstream. Aided by songwriting talents provided by Craig Northey, Tom Wilson, Brendan Hadley and John Capek, Gogo has created a new direction for his music that will satisfy his long standing blues audience and still find new ears through its refreshing integration of pop, rock, ballad, and perhaps even a smidgen of country. Never lost in this new material is Gogo's distinguished guitar work and ever strengthening vocals. Each song is a well crafted, performed and executed example of where blues music needs to go. There are echoes of the past - Rolling Stones, R & B, rock - but only as a foil to set off interesting new lyrics, themes and "vibes". Give the album a good listen and see if you agree that these risks far outweigh the problem of just redoing the standards from the past. This CD begins to give the blues that breath of fresh air it so desperately needs today. Check out the new VIBE Gogo has created and tell us you agree it was well worth it! Key Tracks 1. "Love in the City" - a co-write with Tom Wilson of Blackie and the Rodeo Kings & Junkhouse fame. This 'Stones' influenced track is interesting for several reasons. It is a bit of a throw back to the British Invasion which was one of the last major eras with an influx of innovative blues ideas. It is a contemporary song that combines the best of old and new blues with a radio friendly air. Rock radio has embraced the song with substantial airplay as the VIBE's first rock single in Canada. 2. "She's Alright" - what can you say about a song that features the talents of two of Canada's premiere guitarists? David and Jeff Healey trade riffs and both are in top form. Is it a contest - no - but the listener is very definitely the winner just the same. 3. "Something Ain't Right" - a co-write with John Capek who has penned hits for Rod Stewart, Cher,... and ... Is it a different direction for Gogo? You bet. But, there is nothing too outrageous for it not to fit nicely in this Gogo adventure. 4. "Hey, Juanita" - if anything says blues must change, this track yells it from the rooftops. Is it pop, country or blues? Who cares, it is a great track that can be appreciated several different ways. This track will be remembered as a turning point in Gogo's career. 5. "Cry Harder" - a co-write with Craig Northy - The Odds, Colin James - this is another rock oriented blues track that borrows from the past but is all today!

• Love in the City - David Gogo, Tom Wilson, Tom Wilson
• Hit Me from Above
• 300 Pound Shoes
• Hey Juanita
• I'd Do Anything
• Silk and Stone
• Cry Harder
• Something Ain't Right
• She's Alright - David Gogo, Jeff Healey
• Why Don't You Show Me